Unconfirmed reports state that Apple Engineer (QuickTime, iTunes and others) “suddenly” passed away. More information is not available at this time.
According to Tom’s page he wrote the popular Darkside of the Mac screensaver.
Tom worked for Apple for 17 years as of the last update of his page, more like 21 now.
Tom did pass away this past Saturday. He will be missed. Tom was a good man.
If you knew Tom from his public persona at the Developer’s Conferences, Mac Developer Kitchens and so forth, then you knew what he was like outside of the spotlight. What you saw was what you got with Tom. He was ever passionate, always outspoken, and even if you ended up on the wrong side of an argument with him, you had to respect his commitment to “doing the right thing.” He was a genuinely nice guy who loved doing great things and was very good at it.
I’m grateful for the time spent working with Tom during the old Print Shop days. He was a great guy to work with; brilliant, fun, energetic, wide-eyed… and he taught me a lot. I have fond memories of him that can still make me laugh today, although a bit softer, through the sadness.
Such a loss for Apple and the rest of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Another confirmation:
http://www.fernicola.org/loquitor/index.php?/archives/51-Remembering-Tom-Dowdy.html
here’s another memorial site: http://dasspunk.com/2008/tom-dowdy-rip/1
FYI https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=550750315
Date: March 25, 2008 12:52:04 PM PDT Subject: charity info
Hi Daniel.
Although Tom was not religious, the charity listed below does good work for the people in West Virginia (Tom was from West Virginia).
anne
The charity in West Virginia is: Christian Help, Inc., P.O. Box 1257, Kermit, WV 25674. It is run by Sister Brendan Conlon for the needy in rural West Virginia. She helps provide food, clothing, household goods, utility payments, transportation, dentures, and medication, among other needs. Every penny donated gets put to full use.