Tom was loved by many and loved many himself. I can remember when I started at HMI in 2002, he was the kindest guy to work with, always positive, always smiling and full of life. I knew him as Tommy Tax (Tom in tax). He spoke of Deb very highly and you could tell his love for her was endless. I remember his news to us in 2011 and the bravery he showed. May Gods love comfort you-

It's not surprising for me to read the sentiment echoed through these messages.  One that Tom never got angry and never said an unkind word about anyone.  That makes Tom a very special and rare person and that's exactly how I remember him.

I was fortunate to see Tom and Deb last August when I was visiting Michigan.  Tom displayed such a positive attitude through obvious pain, quintesential Tommy Who!  In the late 70's Tom was able to get me on as a crewmate for one of his friends boats out of the Grand Haven Yacth Club, he fondly recalled the night the attached picture was taken; half-way through the race, Tom made a call to stay on our Southern reach instead of tacking at the mark like the rest of the racers.  300+ yards off the mark, we caught a strong Southernly wind well before the other boats which got us back on course and we crossed the finish line first.  We were all very excited and proud of his tactical call and it's still the only sail race I've ever won. 

Tom loved life, I think that's the message he left for us; love as many things as possible in life, it's the only true currency.

Jmac- Denver, Colorado

When ever the sun shines down on a golf course, or the waves of Lake Michigan lap up onto the sandy beach somewhere up north, or when the aspen leaves in Colorado,turn from green to gold, or a cocktail party, or even a new recruit behind the bar learning for the first time how to make a dirty vodka martini, or a football game or a board meeting at work, or tax time, or maybe a pizza parlor somewhere in Comstock Park, any one of these events--Tom you will be present.  Always and forever.  Love never dies.  Thanks for the years you shared with us.

Deb (“The Wife” as he so proudly referred to you), it must give you great comfort knowing how much Tommy Who enriched so many lives.  All who met and knew him loved him, but that was not hard to do because he was so warm, kind, and generous of himself.  Those great, big teddy bear hugs and that great, big smile will always be in our memories.  Who Bear was one of a kind.  You and Tommy were so lucky to have found each other as you were such a good couple.  Know that Tommy Who's friends will be there for you.  Do not hesitate to reach out to us as we will reach out to you.  Tommy will be greatly missed.  There should be more in the world like him!  The world then would be a much better place.

Sand

This is from another "old" neighbor and I agree with Doug Clum's sentiments; first my brother, Tim and now Tom.....I remember all the kickball and softball games in "the field", swimming, sleeping out in tents in our backyards, riding bikes and knowing who was at whose house by looking at the bikes (and pogo sticks!).
Tom & I have run into one another throughout the years, and just as I was thinking it was about time for this to happen again, Kim Fletcher wrote a note to me telling about Tom. Tom was everyone's "brother" in the Rogue River neighborhood.  Tell Tim "hi" for me....

Deb, Tom was such a good and kind man!!!   I've known Tommy for over 30 years and never once saw him get upset or say an unkind word about anyone,ever!!!    He was one of a kind and will always be in my heart as an example of how to treat others, I miss his laugh and smile already.   If u need anything just call .   Tom and Maricela Burdo

Deb, What can we say about Tommy Who?  The first thing that comes to mind is how much he loved you and the next would be how much he loved life and all that it offered. Although Tommy had no siblings, he was truly a brother to all.  I will miss his Whobear hugs.  Tommy was one of the most positive people this world will ever see and we are lucky to have his love, influence and memories to keep us positive.  May you find peace in your memories. He will always be in our hearts and will be greatly missed.

Deb, my prayers go out to you during this trying time.  The good Lord seems to always take the "best" ones.  Tom was just a ray of sunshine, everyday.  My time with Tom has been enlightening.  He was just simply SPECIAL to anyone who came in contact with him.  Go Blue!!

Dear Deb, Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow; we will miss Tommy greatly.  Although we did not get together near as often as we should, we will always cherished his Friday night calls and his friendship.  We will remember his smile, his big hugs and his sincere caring nature.

As the days go on we will think of "Tommy the Tax Man" when we do our taxes each year.  We will think of "Tommy the Martinin Man" on Friday nights when the phone rings.  When the nights warm up and summer comes back around, we will think of Tommy each time we go to a summer concert but most of all, we will continue to think of Tommy as a good person and a good friend to be cherished and remembered forever.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  May your memories bring you a bit of peace and put a smile back on your face in the days to come. 
Love,
Joe and Stacie Niedzwiecki

Deb,

We pray that you may find strength through the Lord during this difficult time. May He comfort you as you continue on with this amazing journey called life.

We have been Graced by God to have had the opportunity to know your loving husband, your best friend...Tommy Who. He was the real deal, genuine, loyal, warm, compassionate. He was so in love with you.

He had a zest for life that very few people possess. What an awesome man.
So many things come to mind as I remember Tommy....far too many to share. One thing I miss the most (as our paths have not crossed for some time) is the way he greeted Colleen and I when we would run into each other. His eyes would light up and he would have the biggest smile on his face. He would call out our names from across the room and embrace us with that wonderful hug of his. How special and loved he made us (and many others) feel. WOW.

Tommy - you will enrich heaven as you have so many lives here on earth. Until we meet again may the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

Dan "Aquinas Degreed in 1982" and Colleen

Tommy was such a kind and genuine man.  So many good Who memories.  Camping on South Manitou Island where Tommy had to pitch his tent far from others lest his snoring keep us all awake.  Back packing in the Porcupine Mtns where Tommy bathed in his underwear in the middle of the river at the end of a hot day.  How he loved to drive and it was always an adventure with Who at the wheel, no matter the destination.  We are fortunate to have known and loved him.  May he rest, painlessly, in peace.

Tom was one of the most loveable guys! I will always remember him for his caring heart and jolly personality (and not to mention his famous Monster cookies and special cheese and dill popcorn!). Love and miss you Tom!

Where does one start, hands down one of then most genuine people to ever enter our life. Always there with a smile, doubt he even knew how to say the word no if you needed a helping  hand. Truly a great loss, a neighbor any would wish to have, one we were fortunate enough to know and love. He will be forever missed but never forgotten. We love you Tommy!!

Dear Deb,

I am so saddened by your loss.  I hope you have many fond memories to get you through this most difficult time.  I know I do.  I learned of Tom's passing from my sister Liz Thursday evening.  There were a number of emails between my siblings and I finally got my thoughts together yesterday.  The letter below is the remembrance of Tom I sent to my brothers, sisters and Mom.  Mom thought you might appreciate it.  Tom truly was my oldest friend.  Anyway, here it is:

“I'm really having trouble with this; thus my silence so far.  I do remember someone telling me, oh five years ago at least, that Tom had cancer.  He must have had a relapse, is my supposition. 

Tommy was such a good kid.  Like I told Mom on the phone last night, he always was "all in" for any scheme, or flight of fancy, or game, or project I'd come up with.  He was a great sport, he was always up to explore the back woods, always sharing his latest toy or "The Pool," and he was as unpretentious as anyone I've ever known.  In spite of his being an only child, he was completely selfless and good hearted.  He was truly a gentle giant.  I know how to play the guitar today because Tommy loaned me a guitar and a Mel Bay book.  That alone demonstrates how easily he made my life so much richer.  And for him, it was just a "one off."  Reflecting today, I realize how I should have worked harder to maintain contact these many years.  He deserved me to be a better friend than I fear I have been, and, of course, to my great, great regret it is too late to rectify that.

What is so troubling is now our generation is showing its mortality.  I find I like change less and less, though I realize it's inevitable.  But the stability our neighborhood, our neighbors (No truer example of "It takes a whole village to raise a child" exists), our childhood friends, and our family provided for us is fleeting and bittersweet.  Does every generation think they're going to live forever?  'Cause I sure thought we all were going to.

Mom made the comment to me one time about Gramma Crockford, saying she just wanted to grab hold of her and never let go.  That pretty well sums up how I'm feeling today.”

I'll keep you in my thoughts, Deb.  And I'll never forget Tommy and our friendship.

Sadly and Fondly,
Doug Clum

If you CAN take it with you, I hope Tom has his extra-pepperoni pizza right now.  I'll miss the big guy, and his appetite for life.   I feel your loss, Debbie.

Debi,
Are hearts are with you.  We will always remember Tommy as an all around nice guy.  The world is a better place for people like him.  Kisses and Prayers.  Diane, Jim, Bret, and Cass.

The Lord took the very best one! He is now at peace and no longer in pain. I was very fortunate  to spend some time with "Tommy" hold his hand and know that he had comfort knowing the love he gave to everyone was coming right back at him! Deb there are no words to say only to keep all the good memories with you forever and as time passes you will heal and find comfort knowing Tom was the best husband and truly the greatest son-in-law to Delores. I will miss all the good times and open arms he had in store for me when I would come up for a  visit ...My love and prayers are always with you.
Dor

Tom loved wife, life, and his “children” (not actually dogs of course).  Tom always treated everyone he met as his new best friend, and his sincerity and warmth was felt immediately.  Running into Tom was the bright spot in your day.  Tommy's “monster cookies” and cinnamon rolls, always freely shared, were simply divine.  Hey Tommy may your snow always be Rocky mountain pristine powder, may your golf outings always be sunny and warm, may your culinary treats be endless, and yes most of all may your glass always be full.  You are missed by MANY.  Having gotten to know Tom, and having worked with Tommy at HMI for the past 15 years has been entirely my honor!   Deb – my most sincere and heartfelt condolescenses!

I've known Tom since 6th grade camp.  We hung out in high school, college and re-connected a few years ago.  I snuck a flask of liqueur he liked past the front desk two weeks ago, and we shared it.  I will miss him.  What a gem of a man.

Deb, Although I didn't know Tommy, I feel as though I did, by all of your friends wonderful & touching comments and stories about him. May you always know that his goodness and love will carry you through as you celebrate your time with him here.  I will keep you in my prayers.
With sincere sympathy and friendship,

Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I only met Tom a few times, I felt his love and respect for you which made him a special person in my book. If you need anything let me know. Love Sueann Petersen, South Haven

U of M football, black lake golf, spider lake, drinks after work and many other activities with tommy who will never be the same he was a true friend and will be deeply missed. denny goethal

I echo the words of "brother Lindhout". Tommy "Who" was everybody's friend in a most genuine way. He continually amazed me with how easily he got to know just about anyone! Bass fishing and campfires at Spider Lake, golfing, U of M football games, meeting the "bros" for a Christmas toddy at Franky V's - they just won't be the same without "Who Man". Thanks Tommy for letting me be your friend. Will miss you forever.

I was very lucky to have Tom work for me at HMI. He was the most upbeat person I have ever known. I never saw Tom in a bad mood---never. We probably had a few too many beers together but I will always cherish and remember those evenings. Sally and I will miss you and never forget you. Rest in peace my friend

Tommy was the kindest man in the world. He lived life to the fullest and enriched the lives of those around him. Tommy was the tour director of life. Let's go golfing, let's go to a football game, let's go up north. Tommy was the one who made it happen. 

We are all better for having Tommy touch our lives. I promise to be more like Tommy, every day, for the rest of my life. 

Love ya, bro!

Debi, you know what an impact Tommy Who had on my life and the lives of everyone who was blessed to know him. His heart and love of life was even bigger than he was. I hope that your friends and his can help to fill the void his passing has left.

Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow, you are in our prayers.

Tom was a fellow co-worker and friend when I worked in the Tax Dept at Herman Miller. I've been gone for 5 years but I still think of him. He was a hugger (as is my husband) and was not afraid to give a compliment in an age where people don't for fear of repercussion. I remember our conversations about that and about saving/investing so that he could retire early. Deb, I am truly sorry. He was a wonderful man and I know you will miss him terribly. He always spoke of you with fondness and was so looking forward to your time together in the retirement years. Praying for comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of your soulmate. Jane

Deb, my heart goes out to you, your family, and all of Tommy's close friends.  Although I didn't know him well, I always thought of him as kind, funny, and full of life.  I'm sorry I did not get a chance to know him better. I know he will be greatly missed by many people.  Ann Goolian - (Oklahoma City)

Deb, 
I am very sorry for your loss. It is always tragic when the world loses a great person. It has been an honor to live across the street from Tom for my entire life. It was always a pleasure to converse with Tom in the street about U of M sports and life. Tom was also the king of baking cinnamon rolls. You and Tom will be in our prayers. 
Love, 
Logan & Katie McLeod

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Deb,  
We don't know what to say about how you are feeling.  Just know that we are thinking of you and will be missing Tom.  Especially his "special" drinks for Sue and I. 
Love Dave and Lu

OBITUARIO

Thomas Morrison

17 abril, 1957 – 5 diciembre, 2011

Reyers North Valley Chapel

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios