THOMAS LACK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Contact: Grace Zhou
Grace Zhou, Tom’s widow, chose to establish this scholarship (in 2023) in his name to remember Tom’s love, perseverance and compassion and to support students at Rock Valley College who experienced challenges due to a learning disability.

Thomas William Lack
October 24, 1964 – September 18, 2021
Thomas Lack, a beacon of resilience and compassion, was born on October 24, 1964, the youngest of four in Rockford, Illinois. His father died unexpectedly when Tom was only a baby. He was raised by his mother and stepfather as they resided in Loves Park and then Caledonia. Throughout his youth and adulthood, he exhibited resilience, perseverance and determination when facing trials and tribulations.

It was a family chuckle that after swimming at a local lake, the family car was loaded up without little Tommy as his family drove down the road. It only took a few minutes to realize the omission and he was quickly back where he belonged in that family station wagon. That may explain how Tom lived his life! Never the one to be left behind, always striving to move forward, to get ahead and reach his personal goals.

Despite the challenges stemming from having ADHD (Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder) and learning disability, Tom persevered, seeking and leveraging available resources to navigate his academic environment and professional career. He obtained an associate degree in music at Rock Valley College. Later, he earned a B.S. Degree in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University. While working in Chicago, he persevered and obtained his CPA certification.

Tom’s talent and passion for music was evident. He started playing guitar when he was a teenager. Later he joined a band named Spad Zoom as a guitar player, bringing the joy of music to others. Tom always enjoyed sharing his knowledge in music and stories with others with enthusiasm.

Tom was most known for his humor and always had a twist of funniness in almost everything. His positive attitude made him fun to be around. Tom was a devoted husband, brother, uncle and friend, whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who crossed his path. Whether it was participating in community events, volunteering at various local organizations, or lending a listening ear to those in need, he embodied the spirit of selflessness and empathy. He was a member of the Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago where he enjoyed the fellowship.