In Memoriam: Tom Pfaeffle
Tom Pfaeffle ::: photo courtesy of Jay Cox
We were deeply saddened to hear that local sound engineer and teacher Tom Pfaeffle was tragically killed Friday night.
Tom manned the boards and mics at Tank Studio in Black Diamond, WA where local bands and Sound on the Sound favorites like Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, The Sea Navy, and Wild Orchid Children recorded their records. Bands and students of sound flocked to Tom not only for his expertise, but because by all accounts, he was an absolutely wonderful guy who was passionate about perfectly capturing the sound and feel of a band. When Tom wasn’t recording at The Tank he was teaching the future sound technicians of Seattle as an audio production instructor at The Seattle Art Institute.
Tom’s death is a huge loss to the local music scene, and to his family, friends, students, and bands that worked with and loved him. Our deepest condolences to them all.
Racheal Huffman #
Hey Abbey!
Thank you for posting this! He was a mentor, and a father figure to us. As well as, an amazing husband and father to his children!
He will be missed, and we love him dearly. He is with the angels now!
-Rae!
Scott #
The news is heartbreakingly sad. To his wife and kids, my heart goes out. You are missed Tom, rest in peace.
Carrie #
You will be greatly missed by us all Tom. You weren’t just a teacher, you were also a friend who cared about us all. My heart and prayers go out to Val and his children.
Cody tegner #
Tom pfaeffle was a amazing human being and a ridiculously talented producer and live sound engineer. His presence in the Seattle, and national music scene will be forever remembered and missed. Pfaeffle taught many of my classes at the Art Institute, and was a huge inspiration. My band later called on him to run sound at countless shows. Anytime we had a big show in Seattle, Tom was always our first call. He was simply the best in the buisness. He will be greatly missed by our band, and countless other bands, colleagues, family and friends across the country, and the world. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace Tom, we’ll miss you.
~CJ “Riverbend”
Rhino #
I worked with Tom on the Double Header Tour back in 89. What a funny dude! Heart of gold!! R.I.P.
Roy Gleason #
A sensless and tragic loss to his family friends. My wife nad I will miss him always.
Shad Barstad #
Tom was the man… He was my sole inspiration to be in the audio industry. Taught most of my classes and I even worked for him at the Tank for a bit… This is utterly shocking and still can’t believe it… My heart goes out to Val and the kids… Such a tragedy.. Rest in Peace Tom… Much Love…
Gordon #
I am saddened by the tragic death of my long time friend. I have known Tom since the 7th grade. Even back then Tom was trying to make the sound better. Tom was a special person with a wonderful gift. I will miss him. My prayers go to his wife and family. Rest in peace Pfaf. Gordon Stewart
Erik 4-A #
Yep, I saw the news on Saturday July 18th, about Tom. It sucked. It made me think, “Why does this stuff happen to Good People?” I have no answer. Sometimes we just have to Live our lives as best we can in the shaddow of stuff like this.
Tom and I worked with a band in the mid 90s called Quickelixir at my studio (and also his) Both our names are on their CD ( I am lucky to have a copy of it in my collection too!) He was teaching at the Art Institute and working freelance as both a studio and live engineer. I was also working with lots of other bands around town. We had known each other for many years casually. So many of us Musical/Technical types never had time to hang out and chat with each other much. It was always hearing about stuff through the Grapevine. I was impressed with Tom’s work (and his non ego/personality driven work ethic). I kept in touch with him every now an again about Technical Issues (we both worked on Harrison consoles) He always answered my emails and made the time from his busy schedule to get back to me about questions I had. He was an honorable, decent person (a rare and wonderful thing in the Music Business!) I wish we could have worked more together. He will be missed.
KJ #
TOM U TRULEY HAD A BIG IMPACT ON MY LOVE AND YOU WILL TRULEY BE MISSED, I COULDNT BELIVE IT WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS, BUT THE MESSAGES U GAVE ME TO SUCCEED AND NEVER QUIT AND MEMMORIES YOUR GREAT PERSONALITTY WILL STAY WITH ME FOREVER SIR.
GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY U REST IN PEACE, I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN ONEDAY
Tim Herrlich #
I knew Tom a little back in the day. Out of all of us trying to figure out the music back then I was happy that Tom was the one to “make it”. He had one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known. My sincere condolences to his family. He will always watch over you
Jeff Batra #
I was a pupil of Tom’s at AIS, shocked to learn what had transpired. It is preposterous to me why such a man of impeccable integrity be taken from his family and this world, in such a manner. Hearing the news brought to light the fact that my experience with Tom was more than one of receiving instruction with regard to audio. He taught me how to get results, regardless of the task at hand. I will always remember Tom for his inspiration and his wisdom.
alaskanjules #
Such a Tragedy for the Seattle Music Industry!!!
My heart goes out to his Family.
Ty Christensen #
I was one of the many young folks that Tom inspired with his stories and skills. I will long remember his teaching days at AIS. Tom was an excellent man in every respect. I wish and hope his family well. May they be blessed beyond measure.
Ken Dunbar #
I never graduated AIS, however I learned alot about life from Tom. I learned how to be profesional and kind at the same time. How to guide and teach with passion and conviction. He will be missed greatly.
Allen Meeks #
I was a student of Tom’s about 10 years ago. He was by far, them most influential teach for me at AIS. Tom didn’t teach because he couldn’t do…. He taught to share his passion for audio with aspiring engineers.
I constantly reflect on the lessons i learned from Tom while at AIS. I use the techniques he taught me everyday. He always said, there’s no right way to engineer, and that it’s all about finding your own way of making things sound good. I drew on a lot of Tom’s techniques to develop my own and in that sense, Tom will live in the styles of the many students who capitalized on the opportunity to learn from one of the greats.
Jacob #
Tom used to get so pissed at me for showing up late to portfolio class. After a while he started locking the door so that the stragglers would have to suffer the humiliation of Tom’s speech about why engineers need to show up on time. He was a no bull shit dude. I gained knowledge from Tom that I will surely have to implement at some point and time in life. For that, I am forever grateful. Peace, love, and respect to him and his family.
Jeremy #
I learned about Tom’s passing just recently while talking with someone I know who is currently enrolled in the audio program at AIS. It was shocking to hear that one of my favorite teachers of all time was gone, and I was profoundly saddened to hear of the news. RIP Tom. You are missed.
AnnA #
I was a student of Tom’s at the Art Institute in 1996. He was my favorite instructor during my short time there. He was also the most credible given his real-life experience. He was a real, down-to-earth kind of guy that was respectful to everyone. I was stunned to hear the news of his death back when it happened. My heart goes out to his family. They must have been devastated beyond anything I have ever felt.