Please note: A complete obituary is in the post prior to this one. It includes a photo of one of the hives; it is traditional to shroud the hives when the beekeeper passes.
An informal visitation will be held Monday, August 31st from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., in our backyard (11046 W Higley Circle). Here are some key points:
Parking: Look for driveways with parking signs, several neighbors have generously agreed to allow cars in their driveways. Parking for 25-30 cars is available at Dirck’s home — 10995 East Higley Circle, a short walk away.
Food: If you want to bring a dish to share, please do so. Sandwiches, tableware and drinks are provided.
Weather: We have an awning in case of inclement weather.
Dress: Casual — due to the possible chill and uneven ground.
Children: Of course welcome! We need 51 kids to release 51 balloons at 7:30. (51 for each year Tom was here.)
“Merchandise”: For a suggested $5 contribution to Loaves & Fishes, we will have bears of honey available. Some of it is last season’s — honey never goes bad (unless exposed to air / moisture), and if crystallized, will reconstitute with heat. We also have a limited number of Tom’s Bees t-shirts available for a suggested contribution to Loaves & Fishes of $10.
Questions? This has been beautifully organized by the Sugar Island Mermaids, Donna 679-4809, Michelle 679-2587, and Kristen 679-3040 and Margo, 679-5556.
People who wish to make donations in Tommy’s honor: Donations to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, a local food pantry, can be made here: http://www.kzoolf.org/donations.cfm. Information regarding donations to Kalamazoo Meals on Wheels can be found here: http://www.seniorservices1.org/DonateNowPage.htm.
Our house:
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The location of Corey Church of the Nazarene:
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September 1, 2009 at 9:58 am |
Sonday Family,
I have many great memories of Tom, I worked with him at Peacock Ridge, I know Peacock has many bad memories, but there were also many good ones. Tom was a very good friend to me while we worked together at Peacock. I will be thinking of you all this afternoon, I know how proud Tom was of his family.he often shared stories with me. Sorry I can’t make his memorial, I will be thinking of you.
September 1, 2009 at 6:37 pm |
Charlotte and Family – the service today was just beautiful. You could just feel how much you all loved and adored Tom. I was really happy I was able to go. It must have taken a lot for all of you to get up there and speak. It was so special though.
Sorry we couldn’t stay for the feast after the service. We wanted to but I had to get back to work.
We wish you all the best as you go through this journey of grief. If you need anything, please let us know!
Love, Matt and Katie Willerick
September 1, 2009 at 9:49 pm |
Charlotte,
I want to tell you that it was such a pleasure meeting the two of you at WMCC. I know for most people going to the WMCC is not a pleasure, but the two of you always were shining bright in a sometimes not so sunny atmosphere.
I believe that people are brought into our lives for a reason. I feel that you and Tom were brought into mine for a special purpose.
You guys reminded me of a few things in life that one tends to forget. The one that stands out the most to me is: To smile with my heart and soul, not just my lips. I could look into Tom’s eyes and see his smile inside, not just the outside.
Reading through all the different memories from friends and family, you can certainly tell that he is a legacy. A man that will always be remembered by what he has done in touching so many lives.
I wish for you and your family peace and comfort knowing that he lives on in all of us.