Driving back from Mandeville Saturday night, I received a call from my daughter Ronny. She said, “Daddy, I just wanted to let you know that your friend, Tom Daley passed away at 6:05 this evening.”

Surprised? No. It was his time after a brave battle with brain cancer.

Disappointed? Yes.

Selfishly I will miss a true friend, but more importantly, the people of St. John Parish and the State of Louisiana will be without one of the most unique public officials to serve in my lifetime.

What made Tom Daley so unique as a public official?

For starters, he took his oath of office seriously. He realized he was a public servant, not only elected to hold a paid political job, but to serve.

For over 30 years he served as an Assistant District Attorney, St. John District Judge and also on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Six years ago, he resigned from that secure, prestigious position, because he felt a strong calling to run for District Attorney.

Unlike many people who seek public office only for a job, Tom Daley didn’t need the job, but wanted the challenge of changing a department of government that needed an overhaul. He accomplished his mission!

Tom Daley was honest, fair, loyal and an asset to his profession.

As a community activist, he worked to beautify St. John and keep it clean.

He taught religion classes for many years every Monday night at St. Joan of Arc school.  

Occasionally, he enjoyed coming to the jail with me and sharing with the inmates.

He loved people, especially those who seemed to have no hope.

My prayers go out to his loving wife Margaret and daughters Monique and Bernie. May God give them a peace that only He can give at a time such as this.         

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.