Oh Dear, such a sad news to hear you are gone now.

I remember of you so well. You were so kind, funny and so brave (you were not scared of skydiving, or even eat the dodgy French food I used to make).

So generous also : you have helped so many of us at Graham house when we were feeling homesick and just needed a talk.

And above all, you were facing hurdles always with a smile. You were a tower of strength to me.

I am glad I have met you and but is such a shame you are gone too soon….

Memories will never fade.

julia,

i recently got back to ny after 2+ years away and had no idea...

my deepest and sincerest condolences to you and your families...

tom was a good bloke and will be missed...

your former neighbour at the sonoma on 39th,

ari

Dear Julia and Schindlmayr Family,

I was deeply saddened by the news of Thomas' death tonight in our seminar at the University of New South Wales. The lecturer, Professor Michael Hess, who I understand was also Thomas' PhD supervisor, had chosen on of Thomas' reserach papers as core reading for our seminar. During our discussion after the class Michael urged me to visit this memorial site. Thomas and I became friends whilst he was working as a consultant at the Dept of Defence, Australia. His intelligence, good humour, appreciation of life, humanity and unquenched thirst for life left a lasting impression on me and my life. Thomas touched so many people in a stiff and stuffy military organisation, bringing down barriers and opening new vistas to many. I will never forget Thomas Schindlmayr. I, like so many others, have had their lives enriched by his friendship and warmth.

Please accept my very deepest condolences. My thoughts will be with you.

Thomas, amicus, requiescat in pace.

With love, friendship and respect,

Petri Kristian, Canberra, Australia

Dear Julia and Schindlmayr family,

It was with deep sadness that I read about your loss, upon finding this website.

I met Thomas on a trip to the Himalayas in '92, with a great bunch of friends in Oxventure, touring the mountains, Kathmandu and white water rafting.  He was unstoppable and never saw barriers, only possibilities. Thomas was an amazing and inspirational friend, with tremendous academic capability. I can hardly believe he is gone from us. I remember him raising concerns about disability access in restaurants we visted in London, when he came free wheeling out of Helen Graham House, and  whizzing around Leicester Square.

And I recall him telling someone off for using a Canberra disabled parking bay, when they admitted they were not disabled. Thomas was always vocal about his rights.

I will cherish my happy memories of Thomas always,

Thinking of you all in your time of loss,

Kind regards, Namaste,

Anne Palmer   ( aka beryl the peril)

( Northern Ireland)

Dear Julia, Inge, Mr and Mrs Schindlmayr and families

I am sorry it has taken me so long to send you my deepfelt sympathies.  It was with shock and sadness that I learnt of Thomas' passing, almost 4 months after it happened, and since then have found it difficult to find the right words to write to you.

Two nights ago I dreamt of Thomas, smiling as always, wearing a crumpled up white T-shirt, getting into a van, setting off on a trip somewhere.  He was I am sure trying to tell me that I needed to get my act together and send the message to his family as I had intended.

I will always be grateful and privileged to have known him as a work colleague and a friend - at IPPF and during his Fiji trip in 1996.

So I hope you will forgive me for sending you this message so belatedly.

Vimla

[I will also write in the memories page in due course]

Dear Julia

We remember Tom with affection

We met Tom at the United Nations during the Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities. Frank had an Australian flag attached to his chair which Tom saw. He was instantly drawn to it and we immediatley forged a friendship.

We shared many a meal with Tom and Julia over the years we attended the UN.

Julia, it was a pleasure to have shared those special moments with you and Tom and our love goes to you.

annette and frank

I hope someone close to Thomas has the opportunity to read this. I am just an ordinary ex-collegiate who was fortunate enough to spend tiem with Thomas. No one knew me. But those close to Thomas will recognise the truth in what I say.

I was given the pleasant task to teach him to play basketball. His eyes shone when he played and I am sure he delighted when I showed the tricks he could employ. No where does it say how he enjoyed the commaraderie of his special periods learning this when on other occassions, I understand he could not participate in normal sports activities.

I had been recently thinking about Thomas, I don't know why. I think it was as a result of a lost opportunity to cross paths in 1985 at the Leisure center in Eltham where I heard someone call my name. I knew it was Thomas but I was in a group of many people and we were veing rounded up to another function. That I guess will haunt me now forever. But for Thomas, I am amazed at how far you went and the impact you made. Ich bein ouch eine Berliner.