Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

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FalldownPhil
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Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by FalldownPhil »

It is with personal sadnes that I share this email from Rod Libby.
"Hi Guys,

I just got some sad news from Bill Raycraft. He informed me that Tom Whaley passed away a couple weeks ago. Bill asked me to let some of the "CBX Old Timers" know about Tom's passing. Tom was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and went in a matter of weeks.

Bill's & Aleina (sp?) are retired now, kind of living off the grid. He has no internet access but his cell and address are:

8134 Reeve Rd
La Pine, OR 97739
541-480-9801

Take care my friends,
Rod= "

Ride in peace Tom.
Best,
Phil
When you are up to your ass in alligators it is sometimes difficult
to remember that your objective was to drain the swamp !!

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NobleHops
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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by NobleHops »

I am so sad to learn that.

Tom was very welcoming to me when I joined the club, and did one of his last clutch basket rebuilds (that he was well known for doing) on my bike. He would not accept any renumeration for it, even for parts or return shipping - I was deep in the throes of rebuilding the website and forum at the time and that was his way of saying thanks.

I never did meet him in person but through a dozen or so exchanged emails I learned that he was a really kind and generous guy, with his time and his knowledge. RIP Tom.

N.
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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by daves79x »

Such sad news. Tom rebuilt a basket for me also toward the last. A great contributor to the CBX community. Thoughts and prayers with his family.

Dave

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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by Jeff Bennetts »

Thanks for the heads up Phil, tell Rod thanks for passing on the information. Tom was a nice fellow and contributed editorial content to the CBXPress many times in the early and mid years of the Club.

Ride on Tom.

steve murdoch icoa #5322
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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by steve murdoch icoa #5322 »

I wish i had met Tom.
He did so much great work for the CBX.
Tom in the purple/yellow jacket.

Image

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Z Grand
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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by Z Grand »

So sad. Rest in Peace.

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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by Rick Pope »

Wow. Such sad news. I never personally met Tom, but shared emails and views with him on the "Brewer List", back when that was the "CBX HotLine".

He always impressed me with his simple mechanical logic, and tact. He will be missed.
Rick Pope
Either garage is too small or we have too many bikes. Or Momma's car needs to go outside.

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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by EMS »

Never met Tom either, but I know he was an integral part of the CBX community. His bike was well known, and so was his work rebuilding early clutch baskets. A great loss for sure.
Keep riding, Tom!

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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by CopperCollar »

This is sad news indeed.
I had discussions with Tom concerning his bike and he shared a great deal of information about the Smoking Joe CBX.


Mike
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Re: Tom Whaley (Rocketman) RIP !!

Post by cbxmel »

I am most sad to hear the news about Tom as he wrote to me when I had my heart attack back in 2002. That was the sort of thoughtful kind hearted guy he was. My condolences to all who knew him.

Mel 1876
Bikes since 1960,BMW R27,Calthorpe 350 twin port, 50cc Maserati,C110,S90,CB92,CB77 webco 350 racekit,C72,CB450,TS125,GT380,GT750x2,Harley 45,Ariel Sq4,Vincent Rapide,NorVin shadow,GPZ750turbo,GSXR1100H,FJ1100,RC30,Moto-Martin cbx x4,CBX specials x3,79cbx x 20 & GL1500

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