Toby R. Stockwell

LYMAN- Toby R. Stockwell, 28, of Lyman died Thursday, Nov. 6 2003, as the result of massive head injuries following a fall. He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 8, 1975, the son of Roger B. and Angela (Brasslett) Stockwell. He attended the Athens and Madison schools and was in the class of 1993. He was employed by the Town of Sanford in the highway Department as Equipment Operator I for eight years. He owned and operated T & M Tree services. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, four wheeling, and also snowmobiling. He was also a member of the Volunteer Fire Department in Alfred. Toby is survived by his infant son, Matthew Lincoln Stockwell; stepson Jordon Boutot and Fiancée Michelle Boutot, all of Lyman; his mother, Angie Stockwell of Athens and Friend Arthur Crowell of Skowhegan; his father, Roger Stockwell of Greene; three sisters, Trisha Whelan and husband Will and nephews Garrett and Connor all of Lewiston, Kristy Howard and Husband Heath and nephew Hunter and niece Hannah, all of Skowhegan, and Charlee Stockwell of Greene; maternal grandmother Clara Brasslett of Bradford; stepsister, Amie Wells and husband Dennis of Greene; stepbrother Scott Hensen of Auburn; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Hoyt Hall; paternal grandparents Lincoln and Joyce Stockwell; maternal grandfather David Brasslett. Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Smart and Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan with a funeral on Monday, Nov. 10 at the Federated Church with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Rest Cemetery in Athens. Donations in Toby’s memory may be made in trust for his infant son Matthew at Bangor Savings Bank, 21 Commercial St., Skowhegan, ME 04967

Eulogy by Toby's Mom, Angie Stockwell

The three happiest days in my 57 years were on March 29, 1967, October 15, 1972, and September 8, 1975. They have particular significance because on those days god blessed me with my 3 children- Trisha, Kristy, and Toby. In reverse of that happiness, there have been days that have been the saddest--the day my marriage ended, the day Hoyt died, and the day I lost my son. They say that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. 28 years ago, on September 8th, he gave me an eight pound baby boy who grew up to be a 200+ pound wonderful man. And on November 6th, God decided it was time to take him home. My pain is immense, my heart aches, and I feel like the hurt is more than I can bear. And even though God chose that day to take Toby away, just one week earlier, he gave us a sweet baby boy who brought Toby more joy in one week than he had ever enjoyed, an infant son who was supposed to bring him countless days of happiness, numerous nights of crying, ear infections, high fevers, and diarrhea. As a child, Toby did all those things and more--the day he found matches and decided to see if a piece of rope in the barn would burn! The pride Hoyt felt when, at a very young age, Toby was able to master driving a tractor, a Michigan loader, and other pieces of heavy equipment while I shook with fear. Who would have known he’d make a career in that same field. I remember well the day Hoyt accidentally dropped a tree on Toby while they were cutting wood and a quick ambulance ride to the hospital followed. In my wildest dreams, I would never have thought that Toby would leave this earth all these years later at the mercy of a tree. God does, indeed, work in sometimes sad, mysterious ways. And were it not for the good, wonderful, dear friends we have, it would be difficult to get thru these few days and the days to come. I’m grateful to those who are at my side the moment crisis has come, the great outpouring of love from all of you today, and your many warm words of encouragement, and the many, many hugs. I know Toby would be touched by your kindness. I’m consoled by the fact that Toby is with Hoyt in heaven, and I know in my heart that the good Lord has assigned him to care for all the little children who have gone before. Good bye, Toby, please know we love you.

Tomorrow Never Comes by Norma Cornett Marek:

If I knew it would be the last time,

That I’d See you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly,

And pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time,

That I see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and a kiss,

And call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time,

I‘d hear your voice lifted up in praise,

I would tape each word and action,

And play them back throughout my days.

If I knew it would be the last time,

I would spare an extra minute or two

To stop and say, “I love you,”

Instead of assuming you know I do.

So just in case tomorrow never comes,

And today is all I get,

I’d like to say how much I love you,

And I hope we never will forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,

Young or old alike,

And today may be the last chance,

You get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you’re waiting for tomorrow,

Why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes,

You’ll surely regret the day

That you didn’t take that extra time,

For a smile, a hug or a kiss,

And you were too busy to grant someone

What turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,

And whisper in their ear,

Tell them you love them very much, and

You’ll always hold them dear.

Take time to say, “I’m sorry,”

“Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” or “It’s OK.”

And if tomorrow never comes,

You’ll have no regrets about today.