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Josie omelko posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Its a pleasure knowing you and you're one of a kind , the best!
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Brent Stumph posted a condolence
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Tom loved to play hockey. Actually, he really loved to play hockey. He played with the Cloverdale Oldtimers for over 20 years, until retiring to deal with ALS.
Many times, after a hard fought battle on the ice, Tom would look around the dressing room and say, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
His eyes would slowly scan the stark, windowless, foul-smelling dressing room full of overweight, middle-aged, tired hockey player wannabes, most of them walking around in their underwear.
Tom was right. How could it possibly get any better than that?
But I don’t think he was talking about what he saw, so much as what he felt.
He was talking about a room filled with good friends. Ordinary guys who shared his passion for hockey, who felt safe enough in that small room to talk openly about who they were and what was on their mind. Men who weren’t afraid to open up. In fact, if you told most of the wives that their husband had a gentler, softer side to their personality, the ladies surely wouldn’t believe you.
Tom was in his element in that dressing room, because he had a tender heart and he genuinely cared about the men gathered there.
Of course, the hockey was loads of fun. And Tom was among the elite. He could stickhandle end-to-end with little effort. He could stop even the most determined opposing forward trying to enter into Tom’s defensive zone. He could consistently pass tape-to-tape to his teammates. He was a well-rounded, unselfish player.
And when I say unselfish - he would rather pass than shoot. He would rather earn an assist than a goal. He would rather make his teammate look good instead of himself.
A few months ago, the guys on the team put a small book together, each writing just a few words of encouragement for Tom. If you haven’t seen it, try to get a quick look later today.
Anyways, there’s a thread throughout the book of Tom’s unselfish approach to the game. Over and over, you will read how Tom helped many of us over-the-hill, weekend warriors to better understand the nuances of the game and how to react in certain situations. I know he helped me over and over again.
He was quick to offer advice on the bench, or even on the ice during the game. He also thought nothing of explaining to players on the other team what they were doing wrong. In a nice way - during the game - with a smile on his face.
He was so patient with many of us. Mostly because we kept forgetting his sage advice. I guess that makes sense, since we are, after all, old timers. Memory loss seems to be a common occurrence.
Our team also hosted an annual sweetheart dance. If you ever attended one, you would have seen Tom as soon as you walked in the door. He was the guy who would take your ticket and then some of your money, so you were able to purchase some refreshments.
Those dances bring back a whole flood of memories, full of camaraderie and boisterous fun. In fact, the dances were almost as physical as the hockey games.
Tom will be remembered as a man of honour and integrity. A good friend. The kind of guy you’d like to have for a neighbour. Someone you knew you could count on.
In his final months, Tom had a lot of time to reflect on his mortality and what would happen to him in death. As a man of faith, I’m happy to say that Tom made a commitment to Jesus Christ and is in heaven right now with a perfect body. No more pain, no more suffering.
I look forward to seeing him again one day.
(As presented on behalf of the Cloverdale Oldtimers Hockey Club at Tom's Celebration of Life)
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Thomas Baer posted a condolence
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Dear Family of Tom Smith's,
I know my name is not well known with you, but the memories of your Tom are with me. They are like yesterday in my minds eye, and will always be there for me to reflect upon. Of what little I met with Tom, he shared so much with me of life, and how wonderful it had been to him. He never complained, but rejoiced of his wonderful family and fortune to have them about him.
I wish you all peace of heart in your great loss, and my deepest condolences, in this passing of a good husband, father, brother, and a man who made every one his friend.
Please be of good spirits and know I enjoyed this wonderful man who is left your presence for now, but whom will never leave any of our hearts.
My best to Tom's family and friends in this great loss,
Thomas J. Baer
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Your Love lit a candle
Saturday, September 26, 2015
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The brightest Star in the sky is your light that shines down so that our path is lit up and we can see the way clear.
K
Katrina and Alexandra Abbott posted a condolence
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Alexandra and I had the honour of meeting Tom for the first time 4 summers ago. I started dating Toms nephew Steven and when I told Ruth (Tom's sister) that we were going to BC for a vacation she asked me if we would go and meet her brother Tom. I said yes we would love to meet him.
So when we arrived in BC and got settled I called Tom. We met in Abbotsford at Tim Hortons and it was like I always new him. It felt so easy to talk with him. My daughter Alexandra was 11 and he talked to her like he knew her all her life. We stayed and talked, laughed and had a great visit for around 1.5 hrs. then Tom had to leave. We took pictures of each other together,I look at them frequently. We exchanged email addresses and since then we would email each other quite often. He loved to know about the family. I would send many pictures of what Steven and our family did and all the adventures that Steven and I went on like our canoe and motor bike trips. He sent me pictures of his family and his grandchildren and of his grass and how green it was when we still had 3ft of snow. I think he got a big kick out of that because I sent a picture of our front yard with all the snow...I asked him if he wanted to trade places and he kindly said "no thank you."
ALS is such a terrible disease to have, but Tom didn't let it take over him. What a tough man. A strong, loving, kind and gentle man that fought a great fight right to the very end.
Safe I have not met you yet, I know some day I will. But thank you for being so kind, loving and such a wonderful wife to such a great man.
Celebrate Tom with wonderful memories.
R
Ruth Nicholson posted a condolence
Thursday, September 24, 2015
This was written by Ruth Alcefta Nicholson, Tom Smith's eldest sister.
First and for most I would be remiss if I didn't express how greatfull I am to have been Toms big sister. Tom contributed so much to my life even though we lived a continent apart.
He was always just a phone call away and once connected it was as though we talked every day.
Tom was mellow even as a baby. Our parents were immersed in a family business. During the warm summer months Mom would feed him, settle him in his carriage and take him outside. There he slept until Mom was ready to go to bed usually around midnight good old fresh New Brunswick air.
The Christmas before Tom was three he learned and sang a solo in the Sunday School concert.
In the fall of 1967, Errol and I took Errol's sister and my four brothers and sister still at home, to Expo 67. Early one morning in the Russian pavillion Tom caught a large Russian sturgeon with his bare hands. He didn't hang on to it long but had it out of the water.
There was a change in Tom when our father left home he was only in his early teens. But you could see him striving so hard to be the man of the family. In some of the weird ways that life works, probably some of these advents lead up to the decision to go West. He left Victoria Corner immediately after graduating from high school and as I am writing this I am count on my fingers only 5 times that he was back to NB.
At this point I would to thank each of you in attendance for making him so content there in BC. That he could build his career, raise his family and be content to spend the final days of his life there.
To Toms friends and acquaintances I want to thank you all for supporting him.
To Kim I would like to say thank you first for introducing first Safe and Tom; for buoiying them up through the days of Toms illness; for the prayers you offered for Safe and Tom for being there with Safe at the time of his death and for everything you have done since. Safe said "Kim is looking after the celebration." So I know every "I" will be dotted and every "T" will be crossed. Thank you so much.
To Toms children, Jeff, Michelle and Kevin - do you have any idea how much he loved you and how proud he was of you, and then to give him Grandchildren - Karla and Emily you really don't know how much he talked about you both allot and then after the fatal diagnosis he thought there would be no more - then he had three plus years with Anna and Marcus. Lone and behold along comes little Carter this summer I am sure he felt abundentally blessed.
Kyle, his son who arrived through the back door - I am sure he was equally proud of you. He loved your Mom so much and he would have been relieved that you are back in BC for her.
Safe, I have left you until last because I do not know how to express the gratitude that I feel that Tom had you for his love, his wife and his soul mate. People who have been married much longer than you would never step up to the plate like the way you did. You went through so many trials together that I believe the way he died so peacefully was Gods final gift to the two of you.
Lets celebrate the life of a man who was honest, hard working, faithful, determined, kind and loving. Lets celebrate his conclusion with ALS it took his life but it never defined him. Celebrate my brother Tom.
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Gordon Betker posted a condolence
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Safe, Jeff, Michelle, Kevin and Kyle and all of Tom's friends. My deepest sympathy and condolences. Tom was always in my thoughts. He was a great dad and friend and loved by many. Tom was one of a kind. He will be missed. RIP
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Simon Tattersall posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Uncle Tom was a fun and interesting person to be around, often through my life when I watch NHL games I think of him. Sorry I couldnt make the service, may his lust for life live on through all of us.
Simon
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Joan Fisher pledged to donate to ALS Society of BC
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
In memory of Tom who fought ALS with such grace and unfailing humor. A life well lived.
Al and Joan
Please wait
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Colene posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
My deepest sympathies...Tom was a wonderful old friend that I will always remember for his wisdom, grace, dignity and of course, wicked sense of humour! To him, I was affectionately known as one of the "twisted sisters", so from this twisted sister, until we meet again, love you Tommy. xo
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Jim Gauthier posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Safé and Family,
It was very sad for Trina and I to hear of the loss of a wonderful man. He was a man of integrity, and a loyal friend. We had some really great visits in the last few months. He still had that Tom smile, and was truly glad to see me. He fought this battle with strength and dignity with unwavering love and support from you.
We will miss him dearly, and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Trina Gauthier
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Scott Rodger posted a condolence
Monday, September 21, 2015
Please accept our deepest condolences. Rest assured of our prayers.
Kverneland Group Canada's team
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Delana Dyer-Sewell posted a condolence
Saturday, September 19, 2015
So very sorry to hear of Tommy's passing.
We grew up next door to each other in Victoria Corner, NB and started Grade 1 together in a class of 3 at the one-room school with Mrs. Sharp.
Many good memories of playing with Cathy, Barbie, Billy and Tom. the Tibbetts, Heywoods and others.
May God bless you and your family during this sad time.
K
Karen & Raj posted a condolence
Friday, September 18, 2015
Dearest Safe & family,
Our deepest condolences to you and family. Raj & I had the great pleasure of meeting Tom while we were in BC 7 yrs ago, we will fondly remember our time at your home and our picnic together.
I'm sorry we are so far away and cannot be with you at this time, Safe you are in our hearts.
Our warmest regards,
Karen & Raj
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Gemiley Tsambazof posted a condolence
Friday, September 18, 2015
Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives.
My condolences.
Gemiley Tsambazof
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Heart lit a candle
Thursday, September 17, 2015
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Love
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Nancy molloy posted a condolence
Thursday, September 17, 2015
The moment I met Tom around 40 years ago, we became friends that teased and laughed with each other no matter what! His sense of humor was very unique and a straight shooter in what he thought would always make me laugh. He never held back so you always knew where you stood. R.I.P. Tom, and be at peace. You raised an amazing family and I'm blessed to be part of all their lives. Amen.
C
Carol White posted a condolence
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Dear and Safe and Family,
Bob and I are so sorry for the passing of Tom. He fought so valiantly and showed us what strength and love are through his journey. He was vibrant, a storyteller and just such a great guy. Although we didn't see you all that often we were welcomed into your family and it was always such a warm feeling. Bob and I will not be able to attend Tom's service but our thoughts will be with you and the family. Much love,
Bob and Carol
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Pat & Bert Paulssen uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 17, 2015
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Our day together on the water at Gibsons
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Pat & Bert Paulssen uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 17, 2015
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Our day together on the water at Gibsons
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Pat & Bert Paulssen posted a condolence
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Dear Safe & Family,
We have thought of you and Tom often over the years and have many fond memories of Tom at Lakeshore and of our wonderful day on the water together at Gibsons. Toms smile, personality and optimism will be something both of us will never forget.
Pat & Bert Paulssen
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Dorothy Hudson - Reimer posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
It was with shock that I heard of the passing of Tom. Our lives intersected during the 60's and 70's. So sorry to hear that he suffered and died from ALS but rejoice over the wonderful impact that he had on many peoples' lives. My sympathy to the family.
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Len Blatz posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Safe
This is such a shock to me and disbelief of the news . My heart felt condolences go out to you and your family . I was fortunate to know Tom at Rowterra when our friend Mike was having issues . Tom took everything under his thumb and he was a true faithful person to Mike and Kim . I golfed with Tom after work , as we had so many thing , like family , in common . I and many people in our industry , were lucky to have a Tom Smith. Sorry for your loss . Len Blatz
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Faye Phipps lit a candle
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
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my love lit a candle
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
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Love you Always & Forever
K
Kim lit a candle
Sunday, September 13, 2015
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Always & Forever
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Karin Mack pledged to donate to ALS Society of BC
Sunday, September 13, 2015
In memory of Tom Smith. May we find a cure soon.
Please wait
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Karin Mack posted a condolence
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Dear Safe, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was such a great and happy guy. We always had a great time when we were together. We will all miss him very much. My prayers will be with you at this sad time . Sincerely, Karin Mack
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Mike and Michelle Frketich posted a condolence
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Our condolences to you Safe' and the rest of your family. Tom was one of the guys that really helped me out when I joined the Coverdale old timers, I had never played hockey before, I always appreciated his advice and knowledge.
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Missing you my Love lit a candle
Saturday, September 12, 2015
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Michelle Carduner posted a condolence
Saturday, September 12, 2015
I met Tom in a most unusual way - he bought my 1997 white Maxima. There is a bit of a story that goes with that day.......but in the end......I met a most amazing person. I met his beautiful bride Safe........their wedding anniversary is my birthday and I thought of them both every Nov. 8.
Tom very quietly showed me what courage, strength and dignity appears to be in the real world. I will never forget the day that I received his email where he shared with me his diagnosis. I read that email over and over again trying very hard to understand why such a good man would be handed such a horrible diagnosis. Why such a good man, who had so much to give to this world and those that knew him had a definitive future of the indignity of ALS ahead of him.
I was equally as stunned when I received Philip's email that Tom had left us. My heart hurts for his beautiful family. My heart hurts for everyone who knew Tom because we have lost someone very very special.
You were a very amazing man Tom.....thank you for being my friend.
Michelle
Always & Forever uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 11, 2015
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Our Wedding Day
One of the Happiest Day of my Life
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Deanne Easi uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 11, 2015
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Taken from a FaceTime chat. Christmas tree in background.
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Lee Richey posted a condolence
Friday, September 11, 2015
I was fortunate enough to meet and get to know Tom through a business association. I will always remember his pleasant demeanor and common sense thinking any time I visited him at Rowterra, and later as he went on the road calling on customers. He would always stop by our offices in Oregon to chat and occasionally have lunch. We later became good e-mail buddies, exchanging jokes, political opinions, and the occasional adult humor. I will always remember this good man for his intelligence, integrity and frankness. Although I was not privileged to meet any of his family, I want them to know they are in our thoughts and prayers. While death may have taken Tom's body and ended his suffering, nothing will erase the memories we all still have of him. May God Bless you all.
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Al and Joan Fisher uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 11, 2015
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Sorry it is sideways.
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Al and Joan Fisher uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 11, 2015
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This one too.
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Al and Joan Fisher uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 11, 2015
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Gibsons, October, 2013
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Al and Joan Fisher lit a candle
Friday, September 11, 2015
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We have endless wonderful memories of Tom and miss him terribly. He was a wonderful friend.
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my love lit a candle
Friday, September 11, 2015
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MIchelle White lit a candle
Friday, September 11, 2015
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The family of Thomas Jeffrey Smith uploaded a photo
Thursday, September 10, 2015
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Please wait
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