Tom grew up in the Lake Minnetonka area & graduated from Mound-Westonka High School. After some time at the University of Minnesota, graduating from broadcasting school, & a stint as the mail guy at a local TV station, he got involved with computers & worked in support & development with a few local computer product manufacturers. Since 1994 he has worked at First Tech Computer in Minneapolis, one of Apple's most highly regarded Apple Specialist dealers. He served on the New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission from 1998 to 2001, and has served on the New Hope Planning Commission since 2005.

Tom & Darlene met in 1993, were engaged in 1995, & married in 1996. We moved into our home in New Hope in 1997.

Her first word was "car" and, not surprisingly, she loves planes, trains, and automobiles (and boats too). She loves to watch "the big airplanes" at the airport, and would probably like to go to the model train museum more than we do. Barnes & Noble is her favorite store, closely followed by Hub Hobby & Target. For some reason she also has a fascination with Dick's Sporting Goods. I think it's the foosball tables & all the different kinds of balls.

Katie says she would like to be a doctor when she grows up, but who knows? She certainly has plenty of time to change her mind. She likes to do lots of things kids her age enjoy, like going to the zoo & playing in the park. Katie's quite the whiz on the computer, too. The only help she needs is because I don't let her put the CDs in. She connects, disconnects, surfs, & plays all by herself. She also loves to hang out with her aunts & uncles and go to the park formerly known as Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America.

At school, music day is her favorite day. She loves to dance and sing, and has several of her favorite Wiggles & Bear in The Big Blue House songs memorized. Katie is an avid reader, with some of her favorites being Winnie the Pooh (and pretty much anything else Disney or Pixar), Thomas the Tank Engine, The Wiggles, and The Tweenies.

Benny is a very happy, affectionate little guy, but he is somewhat nervous & hates being left alone. He loves to sleep outside in the summer, sniff all around the yard, play running games, & is always looking for treats. His favorite thing is to sit on Tom's lap & get his ears scratched & a backrub.

Riley's life ended prematurely in December 2003 after a long bout with seizures.