I too am sad to hear of Tom Tenney's passing. Like others, I too was drawn into the field principally through the encouragement of Tom. In the late 1980s I was an undergraduate in Canada, where there is little academic interest in Mark Twain, and so in those pre-Internet days I made contact with Tom when I subscribed to his Mark Twain Journal, which was right up my alley, being focused more on biography than on literary criticism. In 1992 I finally had the nerve to submit to the MTJ what would turn out to be my first academic publication, and I still recall vividly the thrill of coming home to hear Tom's message on my answering machine. I can exactly remember what to my Canadian ears was his Southern drawl when he said enthusiastically of my article, "I do like this!" As others have noted, Tom was very encouraging to young scholars, and for me to have had his approval was (and remains) one of the highlights of my life. Had it not been for Tom's welcome to the 'circle' of MT scholars, I surely would not have started the Mark Twain Forum, which I am proud to see has become such a wonderful vehicle for us. Had Tom Tenney been a different sort of person and not so welcoming, there is a good chance I would have slunk away into some other pursuit. In addition to the MTJ, of course his _Reference Guide_ and updates in the Circular were also indispensible to me in my research. Like others, I too had several long, late-night telephone conversations with Tom. I was greatly flattered that he would want to spend so much time talking with me. I believe the only time I met him in person was at the 1997 Elmira conference, and for me it was like meeting a hero. My condolences to his family and friends. At times like these I think it is important that we reflect on how Dr. Tenney made such a positive and lasting contribution to us as people, and that we refresh our efforts to emulate his high standard of scholarship and great human qualities as we deal with beginning scholars coming up behind us. Cheers, Taylor Roberts Toronto, Canada