Farewell Keith Thom – a visible voice for the Invisible
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
There’s a little chunk of land on the edge of a side road in the middle of nearly nowhere that serves little purpose, nowadays, and means diddlysquat to most folks. It’s insignificant in its size, appearance or dominance. But it’s ‘our spot’.
It’s the place that always comes to mind when thinking about my departed dear friend and brother (by choice) Keith Thom.
We first discovered it as a need for a convenient place to stop while on a road trip together yet became a habitual resting spot on many other future trips the two of us took into that area.
“Meet you at ‘our spot’ one of us would suggest and the plan was set. That always meant a good half hour visit for a pop (and cigarette for Keith) and multiple chuckles. Boy we had fun together.
My fellowship with Keith morphed over the years from its initial phone conversation – to best of buddies and took many ironic twists and turns during its growth. Keith telephoned suggesting that though we had not met he was hoping I could assist him with a challenge. Keith had been hired to caretake and coordinate a lot of the procedures at the Okanagan Anglican Church Camp that summer. Part of his task was to create a public relations plan to boost the OAC’s profile.
For years the OAC had been a very popular large property filled with cabins and halls hosting Anglican church camps and other such events. It was often rented out to community organizations as well. Keith read I had spent many summers as a kid at OAC in various roles and loved the huge acreage on Okanagan Lake. Knowing I ran a public relations company at the time he asked if I’d meet with him and chat over some ideas.
I jumped.
Keith and I quickly crafted a couple of ideas then decide I would visit the site with him and scope out the possibilities. Tez and I spent a night camping beneath the stars on the beach inspiring a flood of wonderful childhood memories.
Among the many plans to raise funds and awareness for the camp was (naturally) holding a concert. Musicians would include Keith, some of the bands I knew or helped, and folk singer Valdy. Ironically that event never happened and Keith did not stay working with OAC, however we did have Valdy in a fundraiser a year or so later.
Organizing that event and spending time playing guitar together (me learning from Keith) formed the bond for years and years of friendship. I came to know the heart of the man. How he began his music career as a teenager in Toronto and briefly in Europe before returning to music in Ontario.
His legacy Shepherd’s Pie series, which he did numerous times, saw Keith travel across the nation with a car full of donated guitars stopping at soup kitchens and homeless shelters where he would make and serve his famous food to residents and clients – and then perform a concert. At the end of almost every show he would give away a guitar. Best of all though the little man would share his huge heart. He would chat and (yet more importantly) listen to those in the shelters while they told him their stories. With a relaxed, silent, guitar across his knee acting as a speaking feather, he bent a shoulder and an ear to hear their stories. They would pour out their hurt, or fear, or dreams, or anger, and Keith would warmly smile, nod his head, pat them gently with his hand and tell them he understood.
It did not matter that he did, only that he said he did.
I watched him weave his magic.
As time went on Keith became more and more interested in my role as a City Councillor and I continued to encourage him to run for office. In his heart he wanted to and finally ran in 2018. I remember watching him organize and run his campaign and I was thrilled when he got in. As a Director of the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) I encouraged Keith to seek nomination on that board and in an upcoming election he was elected. That precipitated in Keith and I often travelling to SILGA board meetings and conventions together, which meant more fun and learning from one another. (And occasionally added visits to our special spot on the side of the road).
In the next Municipal election I remember how crushed Keith was when he failed to be elected Mayor, however, undaunted he successfully returned to council as a Councillor during the 2022 election. Clearly he was held in respect by Mayor Patrick Van Minsel who named Keith as Deputy Mayor.
During Keith’s Celebration of Life Jan. 24 at the Peachland Community Centre Van Minsel said Thom was far more than a colleague.
“He was a dear friend, a steady presence, and a passionate ambassador for our town of Peachland. Over years of service – both on council and in the community – he touched countless lives through his warmth, music, generous spirit, and dedication.”
My heart goes out to Keith’s wonderful wife and best friend Mary Lynn who Keith adored. He worshipped her and his three children Fiona, Andrew, and Rachael and family.
I suppose the best summary of Keith is to print the lyrics to his signature song Invisible. I get a loving chill every time I hear it. It speaks of the love and purpose Keith had for those with less. Those whom he sought most to help. Bless you Keith.
Invisible
I can’t imagine waking up in the morning wondering
where my next meal is coming from.
I can’t imagine wandering the streets,
ducking into doorways to get away from the wind.
Reach out and touch me, but please use my name.
I’m living amongst you yet its clear were not the same.
I can be your brother, your sister or your son.
Yet I am invisible.
Oh, please see me now!
Please see me now!
Life should be simple, yeah life should be fun,
dreaming of tomorrows with the means to get it done.
Coal turns to diamonds, and diamonds to dust.
Just give me the chance, let me win your trust.
Reach out and touch me, but please use my name.
I am living amongst you.
Reach out and touch me, but please use my name.
I am living amongst you.
Please see me now!
Reach out and touch me, but please use my name.
I am living amongst you.
I can be your brother, your sister or your son.
Yet I am invisible.
Oh, please see me now!
I plan on stopping at our special place again soon, next time I’m in the area. However, it just won’t be the same without Keith.
