Village Friends Gathered on January 24 for Tribute to Dr. Tom Nash

Re-naming the Video Studio as “The Tom Nash Studio” highlighted a gala event for over 100 friends from Laguna Woods Village and beyond on Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, in Clubhouse 7, held in honor of beloved club leader, Dr. Tom Nash, who died on October 27, 2025.

The Tribute for Tom Nash featured comments by Video Club President Jonathan Williams and four of Tom’s Village friends along with a short video about Tom by Jonathan (below), memories shared by members of the audience, and music by The Woods Combo, one of Tom’s favorite bands. In addition, guests received a full-color memorial program (below) designed by Bill Cartwright.

Event photos by John G. Peters, Jr.

For Tom’s obituary, see the website post about his passing. A video of the full Tribute event recorded by Jim Rohrs will be posted here soon. Scroll down to see the Tribute video and photos.

Click below to view and/or download the memorial program.

Remarks from the President

(Above) During his remarks, Video Club President Jonathan Williams displayed the plaque to be installed in The Tom Nash Studio, along with a framed photo of Tom.

Other Tribute Speakers

(Top, left) Among her memories of Tom, Cyndee Whitney described his many contributions to Thrive, a Village support group in which Tom was a active member.

(Top, right) Gila Zalon discussed the inspiration and leadership Tom gave to the Video Club’s Short Dramatic Films program, which has produced six films since 2018.

(Above, left) Joan Carman, wife of the late Steve Carman, recalled how Steve recruited Tom as his Vice President when he became the Video Club’s President in 2015. Over the next nine years, working together during Steve’s presidency, the two became close friends. Their legendary Tuesday luncheons were a favorite time to sort club issues.

(Above, right) Susan Wheeler shared memories of her friend, Tom, in the California Club (Tom served as the group’s President) and various dance groups (Tom was an enthusiastic social dancer).

The Woods Combo

Drummer Bill Hemberger and singer Moqui Lund performed with The Woods Combo. Other members of the popular band are Mark Hochberg and George Wiggins. Bill Hemberger also shared memories of Tom.

Members of the audience shared memories of Tom Nash.

(Top row, from left) Bill Cartwright and Tom’s neighbor, Mona Vedder. (Center row, from left) Mary Zolly and Barb Grear. (Above) So far, the speaker on the left is unidentified. At right is Bob Matonti.

The Tribute to Tom Nash was made possible in part by a generous gift from Susan Wheeler, who headed the organizing committee, assisted by Jonathan Williams, Lucy Parker, Cyndee Whitney, Bill Cartwright, and JoAnn Post. Helping serve refreshments were JoAnn Post, Julie Millet, John Caulfield, and Barb Grear.

The refreshments included some 20 bottles of wine found in Tom’s manor after his passing. Tom rarely drank, but, it turns out, he kept wine on hand for his friends. The collection was served at the Tribute, with unopened bottles distributed to guests. Also found in Tom’s manor were numerous bags of Cheetos, one of Tom’s favorite snacks. In recognition, Cheetos graced every table for the guests to enjoy — along with a delicious afternoon menu of coffee and pastries.