To Lincoln residents:
The flags on town buildings are at half-staff in recognition of the passing of Tom Billings, a longtime resident and active town volunteer. Tom died suddenly in his Lincoln home on March 9 from cardiac arrest. Kind, modest and intelligent, Tom was much loved and respected in Lincoln and everywhere he went. Almost from the time Tom and his wife Penny moved to Lincoln in 1983, they became involved as volunteers on town boards and committees.
An enthusiastic conservationist, Tom was a member of the Conservation Commission for many years. He later became a Library trustee and served in that role until he was appointed to the bench as a Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court in 2001 and had to step down from other positions he held. Tom retired from the court in 2019. He loved and never tired of Lincoln and its beauty, walking around town almost daily. We are grateful for Tom’s contributions to and influence on our community.
We join with Tom’s many friends in expressing our sympathies to his wife Penny, their son Jamie, and their family. He will be greatly missed.
For the town,
Jonathan Dwyer, Select Board Chair
Tim Higgins, Town Administrator
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I knew Tom years ago as we both practiced law. I have always respected his kindness and intellect. His passing is a loss for all who knew him. What a good, kind soul. May his memory always be a blessing.
Tommy’s roots spread wide & far. As with Quaking Aspens, he expanded & thrived from NW CT to the Adirondacks, to Eastern. MA… w/few gigs @ the Mangey Moose in there as well.
RIP, brother. Love to all those who carrying on in your mode.
On October 31 1999, Tom’s parents died in the EgyptAir 990 disaster. Tom joined me in leading Families of EgyptAir 990. We facilitated communication among families, NTSB, the airline and others, and helped arrange a memorial on the first anniversary of the disaster in Newport RI–to which we persuaded the Egyptian government to fly those who had lost loved ones without charge. He was a dear and treasured friend. When I informed others in the association, one replied:
“Jim what a blessing he was to our grieving families. What a blessing he continued to be to his community and the Flag at half staff speaks of his selfless service. Thank you for informing us of the loss of this beautiful life -an shining example of dedication to others, and an inspiration to all.”
I had the pleasure of working with Tom when he and I were both attorneys at at Foley Hoag. He was as decent and honorable as he was thoughtful and intelligent. I was honored to have known him and join in the expression of sympathy to Tom’s wife and family.
Tom Hemnes