Harry and I were very sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  We still speak of his remarkable kindness and intelligence.  Our lives were enriched by knowing him.  Sincerely,  Harry & Carroll Busselen

I have known and admired Tom Fort since 1978 as a classmate at the Harvard Higher Education Executive Program, as one of the most versatile academics I have ever worked with and as a colleague at Cal Poly. I was saddened to hear of his passing. His work and kind demeanor will be remembered. My sincere condolences to Tom's family
                                          Warren Baker, President Emeritus, Cal Poly

Our thoughts are with the family and we feel fortunate to have been neighbors during their years in San Luis Obispo.

Hi Nancy,
I  was saddened to hear the news that Tomlinson has passed on.  As you probably know, he was my PhD advisor at Case from 1967 to 1972.   I was one of the first in my family to go to College and Grad school.  Tomlinson was more of a mentor to me than even he knew.  He was an inspiration and a role model for me.  One of the first courses I took in graduate school was his ‘Surfaces' course.  I could see that this was a subject he was keenly interested in and how important it was to him for others to learn about this material.  I found his enthusiasm about the subject to be infectious and found myself developing an intense interest in the material as well.  This material has served as the foundation for my entire career.  I built on it to study adhesion, composite materials and adhesive bonding when I was in the Air Force and further expanded on it into the field on nanomaterials when I went to the University.  I too have used his course as a template and have taught a ‘Surface and Interfaces' course at MSU for over 20 years.

I especially enjoyed Tomlinson's letters at Christmas time. It spurred me on to at least keep him abreast of what I was doing and in some way to let him know that any success I achieved was a result of his mentorship.  My wife and I had talked about driving to Tennessee and stopping in for a visit with you both this fall.  I am sorry we did not do it sooner.  

Agnes and I send our deepest sympathies to you and Tomlinson's family.     

Lawrence T. Drzal

University Distinguished Professor
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Director, Composite Materials and Structures Center
Michigan State University

Nancy, 
It is with sincere sadness and a sense of loss that I write this note. Following the passing of the last generation of Scotts, I always felt that the "Wise Elder Role" defaulted to Tomlinson. He became the family anchor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Carole and I hope to see you on Sunday.

Kean

I will always remember the many visits cousin Tomlinson made to Columbia to visit my Mother, his Aunt Tootsie.  He and Momma loved to compare notes on family history.  I will miss him.He was a fine man.   Cousin Susan from South Carolina


"Words, however kind, can't mend your heartache: but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends."

Dr Fort, I hope you are looking down and see all the love that we have for you. You will always have a special place in my heart. I miss you.

Thank you, Dr. Fort for letting me share in your life!!  You are missed now and every day!

LARGER THAN LIFE is often defined as more interesting, more exciting than an ordinary person; having an aura of greatness. Dr. Fort's passion for his wife Nancy, music, history, and fellowship was larger than life. I will miss his contagious smile and his warm friendship.

Cousin Tomlinson will remain in our family's memory forever.  He was a dear friend, a role model for two subsequent generations, and a delightful person.  A great loss to the Fort family.

OBITUARY

Tomlinson Fort Jr.

April 16, 1932 – September 13, 2012

Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home

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