On behalf of the Bella Vista Newsroom a contribution to the naturally loving husband, father, and coach, Tom Laythe is being made. Coach Tom impacted an array of lives. Students, athletes, coaches, and peers are so deeply touched by the spunky soul and zestful spirit.
Coach Tom passed away on the morning of January 1, 2021, due to COVID-19 complications. Since then, loads of prayers, tributes, and stories pervaded social media pages to spread the word of the tragedy, touching the hearts of current and former Broncos.
Coach Tom grew up in Oregon where he also attended college, majoring in an English subject. As an early adult, Tom met his irreplaceable wife Nadine. Mr. and Mrs. Laythe have three children, one son, and two daughters. They also have the pleasure of being grandparents for their two grandchildren. Tom’s buoyant personality made it effortless for him to get himself involved in an array of different activities. He was an active participant as a runner for the Aggie Running Club and, not surprisingly, made lifelong friends that he played recreational golf with. In his early years, Tom took a job at Reebok where he also made a great deal of loving, lifelong friends. After his time at Reebok came to an end, he began his teaching career. Tom continued his journey of touching the lives of everyone he met when he became a teacher at San Juan High School, where he taught for twenty-plus years. “He was also actively on campus as a sub to keep his finger on the pulse of the school and his athletes during the school day”, expresses Coach Wright. Many people were not aware that Tom was a teacher at all, for he is extremely well known for his contribution as a cross country coach. Coach Tom also taught at El Camino High School and St. Francis High School, prior to coming to Bella Vista High School. Tom’s admiration for those around him allowed him to naturally relate and comfort his students and athletes. Always by his side was his purely talented K-9, Odie, whom he had as not only a companion but an assistant with his students and his athletes. Like the perfect match, Odie and Tom bounced off of each other’s magnanimity and made things happen for all who had the pleasure of knowing them together.
Tom’s extreme passion for running played a lofty role in his life as a coach. Tom pushed his runners to be the best they could be. “He was an example of selflessness, and always encouraged me to do my best and learn from my experience.” (Leila Swenson, Junior) Tom took great pride in his ability to touch so many people with his peaceful knowledge, but he was nowhere near egotistical, for his selflessness prospered and became known as one of his best characteristics. “... Tom was such a great coach because he genuinely cared for every single one of his runners….his passing really broke my heart because Tom was the kind of loving, charismatic person that is so incredibly rare…” (Harrison Low, Junior) Tom shines excellence. His ability to take a situation and squeeze every inch of positivity and greatness out of it is something that will continue to inspire a drastic number of athletes. Coach saw the potential in every single individual, especially his runners, and never did he once let any of them down. Harrison proceeds to express his experience of Coach Tom’s stories; as many people are fond of, “When thinking about the impact he had on my life, it’s hard not to remember the long, heartfelt stories he would tell me that always included his famous saying, ‘it’s all good’... it means persevering even though it may hurt, it means one more hill repeat, and it means to ‘drop the hammer’ on whatever I’m struggling with in life.” Taking the extra step, Coach Tom took the time and effort to accommodate not only those who brought the most success but also those who struggled the most. This inevitably allowed for continuous bonds to be made, establishing a beautiful family of loyalty and significance out of his athletes. “He truly was my family. He was there to support me in so many critical moments even if he didn’t realize it,” emphasizes Senior, Bruce Marlatt. A wise and well-versed man in the art of mindful running and epigenetics, Coach never failed to have scholarly words to assist someone in any given situation. “I went to him whenever I needed a critical opinion. Sometimes he gave me the guidance I never knew I needed.” (Bruce Marlatt, Senior) Tom Laythe had a special way of getting people together by the use of common interest, never letting a conversation vanish without a good laugh or a valuable lesson learned.
Not a day goes by that his teachings, famous sayings, and positive impacts aren’t thought of. It is no exaggeration to say that Coach Tom changed the lives of hundreds of people, leaving behind a spark of greatness everywhere he stepped. His optimism shines through his athletes today as we continue to fight against the loss of our dearest Coach Tom.
Our love and admiration for you will never falter. Forever in our hearts, Coach Tom will remain,
Bella Vista Newsroom