I first met Tom and Joyce over 45 year ago when we were all school board consultants for Health and Phys Ed. We became fast friends for life. Early on we discovered our mutual love for Shalom Mountain and Jerry Judd. We all did wonderful personal work there.

Tom and Joyce were always my soft place to land. They were there when I returned from grad school in Utah. When I left a difficult job, I went to the cottage and symbolically burned papers in the fireplace to let it go. Tom always laughed about how I stood on one foot and leaned into him for deep, long hugs.

When I was assisting in the Family Life and Sex Ed Program at the University of Waterloo, Tom and Joyce participated. There was an option of taking a C in the course and doing fewer papers. Tom and Joyce had t-shirts made up with a giant C on them. They wore them with pride. I also remember them creating an early morning celebration for Lady Di's wedding.

When I met Keith, he met Tom and Joyce and we became fast friends. I always remember Tom using the Bullworker at the cottage. I remember Tom having long talks with Keith about his experiences in the war. That was such a significant part of his life.

We were fortunate to be a part of Tom and Joyce's wedding, along with Laurie and Joy. I remember canoeing across the lake in sacred ceremony. For several years we met monthly at the cottage in a couples group with Jane and Paul, Keith and I, and Tom and Joyce to share about our personal and couple journeys. We called Tom "Pooh Bear" referencing "The Tao of Pooh" because his responses were always so simple and straight forward.

Recently Tom and I laughed about a shared Easter memory. Joyce was away and Tom, Jane, and I had decided to have an Easter ceremony since we couldn't go to Shalom Mountain. Tom even went to the library to get resource books, including a couple on Easter Island! We brought the makings for a cake. We fasted all morning and went down to the lake, leaning against the rocks in the sun. Someone said "How long do you think we need to fast?" In a flash we were back up in the cottage, making the cake. Tom and I laughed and laughed about our shared humanity.

I was always glad that Tom had a beautiful soul like Joyce to share his life with. He also loved his family deeply. There were many decade events celebrating Tom's birthday with friends and family, always a time for Tom to lark and play.

I am so grateful for my final visit with Tom this past summer. I remember holding his hand in mine for a long time as we laughed and shared love and memories. He was weak that day but perked up as we talked together.

I find it hard to believe that Tom lived over a hundred years. I feel so fortunate to have had him as my friend. He changed my life. I would not be the same without him and he will always be with me.

Laugher and grateful joy are the emotions that come to me when I remember Tom. He loved life and his passion for it was contagious. My favourite moments are those sitting outside the cabin watching the sun set over Lake Huron. We talked and laughed on into the night, until the bugs drove us inside. I miss you Tom and in this missing of you I remember to laugh and play. Thank you for a most giving, loving, playing and being life.

I love this picture of Uncle Tommy Boy. He had just received a tie as a joke which he donned immediately to complete his usual amusing attire. He then walked across Southampton with glee, delighting in his awareness that his outfit was one-of-a-kind.

Tom was one-of-a-kind and I sorely miss him.

Tom lived not only a long life, but a life full of vitality until the end. He was kind and generous, a friend of whom I could ask anything; curious, eager to stretch his mind and engage in stimulating conversation. And always with a humourous twist and ready laugh.

Laurie and I have been blessed with the gift of a very dear friendship with Tom and Joyce for forty years. It is hard to imagine him not being with us.

Joy Davey

I had the honor and privilege to meet my living hero ,Tom ,and his beautiful loving wife Joyce. I following the news as he did his special walk for the veterans and made a donation. My husband and I were at the remembrance day service a couple years ago at Victoria park. I got to meet him in person my tears overflow as my heart was full of love and admiration for him. When I told him he was my hero ,he said no , Shirley you are hero's as you keep remembering us and do good deeds to help others. I had a group of ladies make him a poppies lap blanket . We got to go to Joyce and Tom's beautiful home to talk and for me to give him my gift to him . He was so happy to have it. I know he lived a very long good life and I and my husband were so blessed to be part it of it if just a bit . You are my hero Tom as you show me that giving and being good and kind in my life is a good thing. May you be flying in your plane soaring in the heavens above . With much love and hugs. Our condolences to Joyce and your beautiful family ❤️

Joyce and family, Nancy and I are saddened for your loss. It was my privilege and honour to know Tom and to lend support to his centenary project. He has enriched my life knowing him and I am eternally gratful. RIP Tom, until we meet again. Randy Warden

I have know Joyce and Tom for 24 years.

Tom always got my attention. He never turned down a chance to tell one of the many stories he had in his inventory. His stories usually left me with valuable life lessons.

Andy and I were invited to Tom's 100th Birthday Party. I only took one picture...his 100th Birthday cake. The cake was beautifully crafted and once again, told a story...a story of Tom's legacy...

* The Shamrock representative of his childhood in Ireland.

* The Musical Notes displayed his talent and love of singing. I remember at a special celebration hearing him belting out, "How Great Thou Art". It was mesmerizing!

* 100 Years...impressive!

* Made It! Tom made it to 100 but his achievements were not finished, he still had his dreams. Why not? He was a healthy. passionate man.

* The Cake! Complete/Whole...living in alignment with his values.

Tom went on to celebrate his 101st Birthday, walked 100 miles, and almost got to 102 but succumbed to declining health.

Tom, I will miss you!

With Love,

Sylvia Leuszler (Syl)

Dear Joyce and family;

I was honoured to know Tom and very saddened by his passing. He was a friendly, engaging and positive person who seemed to make the most of every minute. Fun to be in his company , he was always interesting,ready with that quick wit yet thoughtful and wise when the occasion called for it. His many accomplishments are testimony to the impressive character he was. We will miss his presence on this earth but remember his spirit.