Tom Furtaw was simply one of the greatest guys we’ve ever met.

Everything you may have heard or read is true: he was a loving, devoted husband and father, a great son and brother, and a fiercely loyal friend to countless people from all corners.  He was a tireless, ethically-driven public servant and later in life, a musician and songwriter.

From the AM Gold that filled his house growing up and influenced his pop sensibilities through to the Manchester bands he loved so much and the local music of hundreds of bands today in Detroit, music was a huge part of Tom’s life.  Tom was clearly the poet and the soul of the Nickels and he worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of the band.

If you’ve ever been to a Tigers’ or Spartans’ game or if you’ve ever visited a park or a watering hole in Wayne County, you’ve probably seen Tom -- flashing a smile and making the lives of those around him a better place.

He will be sorely missed.

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Donations to the Furtaw Children Education Trust can be made to the “Furtaw Children Education Trust”, c/o Papista & Papista PLC, 535 Griswold St., Suite 800, Detroit, MI 48226.