How can this time have passed? How can it feel like it does still? How can I remember every detail about that day and how hard you wanted to stay with me. No one will ever know all that we went through together to try to keep you here or how I gently felt you touch my arm, to assure me it will be OK as you always did. I cannot tell you how hard it is to figure things out without you and the desperation I feel with your loss. Please stay with me and guide me as I still am trying to find my way . Love you always.

We all Love and Miss you so much.  Cannot believe it has been 7 years as seems like yesterday.  So much to endure since you have passed.  God give us peace in the coming years and give you the blessed rest for all that you have given us on this earth.  All that have known you are forever changed and grateful.

Those of you who have kept in touch, Tom's Rest in Sisters is now open for anyone in need of respite from illness or emotional loss.  I have finished what Tom and I started and he continues to give through our dream.  Please contact me if you know anyone in need.  Our shared passion keeps me and Tom's dream alive.

Oh Cheryl. We hope this message finds you. We are just now finding out about this sad, sad news and we are so deeply sorry. We have nothing but the warmest of memories of Tom and of the two of you together, salt and pepper. Sending you our love and every prayer for you and your family. 
Lynn and Steve Dowis

Oh Cheryl. Steve and I are just finding out this sad news and are sorry beyond words. We have nothing but the warmest of memories of Tom and of you two together, salt and pepper. Sending all our love and every prayer for you and your family. 
Lynn and Steve Dowis

After reading so many beautiful cards and letters from my Tom, I knew just what I had to do to keep him always with me...had to cry when I saw it...was perfect! Bike chain heart for us, His signature copied from his letters with his TLA, true love always, and his arrows he used to show...Love you this much. He has the arrows inside his wedding ring I wear.

Thank you all for remembering Tom and I's special day. I gave him a special card today that perfectly describes what a giving man he was and always full of humor which I miss so much. He was indeed the richest blessing I will ever have on this earth. He would regularly leave me love notes on my car at work or in my car in the morning or even send them in cards in the mail, for no reason but to show his love. I am thankful I kept all of them over the years as they bring me such comfort. If you have not written a love letter, given kisses and hugs, or shown the one you love you cannot live without them, do it in honor of Tom today.

We love you Tommy!  You're always in our hearts.  Such a great guy to have lost so soon.  May you rest in peace. 

Love
Rod & Carol

PS: We will help take care of Cheryl for you.

Tom, you left us too soon, full of life and your warm friendly soul are missed!  Excited to think we were celebrating you last month with a potluck and looking forward to catching up with you.  Learned late celebration was in your honor and you weren't here to enjoy it other than in spirit. Wish I could treat you to more of those cookies you liked so well in support of United Way! Miss your cycling stories, too. Goodbye, my friend, rest easy.

Tom was a giving, caring person.  He is my brother in law.  He wrote a letter for me when I entered the apprenticeship at GM and with his status and glowing words, I was accepted into the apprenticeship and have been working at GM for over 37 years. I could never thank him enough.  He was the guy that always had a smile, a joke and a kind word for everyone.  Even though we did not see each other as often as we would have liked when we did it was as if we had just seen each other the day before.  That is the kind of person he is.  The love he and my sister shared is what love is about.

We think of Tom every day.  He is so missed.  Little things like bagels and his smile with a great laugh.  I just got a green horn for my bike.  Tom picked out my bike and took me to buy it.  He wanted to make sure it was perfect.
He had such a love for the Sisters property that he help inspire Dave and I
to look for property also.  He got me maps and told us where not to buy.

I have 2 things that will always tie back to Tom - My bike and property and a desire to inspire and help others.

Tom is missed and feel very blessed to have known him.

Sharon Lucas

Thank you to all our dear family and friends for lifting and holding close to your hearts myself and my Tom while in Michigan for his service here.  I feel you close, God Bless You.

Tom was always quick with a smile and a joke. If you ran into him in the hall, he genuinely wanted to know how your day was going. And without a doubt, Tom had one of the best moustaches in the trucking industry.

We've lost one of the greatest people this world had the privilege of knowing in TomE.  I'll never forget his laugh, sense of humor, and caring demeanor.  The practical jokes we would play on each other.  Or team up to play on others.  Keeping everyone's mood and spirits up during the humdrum day to day life can sometimes become.  That was Tom.

But most of all, I'll never forget his mentorship and friendship.  Tom was truly one of a kind and I was honored to have had the opportunity to know him in this life.  A life lost far too soon.

His passion for biking, the outdoors and helping his fellow man was only surpassed by his love for you Cheryl.  I wish for you to find peace and solace during this tough time, knowing with Tom in your heart, he is with you and watching over you, always.

I would like to share a few reflections of Tom's and what he meant to all of us.

First of all, the wonderful video that was posted on-line of Tom really says it all about him..surrounded by everything that was important to him, including his family, friends, his love of the outdoors and his dogs.

Tom was the same way at work, always staying close to his co-workers and jumping into whatever needed to be done to keep things moving forward.  He was passionate about his work, his co-workers in the Tooling and Changeover Department and DTNA and had a tremendous work ethic.  I could always count on Tom to take on the toughest assignments, travel on a moment's notice and always cut through the red tape and give us the straight facts and his recommendation on how to solve the issue at hand.  He was a gifted person in many ways and contributed tremendously to the success of his department and DTNA.

I recently ran into him at the airport in early December, as we were both traveling to Detroit and it was great to catch-up with him.  He was reminiscing about a few of the epic project challenges that we had over the years and just cracking me up to pieces. 
  
We are going to miss him greatly and especially his energy, his infectious smile and laugh.his confidential emails that he sent separately to at least 20 people at a time.his drop-ins to Sharon's and my office to give us the real scoop on what was going on with a given projecthis bike tour stories.the decorations, nostalgia and artifacts that adorned his office.and his ability to quickly nail down the facts and straighten up a wayward supplier when they were attempting to twist the story.

Tom was truly filled with energy and bestowed that energy on everyone around him, as he deeply cared about his family, friends, co-workers and his company.

Although he left us suddenly and at a young age, we thank God for having Tom in our lives.  We will always reflect and smile on the wonderful memories of Tom...and will take comfort that he has earned his peace.

We ask for God's Blessing on Tom and his family.

Thank you.

Miss seeing him in the morning after your cycle class. You too. I'll keep an open pool lane for you. Tom always had a funny. Gonna miss him.

Cheryl, I am still in shock from the news of Tom's sudden passing.  Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I will always remember Tom for his wonderful sense of humor and wit.  He always brought a smile to everyone's face.  He will be missed by those who knew him.

I always appreciated that he would attend spin or other classes with you Cheryl. He brightened my day when I saw him in spin class. Rest in Paradise my friend.

I can't think of a fitness class Cheryl taught that Tom wasn't at- which is saying something given that lady teaches classes before the light of dawn!  Tom ALWAYS had a smile on his face and a kind word to say.  (Even at 5:30 am!). The fact that he was willing to lug a fan in and out the gym so that Cheryl could cycle/lift/jump with a cool breeze hitting her in the face, spoke volumes to Tom's love for Cheryl, and the kind, gentle, and patient soul that he was.  He was just an awesome man.  The kind of guy you would want as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend.  He will be missed but not forgotten.  Much love Cheryl!

Cheryl,
I am so sorry to learn of Tom's sudden  passing. It  breaks my heart.  He always brighten my day when he showed up at the shop. That man adored you beyond words can tell.  He would always obsess about getting everything just right,  so that you would have the perfect bike.  What a wonderful pair, and wonderful times,you had together.  I am so sorry for you now, but it makes me smile at the memory of you both on the tandem. I am sorry that I hadn't had a chance to catch up with you again.  Take good care in these tough times.

Uncle Tom was one of a very special kind.  I can still hear his voice and laugh, and see his smile.  My heartfelt sympathy, Aunt Cheryl, as I know you have lost a part of yourself, but, at the same time, I know he is always with you and will always be with you until you see one another again.

All our love,
Marisa & Kevin

Dear Cheryl, we only knew Tom for a short time, but it was during one of the many very happy times that you shared.  It was a joy delivering and setting your  cabin outside of Sisters.  The love and joy that you two expressed for each other was obvious and that made our small part in your lives very meaningful to us. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob and Nancy Cressey.

Tom was always so kind and such a gentlelman!  I loved his cute sense of humor and his willingness to always support you and all the fun adventures that you two shared.  I am soooooo grateful that you were able to have so many memories and wonderful experiences with your sweet Tom.  He was a gentle giant and a kind, humble man who loved his Cheryl!  Love you both!

Cheryl - I am SO sorry to hear about Tom.  I just found out through a mutual friend.  Tom was the greatest-always with a smile, joke, or a story to tell.  We will keep you and your family in our prayers and I will ALWAYS remember Tom as a true friend!

Dick and Karen DeMaranville (Lake Wylie, SC)

I wanted to thank you all for the overwhelming support from the passing of my Tom. I know my dear sister Joanne has told everyone I will be bringing Tom to MI for a service there in March. Meanwhile, she is here while we try to deal with this tremendous and unexpected loss.
My Tom was so happy to move to our place in Sisters, that you all know he loved and worked so hard on. We were so happy to be starting this chapter in our love story, which began in High School. For the past several years, we worked so hard to give him the retirement he deserved and my heart aches that he never got to live it. He was happiest working on the property and so proud as he saw it begin to be a reality. At the same time, he found happiness in his new job keeping close with his friends at Daimler while becoming part of a new family at DTG. Working with John and all his old friends at DTG meant a great deal to Tom, and I hope you all know that. 
There was nothing this sweet man would not do for me or anyone he knew. It made him so happy to help other people. He was the smartest person I ever knew. There was nothing he could not speak about or be eager to teach to someone. He was such a friendly man with the most wonderful sense of humor. He always would say to me, "I love it when you laugh" after playing a joke on me. Tom was so very good to me, one in a million. Most of you know the team we were. I simply have never known life without him. 
On his last day, he helped ready the house to sell, went off to his appts., and called as he always did to see if I needed anything. I told him just to come right home as Ardee was in the window for 2 hours already waiting for him. 
He arrived home so happy playing with Ardee, telling me about his day, and then he said, "these are for you", gave me a kiss and pulled flowers out from behind his back. We talked a while and he put the flowers in a vase. It was just moments later that he said something was wrong, he needed water and could not breath, and then simply collapsed. All the efforts made to save him could not, and I am left with the deepest hole in the world. 
I love Tom dearly and I know many of you did also. No one could have given me more or treated me better. These last several years of our life, working towards our dreams will always be dear to me as he seemed the happiest he ever was.. 
I want you to know that hearing all the stories of how he touched your lives and the kindness he showed you means so much to me. I just felt the need to tell you all how much Tom and I loved our friends and family and how much I know he is working through you all to take care of me even while he is no longer able to.
He will always be my captain and I the stoker of this team. That will never change. One step at a time, I will try to move forward but it is only through the prayers and support of all of you. I am grateful to have all of you in my life.

Dear Cheryl  I just recently heard about Tom.So shocked and saddened; I will miss him! Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Mary Minor

Dear Cheryl,
Words cannot express how sorry I am at the loss of Tom. He was a very nice man and I know a very close partner to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Dear Cheryl, 

I worked with Tom at Freightliner for many years.  He was a shining light in the office, always had a smile and word of encouragement.  I remember him fondly.  

Sincere condolences,

Dearest Cheryl,
My heart aches for your sad, sad loss.  We were all so blessed to have your sweet Tom in our lives.  You are in my prayers everyday.
Much love to you,
Debra Taylor

Cheryl,

We wish to convey our deepest sympathies to you and your family regarding Tommy's passing.  We will miss Tommy's energetic and friendly personality.  

I met Tommy in the eighties when he worked for Saturn and I knew we would be long-term friends.  He always had that infectious grin and sense of humor.  He will be missed.

I'm so sorry for your devastating loss. Prayers for you and your family

He was such a kind hearted man, just saw him. My heart is with his family during this sad time.

Cheryl, 
I am so very sorry.  My heart goes out to you in the loss of your Tom.  
 Love, Millie Griswold

My heartfelt condolences to all of Tom's family. He was a good, good man.  He made me smile and laugh.  I am shocked and so sad at his passing. He was truly an amazing person.

Tom was a sweet man.  It was a joy to wait on him in the cafeteria.  Rest In Peace Tom.

Cheryl, my deepest sympathies to you and also your sweet and loving family.  We thank God that good memories last forever as I am sure you have many special ones with him.  May God fill you with peace beyond all understanding and know that Tom is with our Heavenly Father and is waiting to see you again one day.  I send love and a hug and a kiss on your cheek.  I'm sorry I couldn't be there personally but am spiritually in sisterly love.

My deepest sympathies on your loss.   I remember when Cheryl and Tommy first met in Michigan a long time ago.  My prayers are with you and your family.

Tom was such a kind and caring person.  His wit, humor and love of the outdoors have left such a positive impression on so many people.  Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to you and Tom.

Tom always saved me a place in spinning class.   I was not the only one, he seemed to give a hand to everyone.  He went around the class giving encouraging words. He made the class a community.

Cheryl, I'm so sorry for your enormous loss. Tom passed away far too soon--maybe because he was too kind and gentle to be on this unrelenting earth. Please hang in there, he would never want anything to hurt you.

Cheryl, I was deeply saddened by  the news of your husband's passing. My heartfelt condolences for your loss.

You both defined marriage as it should be.  Love poured out between the two of you continuously.  May we all learn from your loss how precious life is and to hold our loved ones close.  Will pray you will be able to live on in Tom's honor and know he lives within your heart always and will take care of you till you both are together again.

I wish we could be there with you.  Our prayers go out to you and for Tom.

Cheryl, please understand that Sonia and I convey our deepest sympathy to you and your family. It is so sad that Tommy passed with so much life left to live. Tommy and I first met back in the eighties when He worked for the Saturn Corp. in Detroit. Tom's personality was upbeat, energetic and friendly. It was a joy to be with him. The instant we met I knew he was a long term friend. We all will miss his infectious grin and sense of humor.
                                               John and Sonia Basso (Detroit)

Tom was a consistent presence of humor and sincere caring for his fellow man.  I loved his energy and smile. 

Cheryl, may you find peace and rest in our Lord.  
With fond regards and sympathy for a great loss.

OBITUARY

Tommy Lee Edwards

27 February, 1953 – 2 February, 2015

Young's Funeral Home

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