Tom Alvey, a well loved staff member of Turn-About Ranch passed away on Wednesday, February 12th 2020. Tom has inspired 100’s of students over the past 20 years. He had a simple way of talking to kids and sharing his story. He had a unique way of meeting them where they were at and sharing comforting words of wisdom and support. Tom cared about each student. Even years after he retired many students were impacted by the few hours he would spend volunteering and playing checkers with them on Sundays! They made a special effort to go to his house to introduce their parents to him when they graduated. Students looked forward to helping with his chores and providing that small service.

Tom was a favorite staff and was well loved by students and staff alike. Tom will forever live in our memories, and for those of us lucky enough to have received a lucky penny from him, those will be cherished! To the students- may you all go out and walk an extra mark for TOM!

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well".
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
      When he wasn't at work, Tom's time would be happily spent enjoying his horses with his wife, and some of the local towns kids. He taught horsemanship, and horse showing with his wife. He said " Safety is first, that is the rule!".  Many victories were won at the horse shows, and he loved it.
   Tom was a loving, caring person.  His wife,  friends and family love him dearly, and we appreciate all that you had brought to us.