"The courage to take on the hard case, and to attempt to use reason and logic in espousing views. ... And Tom was willing to take on any battle he felt was just, even difficult ones. He never shied away from a case if he felt there was a just cause."
Bob Westinghouse
United States Attorney
"Tom cared passionately about our city, and his death is a great loss to our community and to all those who knew and loved him."
Mayor Paul Schell
"He was a man of exceptional character, great intelligence, extraordinary dedication and absolutely unquestionable integrity."
Dr. Paul Herstein
Director, Washington Ceasefire
"All of us were deeply shocked and saddened by the murder of Tom Wales, a tireless and brilliant advocate for gun safety. AGS makes this grant in Tom's memory and we know the fund will be a perfect living monument to Tom's passionate work on behalf of sensible gun laws."
Jonathan Cowan
President, Americans for Gun Safety
We trust that the cadre of city, state and federal law enforcement officials with whom Wales worked so unceasingly for so long will never concede the search for his killer. This heinous deed cheated not only a family but a neighborhood, a city and a state.
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Editorial October 17, 2001
"He spent his whole life trying to help others make this world a better place."
Congressman Joseph Kennedy
"Tom was indomitable, one of the hardest-working, most directed people I know."
Ancil Payne
Former president KING Broadcasting,
Director, Washington Ceasefire
"Ceasefire was a small group until Wales became involved in the mid-1990's. Thanks to his leadership…Washington Ceasefire is probably one of the strongest state gun control groups in the country."
Luis Tolley
Western Director, Brady Campaign to
Prevent Gun Violence
"Tom's speech sparked more conversation among students and faculty here than any other I can recall. There’s no doubt that his brief appearance on our campus was a contribution to the learning of our students. His death is a great loss."
Jack Oharah
President, Edmonds Community College
