UNADILLA — Thomas Barlow will forever be remembered as a caring, generous man, a loving husband, a doting father and a ge

Index Deaths of local interest in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties are: • *Thomas P. Barlow, 84, Unadilla. • *Gladys W. Eighmie, 100, Stamford. *Full obituary in today’s Daily Star. Thomas P. Barlow

ntleman in every sense of the word. Known as "Tom" by his countless loved ones, this remarkable individual was a blessing to all who knew him and was a great friend to children, animals and the ill.

Born Oct. 22, 1921, in Queens, Tom led the typical, happy-go-lucky life of a child until he was 13, when he was struck by an automobile while he was hiking. Young Tom was in a coma for nine weeks, and doctors were doubtful he’d live to see his 25th birthday. Blessedly, however, the Lord in his wisdom spared Tom, and the youngster grew into a man with a strong work ethic and firm Christian values.

Tom worked long hours as a ship rigger and helped raise the Normandy from New York Harbor during World War II.

Tom also became an Assistant Boy Scout Leader when he was 28, an event that helped define Tom’s life as one of service to children. Working with youngsters through Scouts became one of Tom’s great avocations, and over the years he made an incalculable positive difference in the lives of countless boys.

A lover of nature and animals, Tom introduced city boys to the wonder of God’s creation and helped them learn respect for their environment and their fellow man.

While serving Troop 187 in Springfield Gardens, Tom called a meeting of troop members’ mothers, intending to form a Mother’s Club. A young woman named Sofie, whose eldest son belonged to the troop, walked into the meeting, and Tom fell in love at first sight. The two married on Sept. 3, 1955, embarking on a 50-year union of unparalleled fidelity and devotion.

For 20 years, Tom worked as a ward charge for the Central Islip State Hospital, serving patients with the same compassion and good humor that made him such a wonderful husband and father.

After work, the Barlow household was filled with the sounds of laughter and song. Although Tom could be firm when necessary, he understood the hopes and dreams of youth and treated his daughter and three stepsons with unwavering kindness and understanding.

A model husband, Tom woke his wife with song, and serenaded her in the evening. Tom certainly passed on family values to the young ones in his household — together Tom and Sofie had 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and still counting!

After Tom retired in 1978, he and Sofie moved to a rambling house in Unadilla. Tom reveled in his pets including a horse, chickens, sheep and pigs.

The couple became members of the Sidney United Methodist Church in 1981. Tom was a member of the choir for more than 20 years and received the 50-year Gold Card Award from the Boy Scouts of America and the highest award presented by the United Methodist Church for Scouting. He brought light and levity to his congregation and touched the lives of all those fortunate enough to call him friend.

On Dec. 15, Tom passed away knowing that Sofie, the love of his life, would always cherish their union and his memory.

We mourn the loss of a truly wonderful human being, we celebrate his life, and we rejoice in the knowledge that Tom has gone to his richly deserved reward.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006, at the Sidney United Methodist Church, with the Rev. David Masland, pastor officiating.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Sidney United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of the C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.

Gladys was well-known as an avid golfer and longtime member of the Stamford Golf Course. She also had been active as a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Stamford, a member of the Abigail Harper Chapter of the DAR and a member of the Utsayantha Chapter of the Eastern Star, having served as secretary and matron.

Gladys was employed during and after World War II at Harris Department Store and the Economy Store. She also worked for a time at the Mirror-Recorder newspaper.

A staunch Republican, Gladys served on the Town of Stamford Election Board. For nine years, she was employed in Albany as secretary to Assemblyman Edwyn E. Mason.

Gladys married Borden C. Eighmie in 1938 in Schenectady. He predeceased her in 1987. She also was predeceased by her brother, Theodore Sachs, and sisters, Adele Austin and Peg Washburn.

She is survived by her son, Thedrick L. Eighmie, and his wife, Dora, of Glenville, and their children, William Eighmie and Pamela Eighmie, of Schenectady, and Kimberly and Andrew Berry, of Springfield, Mo. She is also survived by her son, George B. Eighmie, and his wife, Sandy, of Stamford, and their children, Scott and Nancy Eighmie, Stamford, and Cindy and Bob Rogers, Ravena. She also is survived by four great-grandchildren, Brittany and Kaitlyn Eighmie of Stamford, and Stephen and Christopher Rogers of Ravena.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stamford Fire Department.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 2006, at the Hall Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Stamford.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006, with the Rev. Elliot Oaks and the Rev. Shelly Vamosey, officiating.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home, Stamford, under the direction of William A. Tari.