LifeQs
Thomas Simpfendoerfer
Answer one question or many - using words, photos or other media.
Richard Jonas
What I remember is that Thomas, though well into his struggle with cancer, came to take care of me when I had a detached retina. My sister was here to take care of me but was struggling with putting together a chair to be used my me to rest with my head down. Thomas helped with that -- but what I remember more is him taking down a volume of Balzac from my bookshelves and sitting, reading to us in his deep, resonant voice. It was a lovely moment -- and at so many moments during Thomas's illness, I was amazed by his ability to face what was happening, to be interested in it, to use it to inform his photography. He was a unique and wonderful man. He won't be forgotten.
kristen
I applied for a job at Random House about fifteen years ago. They gave me homework to make sure I knew the programs. I needed them transferred and Thomas said he would do it for me. In transferring he renamed my files—I believe it was the naming of those files that got me the job. Detailed precision in the most beautiful shirts is how I will remember Thomas. With love, Kristen
Frank Grasso
Thomas had a wonderful sense of humor.
He put his all into the concepts he brought to light and seemed to continuously outdo his previous work. He was an amazing talent who always reached higher and higher. I enjoyed working with Thomas more than anyone else. We often got through the work talk out of the way as quickly as possible so we could hang out together and talk and laugh.
I was so saddened by the news and my heart goes out to Claudia, Leila, and Lucian whom Thomas often mentioned during our talks. I will miss you Thomas, my friend.
He put his all into the concepts he brought to light and seemed to continuously outdo his previous work. He was an amazing talent who always reached higher and higher. I enjoyed working with Thomas more than anyone else. We often got through the work talk out of the way as quickly as possible so we could hang out together and talk and laugh.
I was so saddened by the news and my heart goes out to Claudia, Leila, and Lucian whom Thomas often mentioned during our talks. I will miss you Thomas, my friend.
Robert Kuszek
I want to say what a loss this is, beyond that of a friend and fellow struggling family man, what a loss this is to our community of artists. Thomas had a keen, deciphering eye and a precise associative mode to match. His viewpoint was one of the few I have consistently valued and despite his gentle nature I was always concerned when I showed him something. If he was disappointed in one of my little works...well that would matter. Conversely, when we sifted through his things it was a free and easy exchange, though I often was unable to articulate my complex reactions to what I was seeing in his work. This is not to be compared to his family's longing, or the simple, stunning loss of his personal presence, but all of this is irreplacable now, and I grieve.