So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. I enjoyed my visits with him at reunions. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children and friends. He was such a talented man - not only the trumpet, but tennis, as well. I feel fortunate to have known him!
Tom recently reached out to "friend" me on Facebook. I am blown away as we were orchestra mates in Junior and Senior High. Tom had magic lips and lungs as he made his trumpet sing! My sympathy to Tom and his family.
Tom was a very unique and talented classmate from Minnehaha grade school through Nokomis jr high and of course Roosevelt HS. At a third grader birthday party for Mary Alice Nelson he entertained everyone with his jokes and happy antics. The as a accomplished trumpeter in a sixth grade talent show he performed "Bugler's Holiday" that was amazing. So, inspired, I tried to play a coronet, but failed. Then in HS he'd skip school to ear some $ plowing snow with his Jeep. After being part of the Navy band stationed in DC, he went to perform in Las Vegas. We crossed paths again as we were taking classes for our real estate license's. The last time I saw him was at our 55th class reunion and he was still the same happy go lucky Tom. I pray for hisf family.
We were in the band together in Nokomis Junior High School. He was such a terrific trumpet player and I was a
marginal tuba player. We performed once in front of the whole school in a six piece ensemble and I didn't know
He was the STAR!! We spent some time together at the 55th reunion and shared lots of memories.
I can proudly say that I once performed with the great Tom Nygaard.
So sorry to read about one of the greatest trumpet players. He did not receive enough recognition. Also a good friend. My condolences to his family. We are losing too many from our great class.
So sad to learn of Tom's passing and my sympathy to his family. Tom was a dear friend from M'haha, Nokomis and through RHS with so many good times. I also remember the performances others have noted above. The one that I remember most was our 10th grade auditorium event at RHS with Tom playing Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust". I remember feeling goosebumps while he played as his level of skill was so far beyond a high schooler's level of performance. One of my other memories is knocking on his family home side door numerous times for our buddy to join us in various ball games during the summer months in Jr. High. Tom's answer was always the same, "I can't.. I have to practice". Jerry Miller & I with our spouses went to a local performance Tom did at the Artist's Quarter about 15 yrs. ago and surprised Tom being in the audience and he joined our table during a performance break. Also about 2-3 years ago we connected again via e-mails and it's comforting to know he was very much enjoying his life in San Diego and found peace with his horn becoming a "table lamp" and he was free from the pressures of performing. He will be missed!
Remembeotoday all the great concerts/solos really that Tom and his sister on accordion did!!! Luanne Nygaard did; wonder if Luanne still in Mpls or elsewhere.
Linda Akerson (Towne)
So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. I enjoyed my visits with him at reunions. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children and friends. He was such a talented man - not only the trumpet, but tennis, as well. I feel fortunate to have known him!
Linda Akerson Towne
Dennis Dvorak
Tom recently reached out to "friend" me on Facebook. I am blown away as we were orchestra mates in Junior and Senior High. Tom had magic lips and lungs as he made his trumpet sing! My sympathy to Tom and his family.
Howard Engnell
Tom was a very unique and talented classmate from Minnehaha grade school through Nokomis jr high and of course Roosevelt HS. At a third grader birthday party for Mary Alice Nelson he entertained everyone with his jokes and happy antics. The as a accomplished trumpeter in a sixth grade talent show he performed "Bugler's Holiday" that was amazing. So, inspired, I tried to play a coronet, but failed. Then in HS he'd skip school to ear some $ plowing snow with his Jeep. After being part of the Navy band stationed in DC, he went to perform in Las Vegas. We crossed paths again as we were taking classes for our real estate license's. The last time I saw him was at our 55th class reunion and he was still the same happy go lucky Tom. I pray for hisf family.
Dennis Dvorak
My commenrt should have read,"my sympathy to Tom's wife, children, and family."
Peggy Crist (Barrett)
I first heard Tom play trumpet at the school
talent show at Minnehaha Grade School. He was
amazing! I was not too surprised to hear that he
had taken it up as a profession. My parents saw him
perform in Las Vegas, and remarked at how good
he was. My deepest condolences to his family.
Ronald Naslund
Tom was a great musician and really a fun guy.
We were in the band together in Nokomis Junior High School. He was such a terrific trumpet player and I was a
marginal tuba player. We performed once in front of the whole school in a six piece ensemble and I didn't know
He was the STAR!! We spent some time together at the 55th reunion and shared lots of memories.
I can proudly say that I once performed with the great Tom Nygaard.
My condolences to his family.
Ron Naslund
Mary Schmaltz (Nygaard)
Sorry to hear this news. David and I pass along our condolences to his wife and family. (Tom was David's second cousin.)
Sandra (Sandy) Glockner (Scheer)
So sorry to read about one of the greatest trumpet players. He did not receive enough recognition. Also a good friend. My condolences to his family. We are losing too many from our great class.
Sandy (Glockner) Scheer
Stephen Nelson
So sad to learn of Tom's passing and my sympathy to his family. Tom was a dear friend from M'haha, Nokomis and through RHS with so many good times. I also remember the performances others have noted above. The one that I remember most was our 10th grade auditorium event at RHS with Tom playing Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust". I remember feeling goosebumps while he played as his level of skill was so far beyond a high schooler's level of performance. One of my other memories is knocking on his family home side door numerous times for our buddy to join us in various ball games during the summer months in Jr. High. Tom's answer was always the same, "I can't.. I have to practice". Jerry Miller & I with our spouses went to a local performance Tom did at the Artist's Quarter about 15 yrs. ago and surprised Tom being in the audience and he joined our table during a performance break. Also about 2-3 years ago we connected again via e-mails and it's comforting to know he was very much enjoying his life in San Diego and found peace with his horn becoming a "table lamp" and he was free from the pressures of performing. He will be missed!
Barbara Hoglund (Newberry)
Remembeotoday all the great concerts/solos really that Tom and his sister on accordion did!!! Luanne Nygaard did; wonder if Luanne still in Mpls or elsewhere.