In Memoriam

Community members are mourning the loss of Tom Speiss, who died on Dec. 4 at age 63. His life story and a guestbook can be found at http://www.diamondtom.com , “Remembering Diamond Tom.”

Mission Viejo residents got to know Tom when he sang at restaurants and clubs throughout Orange County. His performances during Mission Viejo Tea Parties, 2009-2011, included patriotic songs and Neil Diamond hits. Listeners complimented him, saying he sounded “just like Neil Diamond, only better.”

Tom was a patriot, Vietnam vet, family man and successful businessman. Friends who learned of his passing commented on his talent, success and kind-hearted nature.

Throughout Tom’s battle with pulmonary fibrosis, he said his doctors recommended singing as good exercise for his lungs. After he had a lung transplant and recovered from life-threatening pneumonia, he was back on the corner at La Paz and Marguerite, singing and entertaining Tea Party attendees on April 15, 2011.

Family members and friends gathered to remember Tom and celebrate his life on Dec. 9.