To The Douglas Family:
    In remembrance, I said a Rosary for Tom today.  My sister was married to Tom.  I remember Tom's kindness the most. Rest in Peace, Tom.
Maria Rhodes 


Today is the one year anniversary of the loss of my little brother. He would hated me referring to him in this way. The truth is he was only two and a half years younger then I and our sister whom we called Deedle who was born in between us. Tom was funny, inventive and smart. We loved to discuss world events.  Since we shared the same views, I loved sharing our thoughts. With everything going on now I think of him and miss talking to him.  I still love him and miss him every day. Rest In Peace my brother. Some day we’ll be together again. You remain in my prayers. 

So sad to hear this news.  My sympathy to his family and friends.  We had such good times at Charlie's Tavern.  Tom taught me how to play pool, even let me win once in a while.  We had such fun together with the local gang hanging out.  

He always remembered birthdays, and remembered what people liked, and could always make someone laugh.

My family and I have spent the past few days in my uncle's house. We went because it felt like we should and to feel close to him. We've laughed and cried. We're impressed with his perfectionism and craftmanship of the woodwork and cabinetry throughout his home. We've traveled down memory lane—his grey Carhart jacket hanging in the closet, his hunting stools and camp stoves in the basement, the ceramic deer I painted in 1990 proudly displayed in his living-room. Uncle Tom is probably madder than hell that we've had to go through his things, and that he's missing us all being there, but he would love that we're in his house, together, and remembering him. He loved a party, a gathering, a holiday, a celebration, a chance to reminisce and share family lore. He was a story-teller—"Well happy days!" and "Christ! I've been shot!" (he hadn't) and a lot of "Remember whens…"  He told the best jokes (I probably heard my first dirty joke from Tom), but he was also serious and smart and always right. He got so heated if you didn't agree with him, but he would have your back if you needed him. 
I found an old newspaper clipping that referred to him as Sergeant Thomas C. Douglas. I never knew that he was an Air Force trained photographer, whose photographs were used tactically during the Vietnam War. I don't remember him ever using anything more than a cheap point and shoot camera. Then today, I came across his old Canon, which is so funny because he recently texted a photo of me and my cousin that he had taken with that camera 48 years ago. I remembered how excited he was to help me pick out my first professional camera and equipment. He ordered various catalogs and chose a few for me to consider. I was 17 years old, and he helped convince my mom that I could be trusted with expensive quality equipment. He helped me order everything from NYC and when I opened the camera and all the accessories, he taught me how to change the lenses and use a tripod. 

(Part 1 of 3) My family and I have spent the past few days in my uncle's house. We went because it felt like we should and to feel close to him. We've laughed and cried. We've traveled down memory lane—his grey Carhart jacket hanging in the closet, his hunting stools and camp stoves in the basement, the ceramic deer I painted in 1990 proudly displayed in his living-room. Uncle Tom is probably madder than hell that we've had to go through his things, and that he's missing us all being there, but he would love that we're in his house, together, and remembering him. He loved a party, a holiday, a celebration, a chance to reminisce and share family lore. He was a story-teller—"Well happy days!" and "Christ! I've been shot!" (he hadn't) and a lot of "Remember whens…"  He told the best jokes (I probably heard my first dirty joke from Tom), but he was also serious and smart and always right. He got so heated if you didn't agree with him, but he would have your back if you needed him. 

Today I found an old newspaper clipping that referred to him as Sergeant Thomas C. Douglas. I never knew. I also never knew that he was an Air Force trained photographer, whose photographs were used tactically during the Vietnam War. I don't remember him ever using anything more than a cheap point and shoot camera. Then today, I came across his old Canon, which is so funny because he recently texted a photo of me and my cousin that he had taken with that camera 48 years ago. I remembered how excited he was to help me pick out my first professional camera and equipment. He ordered various catalogs and chose a few for me to consider. I was 17 years old, and he helped convince my mom that I could be trusted with expensive quality equipment. He helped me order everything from NYC and when I opened the camera and all the accessories, he taught me how to change the lenses and use filters. He was the first person I wanted to show really cool photos to. (continued)

(Part 2 of 3) That's what Tom did. He showed love through action. When I was little, he built me a two-story dollhouse with multiple rooms and trim. When Matt and I were little, Uncle Tom and Grandpa Charlie taught us how to play pool and shuffleboard, let us "work" behind their bar, took us fishing, and wowed us by raising a baby racoon named Whiskey. When we were teenagers, Tom helped build a house for my mother, brother and me. When I had my own babies, he bought Amber and Alyssa their first dolls, rocked them to sleep, was there for their first steps, and even pretended to love every play they wrote and performed and every dance they made up. He was one of our biggest cheerleaders. 

(Part 3 of 3) Uncle Tom will live on through my love of photography, wildlife, storytelling, fishing, good food, cheap beer, politics, current events, and fun memories. The finality is the most difficult part of the last time I hugged him goodbye. 

I hope I never live without the passion he had for the things he loved. I hope I never forget the sound of his laugh. 

My baby brother, I can’t believe you’re gone. I can’t ever remember a time you weren’t In my life. We were all only two and a half years apart and were so close. I think my sister and I were surprised when you we born. Mom told us that we took you out of your crib and hid you under a bed. Maybe we wanted you all to ourselves. My friend, my confident my political ally, it’s so hard to believe we won’t have any more deep discussions. As a little boy you were a master builder of your first treehouse. That became a talent of such high precision. We were all so proud, you could build anything. I can just imagine that now you are in heaven telling Jesus he needed just a little remodel. I’ll see you there some day. You’ll probably ask me what took me so long. I’ll see you again but Imiss you now. Be at peace Tommy. I’ll always love you. 

My baby brother, my friend, my sometimes confident. I can’t believe you’re gone. I never remember a time in my life that I didn’t have you. When you were born it must have been a big surprise to my sister and I. We didn’t know quite know what to make of you. I’m not sure we ever did. Mom told us that Deedle and I at age one and two picked you up out of your crib and hid you under the bed.  Maybe we wanted you all to ourselves. My memories of you go back so far. You were always a builder. Your tree house was a masterpiece for a six year old. The discussions we had even in the middle of the night were always memorable.  The three of us as children were so close and that bond can never be broken. I picture you now trying to convince Jesus that Heaven just needs a little remodeling. I think you’re up to it. I’ll always miss you. I’ll always love you. Be at peace, Tommy. You’re home now and I’ll see you again some day. We’ll probably argue about what took me so long to get there. 

Uncle Tom was my Great Uncle.  He always made me laugh.  He could build anything and gave  great bear hugs.  He loved dogs just like me and loved when I visited him in Florida.  I will miss him.

Tom was my Uncle and my friend.  He has always been a part of my life and the thought of him not being available for a phone call or a text or that he won't be popping in to say hi and have a beer anymore is hard to comprehend.  He was a true Jack of all trades and therefore my go to person when I had questions involving his many areas of expertise.  I had a long list of projects we were going to work on this summer and now that his house renovations were done there was going to be more time to trade stories over a few beers.  My children adored him and I loved him.  He will be missed.

To the Douglas Family,
      Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was such a nice Guy, always had a smile. May Your memories help you through this sad time. Your in our thoughts and prayers. 

Uncle Tom and I had some great memories, and some not so great memories, but the great memories will forever be in my heart. When I was a child, I loved to watch WishBone with him and Grandma Paul, and swim in his pool. He threw fun pool parties for us.  My sister and I always made up silly dances, which Uncle Tom always told us were excellent. As I got older, I loved listening to him and other family members tell stories and reminisce about good times we’ve all had together or separately. He was always up for a family gathering and loved to over indulge in food, like us all, especially at Thanksgiving, which was his favorite holiday. He’ll be deeply missed but I’m glad I have memories and pictures to hold onto. 

Tom, the shock of losing you is surpassed only by the good memories you left behind. It's rare to find a kindred political spirit, but ten minutes talking politics with you made me feel more at ease, knowing that you were devoting even more emotional energy to the fight than I could. I'm thankful for the seventeen years I had to know you and I mourn the loss of many, many more years in the future. 

May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.

Cathy , Bo and family. 
     Tom and I became  acquainted many years ago through your Mom , Pauline.  I have shared many laughs and stories with him . I am saddened to learn of his passing. I have such great memories of him which I will always cherish. May he be at peace and hopefully unite with his Mom. 

We are so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was not only our neighbor but a friend too. We enjoyed getting to know him over the last couple years. Our bonfires will not be the same without him. We will miss him and his stories!

Julianne, Tim, Jack and Joe

My Dear Kathy...was very saddened to hear about your brother Tom.  My sincerest sympathies to you and your family.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

In the summer of 2008, myself, my mom, my dad (Michael Haight, Tom's nephew), and my younger brother, Travis, took a trip to Ogdensburg to visit Aunt Deedee, Uncle Tom, and the rest of the family. 

During that trip, Uncle Tom took Travis and I to his home where we enjoyed his swimming pool for hours. We have photos of us jumping into it still on our family computer. We also spent many hours on Aunt Deedee's dock where Uncle Tom taught Travis and I how to fish. There is a photo of us celebrating our first catch almost 13 years ago. This trip is one of my favorite memories from my childhood, and I'm glad Uncle Tom was a part of it! 

I am very happy to have met Uncle Tom and will look on these memories I have with him with joy, always. 

Kathy,
So sorry to hear about Tom. We have a lot of fond memories ranging from high school years through the present. He was a good friend and will be missed.

We are still in shock over the loss of Tommy...he was family. Our trips to Florida will be missing a significant piece of the party...we will set a place for you at Benny’s! 

To his family, our sincere condolences and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Matt, Kristine, Katie, Hailey Weber & Moe

So sorry for your loss! May he rest on peace 

I too am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Deedle, I didn’t realize how much he looked like you. The years pass and we don’t keep in contact like we did when our parents were close. Again, sorry to hear this sad news.  Lots of love, Roxanne

My brother and I were only 1 year apart so we shared many fond memories growing up. As an adult  whenever I needed anything done he immediately repaired,  fixed  or built whatever was needed and I’m going to mourn the loss of that time together. He was an important  part of family  gatherings, was a good friend and will be deeply missed.



Dear Deedle,  Lynda and families,
    Our  deepest condolences on the passing of Tom.    May you know our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.  

All of us send hugs from the Elie family.  
  
Renee and John Seymour






OBITUARY

Thomas C. Douglas

8 November, 1949 – 12 April, 2021

Fox & Murray Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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