Vale Tom Kruse

[hrpearce]

Another pioneer has passed Tom will live on in film, not many left with his ability to get there no matter what.

[Little Jo]

Sorry to hear of the passing of another great Australian Icon. A true trail blazer. I saw his truck displayed in the Birdwood Auto Museum a few years back, but I am not sure if is still there on display. Having done the Birdsville Track in a modern 4x4 one can only wonder how difficult it would have been so many years ago.

Tony

[Cameron Reed]

Sad to hear of the passing of a true pioneering gentlemen. I just shake my head at some of the things that he did to get his job done, particularly like the one about fashioning a clutch plate out of the lid of a 44 gallon drum. RIP

[Howard]

Indeed a sad day for our fair nation.
Tom was one of our last true pioneers. The outback, and indeed all of Australia, owes him a true debt of gratitude.
It was men like Tom that made living in remote Australia possibe. They worked increadibly hard in one of the harshest environments on earth.
Men like Tom Kruse, Tom Cole and others were true heros.
I fear that the majority of "modern" Australians will not know of Tom, but, those of us who do know of him, will always remember and admire his incredible story.
Farewell, Tom.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi all - I was fortunate enough to meet Tom and Valma several times and was enthralled by their stories. Combining meeting Tom and another great Australian pioneer, Kurt Johannsen of Northern Territory fame, I feel particularly fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with two of Australia's greatest pioneers.

Bob

[Keith Webb]

For those who are interested, Tom will be farewelled at the Morphettville Racecourse next Thursday afternoon (July 7th), I think at 2PM (but will confirm in due course).