August 19th marked an unfortunate day for the community as 30 year old Tom Doyle passed away in his sleep. The news spread quickly about the passing of this hilarious karaoke host and dear friend to many.

Tom had died peacefully in his sleep as Damon Rabotte, Tom’s longtime partner, explained: “Just so everyone knows the story I will tell you. My last night together with Tom was wonderful. He came home from working at Redwing with our friend Shelly and we all sat around talking about how the night went. I kissed him goodnight and he stayed in the living room to watch TV. I awakened the next morning to head off to work and he was snoring on the couch as usual, so I told him to get in the bed but he was comfortable where he was. I headed off to work and when I returned I found that he had passed away in his sleep.”

Tom Doyle was born September 7, 1979 in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to San Marcos, California when he was 5. Tom began his passion for performing at a young age, his mother having been his main source of inspiration as his sister, Kelly Doyle Fox, described: “He and our mother sang all the time around the house. She would teach him some of the old Irish songs that were revered in our family. Tommy and our mother both had beautiful voices and would fill our house with song constantly.”

Having a natural talent for singing and performing, Tom took this talent and made it into a passion. He began performing with a Vista playhouse when he was little and was involved in the Drama Club while attending San Marcos High School. He graduated with the class of 97’.

Tom’s passion for theatre stretched beyond his high school years. In summer of 2009, Tom performed with the Coronado Playhouse’s production of “The IT Girl” where he was cast in the role of Jonathan Waltham. Tom’s other work included being an extra in the Harrison Ford film, “Hollywood Homicide” and “Yank!” at the Diversionary Theatre in 2008.

“My brother was an amazing and truly gifted person. He was extremely smart; he actually scored as a genius on an IQ test when we were young. He seemed to be good at anything he did,” stated Kelly.

This passion for stage work was the perfect fit for Tom as he began hosting karaoke nights at Flicks San Diego in Hillcrest, Redwing Bar and Grill in North Park and Bourbon Street in University Heights. Many of these hosting performances would be under his self-developed drag queen personality, Hannah Barbera. “Tom was a perfect fit and became instantly popular through his charismatic personality and great singing voice. Tom was always in a good mood and enjoyed his position at Flicks,” said Nigel Mayer, Owner of Flicks.

“The Redwing was lucky to have Tom host our Karaoke nights. In all my experience there has never been a more entertaining, fun loving and hilarious host,” said Sarah Critchlow, owner of Redwing.

Tom was always known for his humorous nature, his caring personality, his talented and popular hosting skills and his amazing singing voice which drew crowds to his karaoke nights.

“There are NOT enough words to describe how gifted, smart, funny, outgoing, sweet, loveable and special he was! He would light up the room with just his presence and our family will feel his void for the rest of our lives,” stated Jamie Smith, Tom’s stepsister.

Tom’s true happiness revealed itself in the time spent with his longtime partner Damon Rabotte, “Tom was a man that was never at a loss for words. Our conversations were mostly of him talking and me listening, but I loved it that way. He intrigued me and made me want to listen. I love him and miss him so much,” said Damon.

The respective bars where Tom entertained many will be hosting memorials in honor of Tom’s life. His and Damon’s family will be attending:

• Friday August 28th, 2010 - Redwing at 9:00 p.m.

• Sunday August 29th 2010 – Flicks at 10:00 p.m.

• Tuesday August 31st 2010 – Bourbon Street at 9:00 p.m.

Even though Tom Doyle has passed away, his memory, love and entertainment he brought to his loved ones and the community will be remembered in the hearts of many. Tom’s father, Tom Doyle Sr. stated that he is “truly grateful for all the wonderful friends Tommy had and for all their blessings, prayers and sympathies.”

We offer our deepest condolences to Damon and the Doyle family for their loss. Tom is survived by his beloved partner Damon Rabotte, Tom’s father Tom Doyle Sr., stepmother Debby Doyle, sister Kelly Doyle Fox and stepsister Jamie Smith.