Condolences

I didn't know Tom Metcalfe, although, like everyone who has worked on a Wisconsin political campaign, I have been to Brat Fest at Hilldale with a candidate or two.

This tribute is from Gary Fisher, an occasional contributor to this blog:

A charismatic guy with a touch of class, Tom Metcalfe,the popular grocer, died Sunday at the age of 70.

A successful businessman and community leader,Metcalfe served a-10-year tenure as the mayor of Monona, sat on numerous city committees and private boards and gave his support to the Republican Party.

He earned praise for his community involvement including the "Brat Fest" celebration at the Hilldale Sentry that raises money for charities and other organizations and brings the community together.

When Tom's granddaughter Allie Metcalfe traveled to Las Vegas in February to win the 2006 National Best (grocery) Bagger Competition, he unabashedly said "the best woman won!"

Asked why grocery checkers routinely mark $20 bills?

"That's to let the bank know all that money is coming from the grocery," he jokingly said

Tom's mantra was about "not meeting but always exceeding customers' expectations."

A plaque in a new library addition in Monona prominently memorializes Tom as a generous donor. His many revitalization projects as mayor include proposed reconstruction of Monona Drive from Broadway to Starkweather Creek, near Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

He led the community in an important direction making way for the addition of the new community swimming pool.

Lisa Nelson and friends from the Wisconsin National Guard Band slogged through the slush on a wintry evening to carol at Tom and Margaret's classy Italianate architecture house on Lake Monona. With the impromptu troupe was an Italian opera singer visiting from Chicago who sang a solo aria, acapella in a lilting, mellifluous voice. In down parkas and snowmobile suits they all later joined Tom for a memorable photo.

Hearing an impartial observer of the Monona City Council remonstration against the uncomfortable metal chairs, Tom considerately provided a thin section of the Wisconsin State Journal as a seat cushion.

Whether consulting Gorilla Trades for stock picks and market trading or visiting Maui and the Rusty Harpoon, a bar-restaurant owned by his brother, Jerry Metcalfe,
Tom Metcalfe had a great sense of humor and was always in good spirits.

"I hate to leave, to be honest with you," Tom Metcalfe once told a crowd of well wishers at city hall. "I truly enjoyed this community."

We hear you. Tom Metcalfe is now among the best of
spirits.

-Gary Fisher