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Thomas John Van der Leun (October 1947-November 2020)

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
— Psalm 139

Peacefully, at home with his wife and son and grandchildren after a long illness, in the 73rd year of his age. Brother, teacher, loving husband, father, and grandfather.

My mother and father had three sons. Tom was the best of us.

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Skorpion November 3, 2020, 10:35 PM

    Memory Eternal!

  • Sally J Dungan November 3, 2020, 10:52 PM

    Such a loss on such a day. God Bless.

  • LP November 4, 2020, 12:08 AM

    This made me cry. Just to see your brother’s photo and hear about him was moving. God Bless.
    My parents had seven children and my brother Tom was the best of us too.

  • julie November 4, 2020, 12:11 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss, Gerard. May God once more grant your family comfort, grace, and mercy.

  • azlibertarian November 4, 2020, 12:15 AM

    Condolences to a friend I’ve never met.

  • PA Cat November 4, 2020, 12:21 AM

    Prayers up for you and the rest of your family, Gerard. May God bless you all with His peace and comfort.

  • Groman November 4, 2020, 1:49 AM

    Prayers for you and your family, may he Rest In Peace

  • Suzannetrait November 4, 2020, 1:51 AM
  • Bibliophile November 4, 2020, 2:52 AM

    Condolences to you and yours, sir.
    B-phile

  • JoeDaddy November 4, 2020, 2:55 AM

    Sadness.

  • Kevin in PA November 4, 2020, 3:09 AM

    I’m sorry for your loss, Gerard.
    Based on your comment – “My mother and father had three sons. Tom was the best of us.” He must have been a heck of a guy!
    Prayers your way.

  • Phil in Englewood November 4, 2020, 3:17 AM

    Sadness and heartfelt condolences, Gerard. Losing a brother has a special poignancy; I feel it having lost my brother last month. May your brother be embraced by all those he loved who have gone before him.

  • John Venlet November 4, 2020, 3:53 AM

    My condolences, Gerard. God Bless.

  • Dan Patterson November 4, 2020, 3:55 AM

    Nothing I can write will ease the sadness and loss of your brother’s death, just know the many people here offer their support and prayer for you and the family and friends. A better life awaits.

  • Snakepit Kansas November 4, 2020, 4:16 AM

    Prayers, sir.

  • MOTUS November 4, 2020, 4:22 AM

    No words can salve your loss. God bless you Gerard.

  • Nori November 4, 2020, 4:24 AM

    That’s a really nice profile portrait of your brother,Gerard. Yours is a handsome family.
    Heartfelt condolences from us all.

  • ghostsniper November 4, 2020, 4:30 AM

    Terrible. I’m sorry for your loss. As far as that “best of us” stuff, he probably thought the same of you.
    I am the oldest of 3 brothers. Lost the 2nd oldest 10 years ago, and the youngest almost 2 years ago. I’m the last in line. Time is short.

  • Christopher L Hunt November 4, 2020, 4:34 AM

    My sincere condolences and prayers for you and your family.

  • Nobody Atall November 4, 2020, 4:38 AM

    My deepest condolences, Gerard. Prayers will be offered to the Lord Who abides.

  • Hale Adams November 4, 2020, 4:56 AM

    Oh no, Gerard!

    >_<

    ;_;

  • Chris November 4, 2020, 5:17 AM

    I’m so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you in your hour of need

  • Joe November 4, 2020, 5:23 AM

    My condolences on your loss.

  • Buster November 4, 2020, 5:30 AM

    My sincere condolences to you and the family.

  • Ed November 4, 2020, 5:44 AM

    My most sincere condolences. I just lost my brother on Halloween. He was 13 years my senior so we weren’t as close as brothers should be. When I was going into kindergarten he was going into the Army. As the years went by, the gap narrowed, and we grew closer together. A simple man with simple tastes and a quiet way of life. I miss him.

  • Mumblix Grumph November 4, 2020, 5:48 AM

    I offer my condolences, my friend. Dwell not that he is gone, but instead on that he lived.

  • Terry November 4, 2020, 5:54 AM

    Please accept my and my wife Susie’s warmest condolences Gerard.

    Your brother is now walking with God. Such as you typed for me at the loss of my eldest son.

  • mmack November 4, 2020, 6:00 AM

    Gerard,

    My condolences and prayers on your brother’s passing.

  • Marica November 4, 2020, 6:05 AM

    Deepest sympathies for you and your family, Gerard.

  • Jewel November 4, 2020, 6:05 AM

    I am truly sorry for your loss. Yours has been an astonishing purgatory to witness. And a great witness you are to us of it. May God bless and keep you, and grant them eternal rest.
    Jewel

  • Stiiv November 4, 2020, 6:13 AM

    I am very sorry for your loss, Gerard.

  • Annie Rose November 4, 2020, 6:25 AM

    My deepest condolences on the passing of your brother. May God comfort you with memories of better times and the assurance that one day you will be together again.

  • CA November 4, 2020, 6:29 AM

    My condolences, sir.

  • Blonde Gator November 4, 2020, 6:48 AM

    Condolences, Gerard, for you and your family.

  • Dirk November 4, 2020, 6:55 AM

    God Speed!. Prayers out for your brother, our nation.

    Dirk

  • Susan November 4, 2020, 7:22 AM

    So sorry for your loss, Gerard. May God comfort you and your family.

  • Boat Guy November 4, 2020, 7:25 AM

    Please allow me to add my condolences, other words fail me.
    God Bless

  • Andrew November 4, 2020, 7:33 AM

    Most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers. You know the pain of loss will ease with time, even though it does no good now. But it will ease. And you’ll think of him every day, and smile at the best of memories.

  • Susan November 4, 2020, 7:37 AM

    So sorry for this loss in your family.

  • Bill Henry November 4, 2020, 7:39 AM

    I am sorry for your loss… a brother’s loss, is a heavy thing..

    the forts..
    the fights..
    the tears..
    the smiles..

    Philemon 1:7
    7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

    In Christ,
    God Bless

  • Casey Klahn November 4, 2020, 7:41 AM

    A fitting memorial and I am sorry for your loss.

  • leelu November 4, 2020, 7:56 AM

    Oh, Gerard,
    I am so sorry for you for your loss.
    Prayers.
    Lee

  • Anne November 4, 2020, 8:01 AM

    “we can love completely without complete understanding.” (Norm MacLean) I am sure he knew you loved him and that would have been a wonderful gift!

    Praying for you.

  • Amazed November 4, 2020, 8:08 AM

    A beautiful tribute you’ve given your brother.

    “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love” — Washington Irving

    Condolences and prayers, Mr. VanderLeun.

  • John the River November 4, 2020, 8:14 AM

    Sincere condolences to you and your family.

  • Sisu November 4, 2020, 8:35 AM

    Your choice of Pslam 139 words are telling of who you are. Keep Faith and G_d’s Blessings and Strength will maintain you.

  • John Fisher November 4, 2020, 8:53 AM

    My condolences for you loss, Gerald.

  • RosalindJ November 4, 2020, 8:58 AM

    Please accept my condolences for your loss. Prayers of comfort for you and the rest of the family. I am sad to read this.

  • tim November 4, 2020, 9:00 AM

    Sorry for your loss Gerard.

  • Ed McCabe November 4, 2020, 9:17 AM

    Condolences to you and yours, Gerard.

  • Missy November 4, 2020, 9:21 AM

    I envy you having had such a brother, and a ruggedly handsome one at that. May the Lord bless and keep him.

  • william heinrich November 4, 2020, 10:51 AM

    Observing interweb silence yesterday and today lest I damage me equipment and or this frail body. Something told me to just check in with you and what sad news. My heart goes out to you in this moment. It is like you to lavish the love and praise on him as being the best. I have three of my own and think the same of all of them.

  • Richard G. November 4, 2020, 10:57 AM

    Psalm 90

    1 A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
    2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.
    3 Thou turnest man back to the dust, and sayest, “Turn back, O children of men!”
    4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
    5 Thou dost sweep men away; they are like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning:
    6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
    7 For we are consumed by thy anger; by thy wrath we are overwhelmed.
    8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
    9 For all our days pass away under thy wrath, our years come to an end like a sigh.
    10 The years of our life are threescore and ten, or even by reason of strength fourscore; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.
    11 Who considers the power of thy anger, and thy wrath according to the fear of thee?
    12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
    13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on thy servants!
    14 Satisfy us in the morning with thy steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
    15 Make us glad as many days as thou hast afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.
    16 Let thy work be manifest to thy servants, and thy glorious power to their children.
    17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands upon us, yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
    ___
    The Universe is wondrous and our sojourn to brief.
    You are cherished in your time of grief.

  • johnoostenryk November 4, 2020, 11:14 AM

    OH man! SO sorry to hear… Words but barely function, to convey what I wish to assist, through sorrow and reflection…
    I pray the woods you visit, do buoy you and company all, in this time, of all things.
    I was new to your writings last year… I am grateful for them, and your continued perspective!
    Thank YOU!
    Always Best Regards,
    JO:)

  • Cynyr November 4, 2020, 12:31 PM

    Best wishes. Peace. Rely on The Comforter.

  • Auntie Analogue November 4, 2020, 12:33 PM

    Agnus Dei, Qui tollis peccata mundi, dona eis requiem sempiternam.

    May thou gaze heavenward, perhaps to glimpse fleetingly the hem of the robe of the angel who lifts thereto thy brother’s soul.

  • Helene Fagan bidwell November 4, 2020, 12:36 PM

    So sorry for your loss to add to so much you have gone through. What a beautiful tribute. God bless you and may hosts of angels see him to his rest.https://www.facebook.com/celticwoman/

  • Minta Marie Morze November 4, 2020, 12:44 PM

    I’ve been crying all morning for America, and I went to Neo and found the terrible news that your beloved brother has died and I am consumed by an overpowering grief. You are one of my favorite people, Gerard. I am praying for your family. I’ve lost 3 brothers, every one a nearly unconsolable grief, leaving us only the support of our friends and of the God in whose presence your brother now stands. I wish I knew the words to say. Please know that your wisdom and poetry has saved me in many crisis moments of my life, and I will pray also that you will find words from others among your commenters that will bring you some solace.

  • Carol Baker November 4, 2020, 12:52 PM

    I am so very sorry for your loss – He looked like an amazing fellow and I am sure will
    be missed deeply by his family. The song and video was so moving!!
    May God comfort you and your family while you lay him to rest…

    A Huge fan from Charleston SC

  • KC November 4, 2020, 1:31 PM

    Gerard, I am so sad to read about the death of your brother. It is hard to lose someone who has always been part of your life. I learned someone who I thought the world of passed away this morning. After the disappointing news of the election and these deaths, it feels like the worst Monday of my life. You and your family have my sincere condolences.

  • J.J. November 4, 2020, 1:38 PM

    Deepest condolences, Gerard. May God bless you and yours.

  • Kairn November 4, 2020, 2:01 PM

    Dearest Gerard,
    Yes, I am an unseen friend to you, but one who has read and felt your heart as you shared your life with us over the internet ethers for all these years. I hope today and the days to come, that you will feel the energy of myself reaching out to you with a comforting hand on your shoulder.
    My heartfelt condolences to you and family during this time of grief.

  • Joe Krill November 4, 2020, 2:29 PM

    Gerard, You both have been blessed. Continue to do right knowing full-well that the lives that you help may one day greet you at heavens door.

  • brinster November 4, 2020, 2:32 PM

    Condolences Gerard. Knowing he was part of your family is enough to say he was a fine man. As is his brother. May almighty God comfort you and yours. Excuse me while I wipe the tears away.

  • BroKen November 4, 2020, 2:34 PM

    So sorry for you loss. I am praying for you and your family…. especially his wife and kids. May the Great Comforter enter into that hole in your hearts providing that peace and joy which comes from God through faith in Christ Jesus.

  • Jack Crevalle November 4, 2020, 2:54 PM

    I offer my sincere condolences and prayers for you, your brother, and your families.

  • theduchessofkitty November 4, 2020, 2:56 PM

    My most sincere condolences on the loss of your brother.

  • steve walsh November 4, 2020, 3:07 PM

    What a beautiful tribute you have written. Condolences on the loss of your brother.

  • Stargazer November 4, 2020, 3:20 PM

    My heart goes out to you and your family.

  • Leah Kabaker November 4, 2020, 3:25 PM

    So very very sorry for your loss. These last few years have certainly taken a lot away from you, your home, your mother and now your brother. May you find peace in Gods’ grace.

  • Chris November 4, 2020, 3:40 PM

    I’ll light a candle and pray.

  • Kristin November 4, 2020, 3:44 PM

    My deepest condolences on the loss of your brother Tom. It’s been a tough time lately for you and your family and I feel very sad with you.
    May all the good memories fill the hole in your heart.

  • Phil in Englewood November 4, 2020, 3:57 PM

    I am reminded of this. May the waves move your brother back down the shore.
    *****************************************************************************
    At last the entire family stood, like people seeing someone off at the rail station, waiting in the room.
    “Well,” said Great-grandma, “there I am. I’m not humble, so it’s nice seeing you standing around my bed. Now next week there’s late gardening and closet-cleaning and clothes-buying for the children to do. And since that part of me which is called, for convenience, Great-grandma, won’t be here to step it along, those other parts of me called Uncle Bert and Leo and Tom and Douglas, and all the other names, will have to take over, each to his own.”
    “Yes, Grandma.”
    “I don’t want any Halloween parties here tomorrow. Don’t want anyone saying anything sweet about me; I said it all in my time and my pride. I’ve tasted every victual and danced every dance; now there’s one last tart I haven’t bit on, one tune I haven’t whistled. But I’m not afraid. I’m truly curious. Death won’t get a crumb by my mouth I won’t keep and savor. Do don’t you worry over me. Now, all of you go, and let me find my sleep. . . .”
    Somewhere a door closed quietly.
    “That’s better.” Alone, she snuggled luxuriously down through the warm snowbank of linen and wool, sheet and cover, and the colors of the patchwork quilt were bright as the circus banners of old time. Lying there, she felt as small and secret as on those mornings eighty-some-odd years ago when, wakening, she comforted her tender bones in bed.
    A long time back, she thought, I dreamed a dream, and was enjoying it so much when someone wakened me, ant that was the day when I was born. And now? Now, let me see . . . She cast her mind back. Where was I? she thought. Ninety years . . . how to take up the thread and the pattern of that lost dream again? She put out a small hand. There . . . Yes, that was it. She smiled. Deeper in the warm snow hill she turned her head upon her pillow. That was better. Now, yes, now she saw it shaping in her mind quietly, and with a serenity like a sea moving along an endless and self-refreshing shore. Now she let the old dream touch and lift her from the snow and drift her above the scarce-remembered bed.
    Downstairs, she thought, they are polishing the silver, and rummaging the cellar, and dusting the halls. She could hear them living all through the house.
    “It’s all right,” whispered Great-grandma, as the dream floated her. “Like everything else in this life, it’s fitting.”
    And the sea moved her back down the shore.

    – from Dandelion Wine (1957) by Ray Bradbury

  • Lin November 4, 2020, 4:04 PM

    My sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. Godspeed, Thomas.

  • Larry Francis Jones November 4, 2020, 4:19 PM

    My most sincere condolences…Lost my brother many years back….and still miss him. There are no words to stop the pain…only time can do that and even then, it is only dulled. It is the price for living and loving. We each endure it on our own time, as you know. Keep punching, I enjoy your view points.

  • Zaphod/Kinch November 4, 2020, 4:42 PM

    Deepest Condolences, Gerard. It’s been a tough time these past few years for you and yours.

    None of us who don’t die young can escape your time of life and the slow and fast Takings Away.

    But you still have your Gift. Something many would sell their souls to have a tenth part thereof. So when you are able to again, please Write.

  • Mary Ann November 4, 2020, 5:25 PM

    Gerard, my heart goes out to you. I lost my sister in July. She was the younger sister with our brother in between us. He has been diagnosed with a lymphoma with no “cure”. I am the oldest and trying to avoid considering a future as the last “man” standing. I pray for you and your family. May God’s grace be with you.

  • Dinah November 4, 2020, 6:04 PM

    Gerard…..what sad news! You and your brother’s family are in my prayers….please accept my condolences.

  • Jeff Brokaw November 4, 2020, 6:09 PM

    My condolences Gerard.

  • Jeff Brokaw November 4, 2020, 6:18 PM

    I was not blessed with any siblings but I sure can imagine how hard it must be to lose someone you knew literally your entire life, from your earliest memories, and shared so many life events with … I never had that and I grieve that sometimes. Growing up with siblings adds dimensions to your life that are irreplaceable. At least my three sons have each other …

  • TC November 4, 2020, 7:04 PM

    Very sorry for your loss. Tragic.

  • Kevin Shaughan Dickson November 4, 2020, 7:08 PM

    at the same time we are getting used to so
    many leaving, we are hanging on with a grip

    to the ones left: …
    A. R. Ammons

  • edaddy November 4, 2020, 7:37 PM

    Lo, there do I see my father, my sisters and my brothers … the line of my people, back to the beginning.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e9bZD86s3g

  • Aggie November 4, 2020, 7:41 PM

    Please accept my condolences and best wishes.

  • Raincityjazz November 4, 2020, 9:02 PM

    We are praying for you and your family, Gerard. To lose a brother is so very hard.

  • captflee November 4, 2020, 9:24 PM

    Most sincere condolences, Gerard. Of late, when ambling down the verges of little traveled roads I try to get in several prayers per mile, traffic permitting, so will add y’all to the list.

  • Anonymous November 5, 2020, 5:05 AM

    We are diminished.

  • Wendy K Laubach November 5, 2020, 5:13 AM

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.

  • orcadrvr November 5, 2020, 5:31 AM

    I am truly sorry for your loss.
    You have had a rough couple of years, I think.
    Things will get better.

  • Anon November 5, 2020, 5:41 AM

    May you be comforted and may his soul rest in peace. So sorry for your loss.

  • Old Surfer November 5, 2020, 6:08 AM

    So sorry for your loss. We lost the youngest brother a few years ago as well.

  • MMinAR November 5, 2020, 6:08 AM

    My sincere condolences to you and the family. God speed Tom.

  • chuck quackenbush November 5, 2020, 6:12 AM

    warm wishes and respectful condolences to you and your family

  • Shreveman November 5, 2020, 6:23 AM

    My prayers for Tom and your family. God bless you all.

  • Jennifer Rust November 5, 2020, 6:24 AM

    My deepest sympathy, Gerard. May God grant your brother eternal rest and comfort you in your loss.

  • Elizabeth Harper November 5, 2020, 6:24 AM

    My condolences on the loss of your brother. Will keep Tom and your family in my prayers.

  • Kurt November 5, 2020, 6:44 AM

    Know, dear friend, that the God of All Comfort has received your cherished brother into His arms, and those same Everlasting Arms will hold you close during this time of sorrow. He will never leave us, nor forsake us…

  • Martin Hanly November 5, 2020, 7:33 AM

    So sorry for your loss, Gerard. My brother was the best of us as well.

  • Dave Jenkins November 5, 2020, 7:42 AM

    Gerard, I am very sorry to read of your loss. Stay strong in these troubling times.

  • jwm November 5, 2020, 7:45 AM

    Late though it is, I’ll add my condolences. The years add up too soon for all of us.

    JWM

  • WDS November 5, 2020, 8:42 AM

    My deepest condolences to all. Deepest.

  • gwbnyc November 5, 2020, 8:55 AM

    I had one, also- now gone long.

    We were four, then three, then two.

    I’m the last standing, at a distance.

    No one’s brother, no one’s son.

  • Jack November 5, 2020, 8:59 AM

    I’m saddened to learn of your brother’s passing and I hope that you will remember his life and the experience of having him as a brother and contributor to your own life with fond and happy memories and without embracing, too tightly, the temporal aspects of living. We are only here for a short time, a micro-dot in eternity, ‘a point along a line that runs forever, without end’ but our souls, filled with Godly fabric and intelligence never pass or fade.

    And, he was most fortunate. He had you for a brother. God Bless you and your family.

  • Metternich November 5, 2020, 9:16 AM

    Gerard, may the Lord guide and comfort you and yours in this time of grief. RIP.

  • Graham November 5, 2020, 9:19 AM

    Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Sincere condolences Gerard on the passing of your dear brother.

  • Harry November 5, 2020, 9:23 AM

    I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother.

  • sharksauce November 5, 2020, 10:58 AM

    I never had a brother. I hope you love the time you had together.

  • ed in texas November 5, 2020, 4:43 PM

    Sounds flip, but:
    That basically sux.
    I know when my brother Travis passed, I of the witty reparte, had nothing.
    I am steadily running out of family.
    Vaya Con Dios

  • ahem November 5, 2020, 4:45 PM

    I am so sorry to hear of your dear brother, Thomas’s, passing.

    Memory Eternal
    https://youtu.be/si_H9GXuGtU?t=3

  • Anonymous November 5, 2020, 5:14 PM

    We’ll meet again, later on, wherever it is you have gone. We’ll hug and laugh and cry; our brotherly love cannot die. Blessings.

  • Dindydee November 5, 2020, 6:36 PM

    Gerard, I’m so sorry. Your losses have come in 3’s: first, your mom, then your home and now your brother, each devastating and heartbreaking to bear over a such a short span of time. My heart is heavy, for you give so much to have lost so much, but please know this virtual friend feels your losses with you.

  • Lance de Boyle November 5, 2020, 7:29 PM

    I’m so sorry, Gerard.

  • David Marshall November 6, 2020, 5:42 AM

    I am crushed.. truly crushed, this morning..

  • Charles R Harris November 6, 2020, 6:02 AM

    I’m late to this news, but sorry to hear it. These days 73 seems young, just a few weeks ago I learned that and old girl friend had died at 63 and it hit me hard. That just isn’t right.

  • CHARLES CURTIS CROSS November 6, 2020, 10:06 AM

    Lost my brother 13 years ago ,do not know if he is dead or alive, however ,please accept my condolences. GOD is in control and he has plan. I just discovered your blog and I check it out everyday. Thanks and GOD speed , better day are coming. Your newest friend C.C.

  • Teri Pittman November 6, 2020, 10:37 AM

    So very sorry for your loss. It’s been an awful year. I hope we all survive it.

  • Linda Bennett November 6, 2020, 11:15 AM

    Tom and Kim are dear friends of mine…thank you for the lovely tribute. I am so sorry for your loss…Tom was a “bigger than life” kind of guy…everyone who met him loved him.

  • Melissa Fowlkes November 6, 2020, 2:04 PM

    I was lucky enough to be a teacher at Hennessy when Tom also worked there. I’ve known Tom and Kim for decades, and love them both. Tom was always the optimist and loved having fun. Life, to Tom, was a perpetual good time, filled with always-interesting people and adventures abounded. God has a new angel in Heaven, and we have a lifetime of Tom’s spirit in our hearts.

  • old codger November 6, 2020, 2:18 PM

    My condolences! I’m certain he knew you loved him and hope that you left nothing unsaid or unresolved. Then, you both left each other in peace!

  • Joe November 6, 2020, 3:46 PM

    May the Lord comfort all who mourn.

    It is not the end, only a pause from your perspective. You will see each other again.

  • greg November 6, 2020, 5:40 PM

    I grieve with you, my friend.

  • Joel November 6, 2020, 6:13 PM

    Condolences, sir.

  • Octothorpe November 7, 2020, 6:02 AM

    You have my most sincere condolences, sir.

  • Steve in Greensboro November 7, 2020, 7:46 AM

    Sincere condolences. Hard to know what to say in these circumstances, but listening to the radio just now I heard a song that made me think of you and your brother. The Reverend Frank Newsome “Gone Away With a Friend”. All the best.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBxSjxzV2Go

  • Lady Cutekitten of Lolcat November 7, 2020, 1:29 PM

    Condolences!

  • Mizz E November 7, 2020, 2:31 PM

    ✍ May your best memories of Tom help ease the pain of grief at this sorrowful time. God bless you and the family. -Tanis

  • Paul W. Ross November 8, 2020, 10:50 AM

    I am so sorry for your family’s recent losses. Your late mother & now brother meant so MUCH to you!

  • John and Donna November 8, 2020, 7:56 PM

    He was a wonderful man and will be missed, but never forgotten. Our deepest sympathies.

  • Andrew Pryzant November 9, 2020, 8:06 PM

    Very sad news. My heartfelt condolences on your loss. The good die too soon and the evil persist.

  • Danielle Holthe (Felker) November 9, 2020, 8:32 PM

    I’m sorry for your loss Gerard. Auntie Loos told so many great “brother stories.” I hope all your memories of him will bring you comfort.

  • Maxine Arvidson November 10, 2020, 6:44 PM

    Isa 40:31
    Loved this sweet fun brother in Christ.
    Now he is free! Praise You Lord for allowing me to know Tom

  • Joan Of Argghh! November 11, 2020, 10:10 AM

    For I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
    And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I shall see God,
    whom I shall see for myself,
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.. Job 19:25-27

    Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding, gently walk with those who mourn, especially Gerard. Surround him with your love, that hey may not be overwhelmed by such loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Deepest condolences, Gerard.