Submitted by Greg Rediske.
1970: Don Brink and Tom Sadler incorporated their accounting business in Lakewood called, unimaginatively but accurately, “Brink and Sadler”. (They were accountants after all, not prone to anything too flashy…..). I’m sure you have all driven by their business on 112th street, still going strong after 53+ years.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Tom Sadler passed away at the age of 80 after enduring Parkinson’s Disease for several years.
After experiencing success in the business, Tom joined Lakewood Rotary in 1977, embarking on a lifetime of service to his community of Lakewood. He served as president of the club in 1989-90, leading with a smile, an easy laugh, and appreciation of fun. A departure for sure from the image of an accountant; but Tom was extraordinary. He was Chair of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy in 2008-9 and was later named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” by Accounting Today Magazine. Tom was good, very good.
Tom’s passion was boating. He didn’t stop at owning one, cruising and vacationing in it. He became a Certified Coast Guard vessel captain. He took a liking to delivering yachts to destinations up and down the west. He wasn’t content to spend time in the San Juans or Desolation Sound with The Yacht Club folks, he preferred the company of the Pacific Ocean and all the challenges of open ocean navigation.
But here comes the best part: in 1993, Tom helped found the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund (LCFF). For the next 25 years, he shepherded this endowment fund. Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis and others all raised money and gave it out. Tom’s idea in helping create this endowed fund was to have a community support vehicle that would help Lakewood forever. In 2019, in large part due to the hard work and focus of Tom, the LCFF reached the one-million-dollar mark (now over $1.2 M). This fund is now giving over $37,000 every year to benefit Lakewood and Lakewood only. This is Tom’s greatest legacy in the City of Lakewood.
Perhaps you only knew Tom from the sign on his building, Brink and Sadler. But you should now be aware of the impact this man made on our city. His friends and family will miss him dearly, but we are all heartened by what Tom has left behind. Thank you, Tom.
Greg Rediske,
Yours is a wonderful article including interesting facts, history, and an element of humor as related to the Lakewood community’s loss of Tom Sadler.
I crossed paths with Brink and Sadler related to some small accounting projects decades ago.
I drove by Brink and Sadler’s accounting office on 112th Street Southwest thousands of times during 50 of the 53+ years. Not once did I ever drive by without looking over to the office and parking lot. The lot would often contain interesting automobiles.
Just imagine what all of our lives would be like if we all could capture what it was that made Tom Sadler such a wonderful and productive human being for the good of mankind.
Thank you, Mr. Rediske.
Joseph Boyle
I agree Mr Joseph Boyle
Greg, I agree with Joe, your article on Tom with excellent. I remember Tom well, he always had a smile on his face, even towards the end. He always wanted to make people laugh. It was hard to watch Tom those last few times he came to Rotary. Tom was one of the good guys and we all will miss him.
Mr Ron Irwin, thanks for UR dedication and memories of Mr Tom Sadler
Mr Ron Irwin, thanks for UR dedication and memories of Mr Tom Sadler.
I also want to thank Mr Greg Rediske for the heart written story of Mr Tom Sadler and the huge Lakewood Community Foundation Fund for Lakewood and the Rotary Club.
The true Rotarian Spirit. RIP.
Informative, what a great guy! Thankyou for your service and thinking ahead for Lakewood.
Tom was very intelligent as well as a somewhat modest and happy go lucky friend. The Lakewood foundation was only one of Tom’s great contributions to Lakewood and Lakewood Rotary. It wasn’t easy but, Tom carried on as much as he could and didn’t let on that he was ill.
I , like so many others will miss Tom.
Jim Bisceglia
Greg,
THANKS for your encompassing tribute to Tom Sadler. Tom was truly a gentleman of serious regard and gracious ease, welcoming swimmers to the deep end of the pool while showing them management with purpose, confidence and yes, fun. What a great guy; gathered memories for the coffee pot.