Plant a tree in memory of Thomas
An environmentally friendly option
Loading...
D
Dona posted a condolence
"Father" is such a simple
word, but to me there's
meaning seldom heard.
For everything I am today,
my father's love showed
me the way. I will miss
you dad
Love, Dona
D
Darleen posted a condolence
Memories of Dad are many. He would provide for our family by working two jobs, planting huge gardens, hunting for food, and cutting wood for winter’s heat. Never-the-less he always found time for family fun and games.
Scenes passing before me are that of Halloween costumes, sleigh riding, ice skating, and birthday parties giving way to ball games, driving lessons, and crazy hats all mingled with fearful recollections of his possible demise while repairing the steep roof of our 3 – story high home. Dad was enthusiastic about water skiing, canoeing, camping, and bicycling. I remember many walks with him to and from his lean-to on the hill, target practice, subtle jokes/pranks, and canoe racing with the cedar strip he and his son-in-law had made. Dad’s war stories were intriguing and his profound experiences were only made clear through his violent nightmares.
After the purchase of my home Dad added to the above inventory of our time together by helping maintain the house and its surroundings. Subsequently, after the birth of my son, Dad – along with Mom – took on the responsibility of nurturing Seth and giving him a strong background in life’s many lessons.
Entering into his later years, leaving 48 years of residency and memories behind in Merrickville, Dad –and Mom- moved to Tryon’s Corners where a new and slower paced life began. Vivid views surround me here of Dad spending time with me and his two youngest grandchildren. Even though Dad had grown a little slower, he continued to cook many a pancake breakfast and roast marsh-mellows over the open fire pit. He would venture on his, daily, 6 mile bike ride down River Road (often with us), go down the creek to the “Indian Village� fishing with Seth, shoot basketball hoops with his grandchildren, swing on the patio reminiscing with neighbors of past experiences, care for stray animals, and pick pesky dandelions off the yard.
Memories of Dad show that he was dedicated to God, Country, and Family. His wealth cannot be measured as far as monetary value is considered however he was rich in sharing his priceless gift of love and time with all who knew him.
Dad, you will always be in my heart and I look forward to the day our broken circle will, once again, be whole.
T
The Bowman Family posted a condolence
Darleen and family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and yours in this time. We hope you find this to add peace in your heart.
All our love,
Jenn and David Bowman and family
P
Patty Stephenson posted a condolence
So blessed to have known Mr. Tom Phoenix!! Strong willed, caring, dedicated to his family and always ready to speak his mind!! His life will be remembered by all he touched!!
S
Seth Phoenix posted a condolence
To Grandpa,
If I could talk with you one more time I would say that I can never repay the debt of gratitude I owe to you. You lived what you believed in and taught me, at an early age, to do the same which is to respect, appreciate and be understanding of all life.
You showed me that standing up for my beliefs with confidence – no matter how different – will give a sense of purpose for the future.
Your words have been silenced now and your actions/reactions laid to rest. Even though they say ‘nothing lasts forever’ every facet of our time together will, forever, ring out in my mind and I can only hope that I will be able to live in a way that will make you proud.
With All My Love …Seth
A
Alexandria Reilly posted a condolence
Memories of Grandpa, - Grandpa taught me things like how to ride a bike, roller skate, build camp fires, and roast marsh-mellows - always celebrating our birthdays together as his is one day before mine.
*Grandpa accepted me for who I am and not for who he thought or wished I was or would be. I would spend time with him as often as I could for which he would always thank me … little did he know that I should have been the one to thank him for I was the lucky one having a Grandfather who was young enough to have a sense of humor, sharing his WW II stories, often times bringing a smile to mind by playing harmonica tunes or yodeling.
*Being the youngest grandchild I realize I have missed out on many great adventures and memories as told by his other grandchildren - even so I had the privilege to witness what it is like to age gracefully - even after overcoming many challenging obstacles… Grandpa, I hope the large void from deep within, will soon be filled with many more stories and memories. Love Always, Alex
