Thomas O. Meyer, 63, of Rockford died Saturday, May 24, 2014 at home with his wife, Lydia, by his side holding his hand. Tom fought a six year battle with cancer, which he tackled with unbelievable strength and courage. He was born March 5, 1951 in Rockford, IL to Eugene and Ellen (Roland) Meyer. He married the love of his life, Lydia Salucka Lindstrom, on February 6, 1993 in Rockford, Illinois. He was a member of Rockford Country Club and Winnebago County Bar Association.

Tom graduated from Auburn High School, Illinois State University and John Marshal Law School. He practiced law for 38 years with several partners—all of whom remained friends long after their law partnerships dissolved---including Tom Nash, Gordy Ring, Barney Natale and Tim Horning. He assisted thousands of friends, family and clients in his practice of law; and had the honor and pleasure of practicing law with his son, Nick, for five years.

Tom had a passion for politics. He was Winnebago County Democratic Chairman and Co-Chairman for 8 years; he hustled numerous Rockford City Council votes as alderman of the 3rd ward for 8 years; was two-time delegate to the Democratic National Convention for President Bill Clinton; ran multiple political campaigns including six successful City of Rockford mayoral races; and acted as formal and informal consultant, mentor and confidante for a multitude of local politicians.

Tom loved spending time with his three wonderful sons -- Nathan, Nicholas, and Noah -- whom he had from a previous marriage to Pamela (Small) Laughlin.

Tom had a lifelong love of baseball which he shared with his sons and nephew, Tadd Gibson. He was an avid White Sox fan who attended hundreds of White Sox games with family and friends, including Game 1 of the 2005 World Series (Go Sox!)

Tom coached hundreds of kids' soccer, basketball and baseball practices and games. He enjoyed meeting "the guys" for cigars, cocktails and "shooting the s___t"; loved hosting extended family and friends for holidays and summer gatherings; drove thousands of laps around Rock Lake pulling tubers and water skiers of all ages; and walked miles with his wife Lydia in Rockford, Lake Mills, Mexico, Aruba, St. Maarten and many other travel destinations. He enjoyed thousands of rounds of golf with his boys, his brothers, and other family members and friends, including regulars and dear friends, Chuck DiBenedetto and Gary Marzorati.

Tom enjoyed several trips with his wife, boys, and nephew Jake Ritter, out west to experience the mountains, whitewater rafting, hiking and horseback riding. He took every opportunity to travel everywhere and anywhere with his wife as often as possible. He relaxed at the lake for many summer and fall weekends for the last 21 years; enjoyed 5 winters semi-retired in Florida; and threw the dice at craps tables in the Midwest, Florida, St. Maarten, Aruba and anywhere they would take his money (always remember, "don't bet the yo"—Tom always bet the yo). Tom enjoyed thousands of romantic sunsets with Lydia, the love of his life, on the dock at Lake Mills and any and every beach they visited. Tom loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved to laugh and laughed often and easily. His easy laugh and warm smile will be a memory cherished by many.

Survivors; Mother, Ellen Meyer; Wife, Lydia; Sons, Nathan (Sarah) Meyer, Nicholas (Marissa) Meyer and Noah (Becki) Meyer; Grandchildren, Bella, Merrick, Kate, Marley, Braxton and Murphy; Siblings, Theodore (Robin Bolte) Meyer, Janeen Ritter, Scott (Lisa) Meyer and close family friend Steve Bois. Numerous amazing nieces and nephews ---"Uncle Tom" loved each and everyone of them dearly. Many wonderful friends---Tom made friends easily and once a friend of Tom's, always a friend. Predeceased by his father Eugene and sister Penny Gibson.

A celebration of his life was held on Friday, May 30th from 4 to 7 pm at Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St, Rockford, IL, 61103. In lieu of flowers or donations, Tom would like you to take your family out to dinner and drinks.