Richards, Thomas Alan. In Collingwood ON., on June 11, 2014, at the age of 63. He was the dear son of Alan and the late Eunice Richards (2009). A loving brother to Ann, Jamie (Lindsay), Sheila (Bill Williams), and the late Beth Richards (1969). He was a caring uncle to Jay Richards, Ben, Greg, and Jackie Williams. Born in Toronto, Tom spent his childhood years in Regina, Saskatchewan. When he turned ten, the family returned to Toronto. Every summer of his life was spent at their family cottage in the Bay of Islands on Northern Georgian Bay. He had a keen interest in Canada’s First Nations communities. Tom attended Trinity College School and graduated from York University with an honors degree in economics and anthropology combined. He traveled to Japan for a student exchange at the University of Tokyo, where he quickly fell in love with the country. He became skilled in Japanese culture and language; he spoke, read, and wrote fluently in Japanese. He went back to Japan multiple times and traveled abroad frequently. Tom explored many parts of the world while often experiencing less touristy areas of countries he visited. He enjoyed living among communities that faced challenges different from his own. Tom taught ESL in Japan, Turkey, and Poland. Two years ago, he completed a solo canoe trip from Collingwood to the North Channel of Lake Huron over two seasons. His experiences both at home and overseas shaped his spirituality and moral values throughout his life. He studied ancient civilizations and crafted deep stories and poetry about existence. In the last year of his life, he maintained a blog featuring his writings. His personality was complex; he could be stubborn yet determined while possessing a wonderful sense of humor. Tenacious as well as a perfectionist by nature; he enjoyed woodworking and handyman projects too. Even when unwell, he charmed those who cared for him along with volunteers-thank you to David for your kindness. Tom made friends globally; when you were his friend, you knew he genuinely cared about you. His spiritual bond with Buddhism provided comfort during his tough journey with ALS-thanks go out to Suma, Taz, and Helen.
From beginning to end, Tom’s thoughts inspired curiosity-he questioned things deeply while proposing ideas worth discussing; he’d wander through conversations seeking answers most wouldn’t think about exploring themselves. Discussing physics felt just as natural for him as talking about language arts or Canadian history alongside global cultures or religions seemed effortless too. He taught us how beautiful life is while also revealing its mysteries surrounding death itself-all wrapped up within this kind-hearted soul we all miss dearly; however he’s left behind something far greater than what modesty would ever let him acknowledge.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to the incredible nurses along with PSWs from CCAC plus St Elizabeth Collingwood staff members who did everything possible each day ensuring comfort along with care provided directly towards Tom’s needs daily too! Huge appreciation goes toward Sarah representing ALS Society whose guidance helped both Tom alongside family navigate available resources designed specifically catered towards assisting them throughout their journey together-thank you Dr Houston as well.
A service remembering him will take place on Saturday June 14 at 3:30 p. m. at Fawcett Funeral Home located at 82 Pine St., Collingwood ON followed by refreshments afterward where donations made honoring Tom may be directed toward ALS Ontario instead.
The following words were written within a book given unto him by maternal grandmother Nania back during July 1969 which clearly shows she understood her grandson quite well: To Dear Tom
“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime
and departing leave behind us,
Footprints on the sands of time.”
A Psalm of Life – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – 1838. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Richards , please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Source link
