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Bikers take ride for ‘Big Tom’

Retired Edgewood teacher was killed in June automobile accident.

Tri-County Harley Davidson in Fairfield hosts a charity ride in memory of Thomas Highley, the retired Edgewood teacher killed in a car accident earlier this year, who also worked at Harley at the time of his death. Riders go through the intersection of Seward and Tylersville roads on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Staff photo by Samantha Grier Tri-County Harley Davidson in Fairfield hosts a charity ride in memory of Thomas Highley, the retired Edgewood teacher killed in a car accident earlier this year, who also worked at Harley at the time of his death. Riders go through the intersection of Seward and Tylersville roads on Saturday, Aug. 15.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 12:40 AM Sunday, August 16, 2009

FAIRFIELD — On a hot, sunny Saturday morning, Thomas Highley went for one final ride.

The 58-year-old retired Edgewood City Schools teacher and motorcycle enthusiast was remembered by more than 500 people and 250 bikes who came out to the Tri-County Harley-Davidson in Fairfield to take a motorcycle ride in his honor. Highley died in a June 3 car accident.

The ride, along with a silent auction, helped to raise money for a scholarship in Highley’s name for students who want to be teachers, said Jenni Sapyta, general manager of the Harley-Davidson store and event organizer.

Friends from the school where he taught as well as bikers who knew Highley — and some who didn’t — from his job at Harley-Davidson joined for a two-hour, 40-mile ride that included Edgewood schools, Highley’s residence in Wayne Twp., and the site of the accident at Cotton Run and Oxford-Middletown roads.

Family members stood outside his home and waved as the riders passed, many with tears in their eyes. Highley’s grandchildren held up banners reading “Thank You For Riding For My Grandpa.”

“I think this was an awesome turnout,” said Aaron Hornsby, an employee at Harley-Davidson who worked with Highley. “It was all pretty emotional for them.”

One of the riders, Glendale resident John Wagner, said he remembered how every weekend you could find Highley inside the store talking shop and giving advice to other bikers. He was so popular, eventually he was hired by Harley-Davidson and worked there on the weekends for 10 years.

But on the first Saturday in June, Wagner said he was surprised to find Highley not there. Instead a photo and a sign “In Memory of Big Tom” was in his place.

“He was a nice guy, a really nice guy,” he said. “It’s definitely a big day for Big Tom.”

Penny Judd, a past co-worker at Edgewood and Wayne Twp. neighbor, said she came out to ride with her husband to show support for her friend, “who was just so well liked.”

Jack and Debbie Brewer of Fairfield said they did not know Highley, but came out for the cause his name now represents.

“There was a lot of support especially at the schools,” Debbie said. “A lot of people were there with banners. Some were crying.”

Sapyta said they are still tallying funds, but hoped to raise $10,000 for the Highley scholarship.

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