hey so i didnt really know my uncle but the first time i met him was when i was 11 im 13 now and i enjoyed every moment with him

Dominic Leon Tom 

Born     April 22, 1985 
Death   May 21, 2020


I am Stephanie Joy Tom, Dominic is my Brother.  I was his next of kin notified by the Hospital; notifying me of Dominic’s passing. 

Dom had sepsis in his heart and brain. The morning he died; he was practicing yoga and the blood travelled  further into his brain and stopped his heart. 

Dominic took himself to St Paul’s Hospital and checked himself in before they transferred him into ICU for three days before family was notified of his critical condition. He was later transferred to a recovery unit where he stayed for a week before passing away. Due to covid-19 regulation: family was turned away at the door: not allowed to physically see Dominic. We later learned that he was able to have a personal phone in his room for people to contact him during his stay in the hospital. So my last conversation with Dominic was about his dinner and he’d like to talk to me when he finished eating his food. He was very quiet and tired.

We were born into a very broken family; later learning it was due to the brainwashing of the Residential School system. 

My brothers, sisters and I were raised Separated as toddlers 

We were later brought together again during Periods of time during our upbringing.

We were later separated individually through the foster care system. 

Not knowing where we were all placed, I had to track down Dominic and often our relationship was always long distant and over the phone. 

Dominic is my brother; uncle to my children. 

He knew I couldn’t fallow where he was as I have great responsibility raising my children.  

Dominic has been brought back home to me and buried near our mother Brenda Evelyn Tom, our sister Alvine Alicia Tom & or auntie Theresa Levyrn Tom. 

Rest with God my Fallen Soldier. You fought well and you are forever my brother.  I love you! I will always miss you! 

Dom, it's hard for me to comprehend that you won't come trudging in the door, hair a mess, to demand of me and a co-worker "what are you two doing looking so cute?" with that sly smile again. I feel so inexplicably grateful that you let me into your life and for the most precarious hug I've ever received. Thinking of you ripping around at closing time yelling "cutie!" over and over because I'd promised you a smoke makes me smile every time and is far and away my fondest memory of those long nights. You made anyone who was willing to put in the time to get to know you better for it and are forever remembered,  deeply missed and loved. 

Dom, I have so many special memories of you that it's hard to sift through them all while clinging to meaning in the face of this great loss. You were the last and only person I hugged during 'covid' times, and only because you scooped me up despite my pretend protestation and gave me a sloppy kiss on the cheek. You have shared some of your highest moments and some of your lowest moments with me. I am eternally grateful for that, and gutted that we won't be sharing any more moments together.  The night that you died I was talking with my friend about how disconcerted we were that we hadn't seen you in a week. I wish my intuition that night had been wrong. I miss you every day. I've never met anyone like you, and I never will. You're an incredible human being.

Dom, I will always be proud to know you. 
You taught me lessons on truth and power. You taught me that bullshit was meaningless. You taught me to say what was real or say nothing at all. 
“I’m miserable, thanks for asking,” you said, every time, without breaking eye contact...your little side smile reminding me that my trivial greeting didn’t bear the weight that your world demanded. 
You were one of a kind. I honour you. Thank you for the lessons and the hard won love. 🖤


Rest in power buddy!!! Most everyone on DTES called you Chief so when I was told you passed I had no clue who your cousin meant Later that day I saw your picture at work and I burst to tears. You always made me smile laugh and overall feel better about life and so many things. 
Rest in power Chief Love you long time!!!! Your bringing sexy back!!!! Those were your lines that always made me smile. We love you fam

I hate to see that blank memorial page. I knew Dom 12, maybe even 13 years. A couple of years ago he asked me to write something about him. I don't remember the context but I'm so glad I did. He was a whole person who lived a whole life. 
We were in a writing workshop together once and he read a story about the first time he ever drove. It was the most I'd ever heard him talk at once. It was a happy memory for him. Later on we read Wagamese together. 
The winter of 2016/17, when I was on crutches, was a nasty one. Cold and icy. He was outside most of it. One morning he saw me and gave me a big hug. I couldn't believe a person could be so cold. He survived that winter and we hung out a lot that spring. 
If you'd ask him, "how are you doing?" he'd say, "Miserable, thanks for reminding me." 
And then he'd give this little half smile, and it was the best.  
He did that last time I saw him, about two weeks ago. I knew him to be sweet and gentle, funny and loyal. He cared about his family and wanted to do right by them. 
Rest in power, Dom, and my sincere condolences to all who knew and loved you. 

OBITUARY

Dominic Leon Tom

April 22, 1985 – May 21, 2020

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

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