Ohhhh Tom... I am so grateful to have known you. I've become a much better young man listening to your stories, your tales and being touched by your passion to live life.

Ill think of you often as I continue my journey through life, from child to the young man I've become and the man with wisdom Ill soon be. Your words and wisdom have given me the strength to defeat my fears and rise to any challenge.

I cant wait to expierence New York City once again, only this time... to feel its rush, its life and its magic under the mirror disco ball.

I love you and Brian and I miss you dearly. As you always said "Take care my friend."

Much love, always. Eddie.

Tom,

The warmth you brought to those who knew you, even peripherally, will be felt eternally. Your indomitable spirit and knowing who you were and acting on it are an inspiration to me and Bill, and I'm sure countless others.

Thank you, Tom, for your years of service and endless commitment to the rights of all!

With all our LOVE,

The YGR Team

Tom was commected to bothe causes and helped speak with the HCV task force at the legislators. He was very commited to many causes and we thank him fo everything he tried to accomplish.
May you fly with the angels forever.
You will be missed.
Sandy Curl
Carson City Hep C Support group

A definite darkness has been felt by the passing of Tom Ruble. He was a superstar. Many lives has been touched and transformed,because of his actions.Impossible to calculate. BE HONEST!! Rule number #1 my father used to tell me.Tom was always very honest. He was very comfortable in his own skin. Tom lives forever in the rest of us, and Reno was fortunate to have shared his laughter. Thank You Tom Tom..

Tom,
You still give the BEST hugs! And you taught me the importance of survival.
Love,
Sophia

Tom's first night in Reno, working to help young men recover from abuse and re-assimilate back into society, illustrated his passion and cause in life. He was horrified to discover and sneaked into each room that first night, as they slept, to remove books from each child that condoned suicide as a viable option for gay youth. His Nevada battle had begun and continued, for many causes, until he left 4 years later.

A Rainbow Place, Northern Nevada Outreach Team, NN Hopes, Washoe County, State of Nevada, Hep C Task Force of N. Nevada, Silver and Half Dollar Courts and their beneficiaries, FUMC, Reno Gay Pride and many others all benefitted from Tom's tireless and selfless efforts, whether it be working an event, speaking to legislators or performing on stage in his unique way. His skills and talent in working with individuals in alcohol and meth recovery changed many lives. Tom was one man willing to discuss in Carson City and Washington DC that sexual issues are directly related to meth recovery and pressed Harm Reduction as a successful method of recovery. The impact rippled nationwide.

It was by no means an easy road for him, but it never stopped him from doing the right thing. He paid dearly for his state and federal reporting of ethical and financial abuses in the community, knowing full well that shining light on darkness is more important than a 'friendship'. Integrity was key, and in Reno, it was obvious young people latch onto misbehaving adults quite easily...and learn that behavior. The health of the community is paramount.

Tom was proud of his work in Nevada. He found joy in fan dancing on stage, or in the river...it never really mattered where. He took pride in his media efforts on HIV, meth addiction and youth-focused issues.
He always had the balls to discuss what most would fear or shy away from. If a group of young people wanted or needed him, he never said no, and cherished all his relationships with Reno's LGBT youth.

We knew many wonderful people and had some rich experiences in Nevada.
I also am thrilled by this honor bestowed upon Tom. We both thank you all for the 4 year ride.

** A Special thank you to all who allowed him a stage to perform on. He found no greater joy.

Tom's husband and partner,
Brian Baxter

For those of you who cannot travel to New York, please join us this Saturday November 14th @ 3PM for the Reno version of the Tom Ruble Memorial. We will be meeting in the West Street Plaza (next to Java Jungle). Please bring your favorite Tom memory and any pictures you would care to share with others who loved him as well. We will be heading to the 5 Star Saloon to dance to Tom's favorite tunes afterwards. Please feel free to email me or call me at (877) 878-2812 with any questions. Cheers!
Sophia

Tom was such an amazing man and he inspired so many. Reno was lucky to have him. His stories and his awesome fan dancing will always live in my thoughts and my heart. Thank you Tom for gracing us with your strength and activism.
Love Susan

I had no idea the impact my father had made on so many lives. It makes me so proud to know that not only was he an inspiration to people, but that he strived to make so many lives stronger. I know that the life he led was a difficult one at times, but he shined so bright that it didn't really seem to matter to him what negative things may have surrounded him. I know that I'll be able to give my children so much thanks to the things I learned from him, and I'll be sure that they know what an amazing spirit he was and how much he loved not only them, but many others.

Thank you all so much for caring so deeply about him.

Natasha Manning

Tom gave the best hugs. I had no idea what a wonderful impact he would be in my life. I'm blessed God put him in my path. My life is better for knowing him.