About the only one not feeling sorry for Tom is Tom himself. For sure, the initial diagnosis floored him, but Tom quickly regained his footing, perhaps using the lessons learned when he lost his wife, Barb, to cancer five years ago.

Once he got over the shock, Tom promised his family and friends he would enjoy every moment he has left and fight the disease every day so he could spend more time with his three sons — Greg, Chris and Will — who fill him with pride.

Tom hasn’t lost his sense of humor, either. A few days after his diagnosis made it clear he wouldn’t be able to resume his career, Tom texted me a message with a photo of him in a Wisconsin jersey flashing the “W” sign with his thumbs and index fingers. Freed of the burden of impartiality, he could finally cheer for his alma mater, quipping in his text, “Tell Bucky that Mully is back on his side.”

Our loss is Bucky’s gain. So, too, will Bucky benefit from a new scholarship for aspiring sports journalists at the UW School of Journalism and Mass Communications, one that will bear Tom’s name (see details above). Tom is proud of that scholarship, as he should be. His dedication to his craft and his obsession with getting the story right should be remembered forever.

Tom probably doesn’t realize this, but he made me a better columnist.