Tom Eiff

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Tom Eiff.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since my wife Taffie and I moved from Chicago in 1998.

Which service do you typically attend?
The 9:00am service. I also really find power in Dcn Tom Lindell's Come and See service at 4:00pm on Sundays.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised in the Roman Catholic church.

How did you find your way to the Episcopal church?
By happenstance. When Taffie and I moved to Riverside, Connecticut we purchased a home that was across the street from St James Episcopal Church. Friends suggested we attend and that was it. Our son Jack was baptized there, our daughter Katherine was confirmed, Taffie was baptized and confirmed, and I was received into the Episcopal church.

You’ve been a member of Saint Philip’s for more than 25 years. What appeals to you?
A few things—in no particular order.

The fellowship of the community. We live 25 minutes away but make the drive almost every Sunday.

One of our twin granddaughters was born prematurely and died. Fr David Richardson was on staff then and he was very helpful to Taffie and me. We donated a stained glass window in the church to honor Anna Wright Eiff. The other twin is about to graduate from Skidmore College in New York.

We also commemorated our dogs with plaques near the St Francis altar by the labyrinth.

And finally, Taffie and I purchased our columbarium niches not too long ago. We’ll be here forever!

How are you involved in the parish?
In the past, I served on the Vestry and I volunteer currently as an usher on Sundays.

What did you do professionally before retiring?
I had a business career. After attending Harvard Business School the career grew and I became Chairman of a bank in Chicago and was on the Board of Directors for the Marine Corps Museum. We raised $75 million to build it.

I have spent a major portion of my time the past forty years co-managing property in West Virginia that Taffie’s family developed after the civil war. I’m pleased that our son is now taking over that responsibility.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I was instrumental in having the Nuttall family mining complex designated as a National Historic site and, more recently, a key in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. I edited and published a book about that.

How and where did you and Taffie meet?
In 1965 on a blind date in San Diego (where Taffie grew up). After that evening we didn’t date anyone else. We married two years later and moved to Boston.

What’s something you’re grateful for?
Taffie. She really saved my life.

I drank compulsively until I made the decision to stop. Taffie could have walked out on me at any time during our marriage but she didn’t leave.

I’ve attended an Al Anon meeting (which has been more powerful for me than AA) for decades now. This group is the oldest men’s group in the United States. It meets three times a week at Saint Philip’s (and has for more than 30 years).

I’m also grateful for my late father who was always my “north” compass, the University of Notre Dame, Harvard, and the Marine Corps. I am defined by all four.

Do you have a favorite prayer?
The prayer on page 833 in the Book of Common Prayer. It’s attributed to St Francis.

But I have to add that a book I discovered during a retreat at Gethsemani, Kentucky in my junior year at Notre Dame is extremely worn because I’ve read and consulted it for so many years. It’s The Following of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

What do you do just for fun?
Physical activity. I ran the Chicago marathon in 1986 plus several other half-marathons. When I turned 50 I spent the next two summers participating in 13 half-triathlons. I’ve done the El Tour bike race here in Tucson seven times.

But last September, I had a heart attack that brought me up short. I could have died. I had surgery for more than six hours to repair my aortic valve. I’m recovering, and finishing up my cardio rehab. My goal is to ride in the El Tour this November.

What’s one of your super powers?
I’m good at engaging people.

For the past eight or nine years, I’ve had breakfast every morning with five other men. We visit different restaurants in search of the cheapest coffee. Not the best. The cheapest!

We discuss everything from religion to politics in a space that allows for disagreement. It’s a unique situation.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I’ve traveled around the world—and almost got stranded in Pakistan.

Do tell!
I was in the Marine Corps and stationed in East Asia. I hopped an embassy plane for a ride back to the United States. That sounds great until I tell you that the plane made a stop in Karachi, Pakistan and two other men and I were told that our seats were needed for other personnel…and we had to leave the plane.

So the three of us found ourselves sitting on the tarmac in the middle of the desert with camels walking around. We had no idea what to do.

Luckily, an hour later another plane came in and the pilot asked what our story was. We told him we needed a ride to anywhere. We boarded and flew to Tehran, Athens, and finally to Rome. I got off and traveled around Europe.

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.