Hi all, For those of you who are not yet aware, we are planning a life celebration get together on June 4th in Owatonna, MN. We would love for everyone to come and help celebrate my dad's life and share good memories. Please email me at katemcclocklin@gmail.com if you are interested or know of others who are, and I'll send you the invitation. Thanks for sharing the wonderful memories! I miss him so much, and it's great to know how many people he has touched throughout his life.

For a good part of 20 years I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Tom in the TV truck as we televised various sporting events. All of my success as a TV sports director I owe to Tom. He was my mentor, my teacher and most of all my friend. My great, great friend. I shared more laughs in my life with "Tommy Mac" than with anyone else. In the TV truck and away from it, most of the greatest memories of my life were spent with Tom. I loved the memories and I loved you Tom. I miss you. Tom Mee, Jr.

Dear Kate and family, I worked with Tom at Fox Sports. He was my boss, my mentor and finally my dear friend. Our birthdays were close and after I moved to New York City, he'd send me a postcard here and there for my birthday and we always caught up on the phone a few times a year. I last talked to him on his birthday. He was always encouraging and supportive...I remember bursting into his office one day (I was totally nervous and worried there was no place for my female quirky fun 'on-air' package idea in those sports shows) but he was incredibly supportive of me and I really learned a lot. (and got to be on-air!) I really miss him. I am tearing up now, thinking about all of it that he went through back between '99 and my first few years here. He will always be in my heart. When we spoke he would always update me on Kate and JC and how proud he was of you guys. I shared in grief with some of our FSN friends the day he passed. I was deeply saddened and apologize for taking so long to send along my condolences. We all remember so many fun, good memories! I just got married in November here in NYC. I had Tom on the invitation list, I'm positive I felt his presence that day. My heart goes out to all of you... I would love to share more... I think of him often and celebrate his life. With deepest sympathy... his leo pal, JOY

I was Tom's Brown classmate..If you wish, keep me posted on any gathering next spring and I'll try to make it and share Brown memories... His MG and old Buick. Ironically I've done mornings in his hometown for the last 17 years. Loren

I was part of the fabulous class of '69, and Tom was a great friend. It was such a great time to be in high school, and Tom was a part of so much of the fun that we all had together. He had a great sense of humor, we laughed so much. We followed that hockey team all over the place, they were our heroes! I no sooner heard of Tom's passing than my own brother, JC passed away. They played hockey together. I pray that the same God that is now comforting our family as we grieve, will comfort yours. Know that Tom was a great man, and even though I hadn't been able to see him in recent years, memories of him will always be a part of my life.

My fondest memories are of Uncle Tom, Aunt Jane, Kate and Jay up at Pine Island Lodge for the Cashman Family Reunions. Uncle Tom was a great guy and I will always remember the Bud t-shirts we walked away with at the end of the reunion. I thought I was so cool wearing mine and telling people of my Uncle Toms accomplishments. I haven't seen him for years but will always remember his smile. We will miss you Uncle Tom.

I learned late of Tom's passing. I was in Owatonna for Thanks Giving. Please accept my belated condolences for his loss. I won't repeat the thoughts that have been so well said. However, I, too, spent most of my misbegotten youth on the ice with Tom. Tom, Shannon and I were the first seniors on the first Owatonna High School hockey team in 1969. The Indians, what is this Husky thing? I shared Tom's loss with Dudley Otto. Tom was bright, funny, irreverent and competitive. Don't know if it was charisma, but Tom lit up a room and people naturally migrated to be with him. I have lots of stories, but this is not the place. Let me be the first to suggest the Tom McClocklin Memorial Golf Tournament the spring of 2011.

Kate

14 years ago

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm sure he would love a golf tournament in his name. I also wanted to let you know that we are planning a Celebration of Life party, tentatively scheduled for June 4th, 2011 in Owatonna. I will post updates as we start to arrange the plans, and would love for you to join us and celebrate his life.

I lived next door to Tom on Main St. when we were in Kindergarden and our familys werre great friends. I knew he was a good guy when he grieved for his pet hamster Oz. So many fond memories, Gainey park airplane engine, class reunions, two summers ago on Mully's cabin porch..... You will be missed.

So many memories growing up in Owatonna..........hanging out at the McClocklin's house, homerun derby at Dartt's Park, lifeguarding for all the swimmers, riding bikes to gravel pit, Morehouse Park gatherings, double dating in the Windsor Delux(Tommy drove and I loved that back seat), the Mouse that roared.......Tom stole the stage, Tom the football QB with the fabulous signal calling(hand it off to Willie Hall and watch him run). The Bugs was my partner in our golf games with Dale Trenda and Jim Bohnhoff. Five point scotch and despite his banana ball, Tom was in the fairway more often than those big sticks. Greg Norman said it well a couple of Sundays ago, when one played golf with the McClocklins it was a special game. Their enthusiasm and love for the game shined through. The last few years were really tough. I wished I could have been there for Tom in a way that would have helped more. Rest in peace, bro. I miss you, Bugs. Thanks for all the memories.

Back in the day…my best friend, my best man. I could write a book about the times and life experiences we shared as great friends. Unfortunately, we lost touch several years ago, but the sadness of knowing he’s passed away is tough for me and I am sure for all who knew Tom. My sincere condolences go to his family and friends. I met Tom in ninth grade with hall lockers next to each other. We became friends quickly and that friendship followed us through high school, college, army boot camp and he was best man in my wedding. I will continue to miss his friendship, and will never forget Tom and those times we shared…. Bob McDermott

When I remember Tom, I remember spending what seems like every winter night from about 2nd grade into Junior High down at the rink with him. Many of those hours were spent just sitting around talking in those little closets they called team rooms but they were some of the greatest times in my life. It's natural for young boys to irritate each other at times but that's the funny thing about Tom that set him apart - I never remember him being mean or getting worked up, I remember him as always being a calming and comforting influence. Unless you tried to grab the #9 jersey!! Ha, ha. That was the McGlocklin number and nobody even questioned it - if Tom wanted it, he got it! Through High School, there was a little less time at the rink (not much), especially with Tom and his social life, but the friendship was still there and unwavering. A leader and a friend, I will not remember Tom by his many hockey accomplishments but by the great friend and person he was to me. He will NEVER be forgotten. Jack Harra Owatonna Indians '70

The days and nights spent on Morehouse hockey rinks and loving every minute of playing shinney hockey. I haven't seen Tom for many years but will always remember the times at the Rink.

I've known Tom and his family all my life. I only have fond memories of him. We last saw Tom at my wife's cabin in Faribault two years ago. He was suppose to stay for two days and ended up staying there for a week. Had an absolute blast with him. One night on one of our walks together (and in typical Tom fashion) he explained to us the full life cycle of a firefly. "They're born, they make love (he used another word) and they die, they only live for two days". Just the way he said it made us belly laugh. That's what I remember about your dad, always made me laugh. Loved that guy, I sorely miss him!!

I remember coming over to Tom & Jane's house in St. Paul in 1982, about 2-3 weeks after Kate was born. To get to the house, you had to climb up a set of long stairs. Tom was lying on the couch and holding Kate up in the air to show her off, so we first saw her through the picture window. He was so happy and proud!!

Tom and I grew up together on the hockey rink and played on the same line all the way through high school and even at St Cloud State. During the winters we were always together playing hockey outside down at Morehouse Park even in 30 below. Yes, we did party together and even went to a rock festival together of about 100,000 hippies, which was an adventure in more than one way. Tom used to make fun of me for eating macaroni and butter, 6 eggs at a time and a picture of grape juice at one sitting. He still kidded me about the macaroni and butter about 2 months ago. As far as one memory, that would have to be 15 straight years of being rink rats and brothers on the ice. There isn't one or two memories to mention but a decade and a half long of adventures and becoming life long friends. Tom was one of those friends that no matter how long it had been since we had seen each other we just picked up where we left off. No bullshit just glad to talk or see each other again. He was in Arizona back in the 90's for Fox sports doing an event and I picked him up on my Harley and we went on good ride and spent the next couple days having fun. I do feel as though I lost a brother and the joy we shared together growing up is still engraved in my soul. He will not be forgotten by me or the entire family of the original rink rats. We lost a wing man but not his memories. I hope there are hockey rinks where he is now so we can reunited on the ice when it's my time. Skate hard brother Tom. Love you. Shannon Owen

Upon awakening, Tom put on battered sweatpants, t-shirt, and wore these goofy corduroy slippers (replaced many times over the years). First the morning paper, next stop was oj and coffee then head for the recliner. He loved this ritual and was most content when reading the paper (sports section first) with morning coffee.

When I was young, my dad had numerous nicknames for me... Katrinee, Kate Lila, Darlin', among others probably too embarrassing to say, but one stands out. He loved to call me his "lucky charm." He would always let me pick the numbers for his lottery tickets (which NEVER won), so I never understood why he considered me to be lucky. I later found out it was because he got his first TV sports job the year I was born, which helped to jump start the career he loved. I guess now I do consider myself lucky...lucky to have had him as my dad.

Shannon Owen

14 years ago

Kate As a father Tom might of not been perfect, none of us dad's are but I know this you, Jay and Jane were always a bright spot in his life and in his conversations with me. He always told me he could have never asked for anything more from you and Jay. He was so proud of you and love you both very much. I would love to meet you both sometime and witness the joy that you brought to your father myself. If there is anything I can do for you, Jay or Jane just ask------unfortunately I don't have any money but I will try to bring a smile to your face. Take care Shannon Owen

Kate

14 years ago

My dad often mentioned you as being one of his longtime friends, and he spoke very highly of you. I know we would definitely love to meet you as well, and would love for you to come to his life celebration party, which will be sometime next spring in Owatonna. I will keep you posted on the details as we start to plan it. Thank you so much for the kind words about my dad.

Shannon Owen

14 years ago

Kate After reading my message to you yesterday I have to admit I am embarrassed for mentioning the part about not having any money. That was out of line and I apologize for sounding so -----------------I don't but just wrong. My wife calls that pulling a Shannon when I just do or say something stupid. Tom was a great guy and I am sure a great dad. I never meant to imply anything other than him being a great dad. I hope you accept my apology for anything I said that might offend you. Take care Shannon again.