The man they called Tom C (1956-2015)

 Tom Clemeno, fondly called Tom C, has served IRRI for more than 34 years.

Tom Clemeno, agriculturist and former manager (1998-2010) of the Experiment Station (ES) of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), passed away at age 59 on 27 October 2015.

Tom served at IRRI for more than 34 years in different capacities starting as a research aide in 1984. He worked his way up to senior manager of ES, where he served for almost twelve years. Finally, he served as senior consultant at the Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Division in late 2013. 

              

Known as a man with a big heart, Tom supported various projects and was very active in employees' welfare. He led former IRRI employees’ associations, and groups such as the IRRI Filipino Scientists Association (IFSA) and the Society of IRRI Non-research Professionals (SINOP).

Tom, during the last days of his life, wrote a 14-page memoir The man they call Mr. Tom C, which was shared with family and friends during a funeral service held in his honor on 29 October 2015. He is survived by his wife Jovita, children Joanne Christianne, Timothy John, and Tom Justin, daughter-in-law May Lanuang, and granddaughter Louise Ysabelle. Tom's body was laid to rest on 30 October at Heaven’s Garden, Los Baños, Laguna.

Tom was considered a fine leader and a dear friend to many in the institute, and will be greatly missed. Friends and former colleagues who would like to extend help and contribute financially to Tom’s family may do so through IRRI’s sectoral organizations. 

                              "It's been all rice through my life (until today)." -Tom Clemeno

in a memoir titled The man they call Mr. Tom C.

 Full memoir, shared with permission from the Clemeno family.

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