Thomas Edward Cliff Jr.

      In the song of life, Thomas Edward Cliff, Jr. was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Thomas preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Thomas believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Thomas perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

      Thomas was born on November 3, 1966 at New Britain General Hospital in New Britain, CT. His parents were Robin and Thomas Cliff, Sr. Thomas was raised in Plainville, Ct and New Britain, CT. As a young child, Thomas was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Thomas rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

      Early on in his family relationships, Thomas showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with two brothers. He had an older brother, David and his wife Shaung Phein (Aye Soe) , a younger brother, Eddie with whom he made his home. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As he was growing up, Thomas developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Thomas liked concrete things. Growing up, Thomas took part in boating, surfing, canoeing, hiking and camping. He was a Boy Scout. In his spare time he liked to read and paint. Thomas' memorable achievements included the art scholorship to CCSU. He received as a youngster. However, to Thomas, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in his school years, Thomas showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Thomas with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He attended Plainville High School. He received his GED in Virginia. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English Literature.

      Those who didn’t know Tom well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Thomas was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Thomas’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Tim and Leslie Holcomb, Josh Waicunas, George, Rick Wood. Later in life, he became friends with Tom Fiano(deceased), Chris (OG) now deceased, Julie White and Kevin Ayotte.

      Thomas found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was brick mason. He was employed for Sprinkle Masonry, and Coastal Masonry while living in Virginia. Thomas tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

      Thomas enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading, painting, canoeing and cooking, surfing, traveling and camping. Thomas was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others especially his younger brother Eddie. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

      Thomas liked sports. Recreational sports included surfing, canoeing, fishing and camping.

      Thomas’s faith was important to him. Thomas was not a member of a church but was a very spiritual person. Thomas's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

      Because he loved the world around him, Thomas enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Thomas put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included Key West, FL, Jamacia, Ocracoke, NC, Marthas Vineyard, Mexico, Niagra Falls and Canada.

      Thomas was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Thomas’s favorites was Deeter a mixed breed dog. They were best friends for 8 years . His family was rounded out by his dog Sasha and his cat Sunny.

      Thomas passed away on January 21, 2009 at New Britain, Ct. Thomas' death was due to cardiac arrest. He is survived by his beloved dog Deeter, mother, Robin, brothers, Eddie and David and wife Shaung Phein, several aunts, uncles and cousins. Private services were held at Smith and Williams Funeral Home for the family. Thomas was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia with his Granny. Toms family would also like to thank his extended family for all the support, love and comfort they have given us before, during and after his passing especially Jennifer, Jeanette and Sal Ortiz, Eva and Janina and Andrew Fal, Carol Popielarz and Hilda Warnock.

We are especially grateful to David's wife Shaung Phein and Benson and Angela Chow for their generous support, and for taking the time to help Tom on his journey by going to 1o,ooo Buddhas and Half Moon Bay Monestary in California and praying for Tom. We would also like to thank Shaung Phein"s sister Paw Bee Tin in Yangon, Burma for her prayers.

      Thomas was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Thomas always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Thomas was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Thomas Edward Cliff, Jr.