THOMAS FRANK VAN LEUSDEN

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

• Maria, I'm truly sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was such a great man and I loved the 9 years that I worked with him. - Posted by: Donna Taraschuk (Peters) (Friend) on: Jul 26, 2016

• So sorry to hear of Tom's passing ..... I just became aware of it today. My heart goes out to you Maria and your family. Tom was a favorite person who had a sense of humor I could understand. Always had time for you and was a great listener. Will miss him . - Posted by: Doug Pascoe (Freind) on: Jan 08, 2016

• Uncle Tom was a wonderful "Uncle" in the family. I remember he had a biker to ride on the motorcycle. I miss his smile and cheerful when we visited him. He was humor and very friendly with the families and relatives, friends, more!! Send our hugs to Uncle, and Good bye. - Posted by: Tammy McGregor (Niece) on: Dec 04, 2015

• Tom was a kind, gentle and loving human being. The world is a better place because Tom was in it. He will be truly missed by many. My heartfelt love and condolences to our beautiful Maria, Kristina, Candace, Ray and Lisa, his beautiful grand children and Tom's family. - Posted by: Shelley (Friend) on: Dec 03, 2015

• When I think of Tom, I can only think of what a true freind he was to so many. My best memories include the Van Leusden Family and all the family Gatherings, the happiness and closeness of the family and extended family. I am so very sorry to see his family have to suffer such a huge loss. My heart goes out to his freinds whose hearts hurt right now too. Tom was an amazing Dad and Papa and husband. He will be missed Greatly! - Posted by: Lin (Friend) on: Dec 03, 2015

• Hello Maria and family, we are very sad to hear of Tom's passing. Tom certainly was a friendly, helpful guy and a great dad. We feel a connection in that your daughter Kristina and her family bought the Wuirch's family home on Morley Avenue. I know Tom helped with many renovations, the first being the installing of a shower that the home never had when we grew up there. Tom will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him, but never forgotten. Love, Wayne and Lorraine Wuirch - Posted by: Wayne and Lorraine Wuirch (Friends) on: Dec 03, 2015

• I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. My parents were the best of friends for years with Tom and Harry's parents and as such I became friends of Tom and Harry. We grew up together in the same area of East Kildonan. I do not know Tom's family now but I would like to offer my sincere condolences to them. I would especially like to offer my sincere condolences to you Harry on the loss of your brother Tom and say that our entire family is thinking of you at this time. - Posted by: Ken Mitchell (Family Friend) on: Dec 03, 2015

• I only knew Tom for a short time but his impact as a kind, gentle and joyful spirit was immediate. It was always a pleasure to be in his presence, for me. I too will always vividly remember his smile. Blessings and love to the family in this most difficult of times. - Posted by: Ron Graham (Friends) on: Dec 03, 2015

• A beautiful soul is no longer within reach in this physical world but if you open your heart and think of him he will be there. I believe that the love he felt for his Maria is what kept him going for as long he did, a roller-coaster ride that won't be soon forgotten, a love story that touched so many people in so many ways. So much love to you my Maria and family. - Posted by: Michele Guillemette (Mitch) (friend ) on: Dec 03, 2015

• Tom was the coolest guy I might have ever known. He was quiet, but not because he had nothing to say, he was stoic. He was witty and funny. When I was young I was nervous around him, because he had such a big presence...but I learned he was one of the gentlest man I might ever meet. He took me on my first....and maybe only motorcycle ride to Kenora to go see Lisa. He told me to hold on tight, I was just barely holding onto him, I said okay. He got going and I was bear hugging him, and scared for my life. He got me there just fine. Was a ride of my life, I will never forget it. He also accepted me as a almost permanent visitor in my teenage years, always openly welcomed me into his home. I always enjoyed watching documentaries with you Tom. All my love to Maria, and the whole family. What a good man he was. - Posted by: Kelly (Best friends dad) on: Dec 02, 2015

• Marie my hearts goes out to you and your family, Tommy was always a kind sole, laid back taking everything in stride he will be truly missed. Take care my friend - Posted by: Sharon (Friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

• Tom was a loving and patient man, we had many good times together over the years, he will be very sadly missed. Love to Maria, Christina, Candy, Ramond, spouses and grand chrildren xoxo - Posted by: Wayne and Geri (the neighbours) on: Dec 02, 2015

• I remember Tom with nothing but very fond memories. He was an extremely kind and patient man!I truly believe the stars will shine brighter! I am so sorry for your loss Maria, much love to you and your beautiful family...XO - Posted by: Donna Cantin/Bennett (friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

• I have so many fond memories of you & your family. You were such a kind loving man. My heart goes out to you Maria & family. My deepest heartfelt condolences. Jan - Posted by: Jan Graham (friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

• You were a good man Tom and I am grateful to have known you. My deepest condolences to Maria, Ray, Candace, Christina and Lisa and all the grandbabies...you will be very missed. - Posted by: Judith McFarland (Friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

• I worked for Keir Plmg & Htg and had the pleasure of working with Tom. As I lived in Charleswood with Monika, Tom would pick me up in the am for work. I always enjoyed working with Tom as he always so happy go lucky and had a great sense of humour. I did not know him for a long time but the time that I did know him I knew he was a very admirable man who I greatly respected and liked. Our most sincere condolences to Maria and family and we are so very sorry for your great loss. Tom was a real good man who will be sadly missed. Sincerely & respectfully, Shaun & Monika. - Posted by: Shaun Walters (nephew of Darlene Keir and husband of Monika Armstrong) (Friend/short time co-worker) on: Dec 02, 2015

• He was a giant of a man, a huge personality barely contained. He lived a rich, full life, experiencing the most of every moment with a dry, wry wit and an easy-going demeanor. He did not suffer fools, and was a kind, giving man. My Uncle Tom loved deeply and gave openly of his time and his heart to those that he held dear. He lived many lifetimes worth of adventures, and in the end it still was too short for those that knew and loved him. God Bless and bring peace to his beloved wife Maria, his children, his grandchildren and my father his brother. - Posted by: Donna Riguidel (Van Leusden) (Niece) on: Dec 01, 2015

• To Our Dearest Friends We do not have the words to express how we feel We Love You Maria and can't tell you how much we are feeling your pain right now. I love you my Friend - Posted by: David and Diane Sichewski (The Dearest and Close FRIENDS) on: Dec 01, 2015

• We are deeply saddened to hear the sad news of toms passing. We did not know Tommy well but with Maria Pia's love and effection we can only imagine the wonderful and loving person Tommy was. We know that the good lord will welcome tom with open arms and comfort and love him like his entire family did each and every day. You have left us much to soon but your spirit will live on with all of us . Rip our beloved Tom - Posted by: Joseph and Elaine Capone and family (Cousin) on: Dec 01, 2015

• Tom was a long time friend which began in 1970 and I will always remembered Tom for his Smile and his sense of humor. Tom's solidness was respected across Canada by so many friends.His love for motorcycles and his early years riding with his brothers are memories that will be remembered for ever. Tom will be missed by so many BUT never forgotten. To Maria and family ,my heart goes out to you all. With Love and Respect. Stan - Posted by: Stan Bardal (Friend) on: Dec 01, 2015

• Tom always had a great sense of humor, was very good-natured and no one, from pope to pauper would be spared if he saw the humor in a situation. For me personally, he was able to defuse tension in situations, allowing me to relax and be at ease, and I will always be thankful and remember that about him. Still, one story stands out. As he was a motorcycle enthusiast, he was passionate about people experiencing the freedom of the open road on a bike. I was definitely less daring, and after a lot of convincing, finally agreed to take a ride. He was under strict instructions not to go too fast, or do anything too crazy. I did start to relax, and even feel kind of cool back there on the bike. I was a born-again biker momma! My illusion was quickly shattered after 20 minutes when he stopped and said with a smile, “It would be ok if you leaned with me when we take a left or right turn, it would even be ok if you stay sitting straight, but could you please not lean in the opposite direction?” After my divorce, I hadn’t seen him for years, but I always thought of him with love. He accepted me, as a nervous young wife and mom, and he made me feel welcome in his family and in his home. The world is a little darker and a lot less funny without him. Goodbye Tom. - Posted by: Pat Cairns-Mitton (ex sister-in-law) on: Dec 01, 2015

• I knew Thom at River East and yes even back then he was the quiet young man who was also a pillar. I worked the restaurant industry and ran into Thom every once in a while.... a fine man who did not really have to say much to let us know how great he was. - Posted by: Kathy Hill (Old school friend) on: Dec 01, 2015

• Maria and family sorry for your loss, Mooch & Pup - Posted by: Mooch and Pup (Friends) on: Dec 01, 2015