Remembering Tom Sherlock

Tom Sherlock died on Wednesday, April 3rd. He was 65 years old and did not survive a heart surgery. That was his unexpected end and sad enough. But there is more to his story.

Tom joined Dan Schuyler and George Safford to create what became the Village Chronicles, a weekly newspaper serving Warrenville, Illinois. That paper expanded to serve Winfield and then West Chicago. The paper published for eight years and built a good reputation for itself.

Tom served the paper in several ways. He was our information technology guru, provided hardware and software to support the paper's operations. He was our sole bookkeeper, accountant and financial manager. He designed our distribution process and provided office space for meetings and layout and typesetting.

His efforts supported the work of 32 volunteers who wrote and reported on the communities we served. 

The newspaper broke even financially most of the time, but it was a struggle. Tom managed to find money to keep the newspaper afloat even when that meant lending it funds from his own pocket. Dan did the same, all while keeping George free to manage the news gathering and writing aspects of the paper. George was unaware of the financial sacrifices Tom and Dan were making.

This team of volunteers, aided by Linda Cheryl's talents as layout artist and graphic design, kept the newspaper functioning well. Much of the cost of making this happen was known best by Tom. The rest of us only asked if the bills were paid and did we have enough money to continue operations. Tom's assurances kept us focused on producing the paper.

Tom loved Warrenville. He was one of those good guys who did what was necessary to serve the larger good. He did this tirelessly and unselfishly. And yes, he was a true partner throughout it all.

Tom Sherlock will be sorely missed.

April 8, 2024


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