My dad, Tom Buckley, aka Model-T, passed away early morning yesterday (4am 4/11/11) 235 miles into his NOBO thru hike. He died in his sleep in his tent at Davenport Gap. He was 70 years young. This was his first thru hike.
My dad loved to hike but the number one thing he spoke of about his journey on the AT was the camaraderie. I want to thank you all that had the chance to share your kindness and stories with him on the trail. Hiking AT was a lifelong dream of his and I know he was having the time of his life.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann (Silver City, NM), daughters Susan(Austin, Tx), Ellie (San Mateo, CA), Kay (San Antonio Tx), Bonnie (Austin, Tx) and brother David (Tampa Bay, FL).
Keep on trekking Dad.