TOM DEGURSE

Condolences & Memories (40 entries)

• My deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends. - Posted by: Kam Holland (Director - Admissions, Awards and Financial Aid (UWinnipeg)) on: Apr 27, 2016

• We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts. 'If love could have saved Tom he would have lived forever' - Posted by: The Janzen siblings (Lois's cousins) on: Apr 25, 2016

• Our condolences to the Degurse family at this difficult time. My memories include his beautiful smile, his kind concern for those around him, and yes, a basketball in his hands! Classmates as well as teachers knew he was a special young man, one who has left his imprint on all the lives he touched. - Posted by: Zoe Thompson (Grade 11 teacher Garden City Collegiate) on: Apr 22, 2016

• Dear Lois and Family, I was deeply saddened by this terrible news. To lose a child is the most terrible of losses. My heart goes out to you and your family. I have made a donation to Camps with Meaning in Tom's name. I understand that it gave him great joy and hope. Please know that my thoughts are with you. - Les Moor - Posted by: Les Moor (Coworker) on: Apr 22, 2016

• Did not know this young man but to read his obituary broke my heart. Taking life is never the answer I feel. His picture he looks so happy and in good spirits. Condolences to all and everyone who knew him and relatives and loved ones who shared his life. May you always have great memories with you of him. May he walk with him now...in peace - Posted by: Zystyna (annonymous) on: Apr 21, 2016

• Deeply sorry for your loss. Tom was one of the most genuine and kind-hearted friends I have the pleasure to meet and get to know. May God's healing grace touch the heart of each person who loves Tom deeply. - Posted by: Jim Cheng (University/camp friend) on: Apr 21, 2016

• I am so deeply sorry for your loss and for his struggle. My heart breaks for all who knew him, and for our world that is certainly darker without his bright light. - Posted by: Jan (acquaintance) on: Apr 21, 2016

• So saddened by the news of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers to the family as they deal with this untimely loss. I had a few encounters with Tom at work and every time I met him and chatted with him, I thought he just had a very beautiful soul. He is gone too soon! - Posted by: Sunday (Lizu) on: Apr 21, 2016

• Carl and Lois, and family, I am so sad to hear about Tom's death. Carl, you have always been so proud of your wife and children, and a wonderful, dedicated father. You also have a strong faith, and really lifted the people around you with your cheerful nature. I can't express the number of times you lifted me, in the course of working together. I wanted to know I am thinking of you, and your family, and sending my prayers. Tom was lucky to have you as a Dad. We're all lucky to have you in our lives. Mostly, Tom had one heck of a lifetime, with people around him who are the finest humanity has to offer. Sorry I will not be at the memorial, but there in spirit. Gabe - Posted by: Gabrielle ((Friend of Carl)) on: Apr 21, 2016

• Lois, Carl, and family. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Praying for God's strength and help during these hours of deep sorrow. You wrote such a beautiful tribute to a very special son and family member. I knew your family for a brief time when you first moved to Winnipeg and joined our church. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers over the years, as glimpses of your family members, through media, came our way, and will continue to be. - Posted by: Angela Williams & Family (Church friends) on: Apr 21, 2016

• Dear Carl, I am deeply sorry. I pray for God's peace that passes all understanding to be with you and your family at this time. He is at rest in a better place. With Love, Ruth Bonneville - Posted by: Ruth (Free Press colleague ) on: Apr 21, 2016

• Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Hold the memories tight in your hearts as there were many happy, beautiful and fun memories. He was a remarkable young man with a beautiful soul and a great big kind heart. We will miss his smiling face. God Bless and big hugs, Tim, Nancy, Brett, Casey, Gordon and Mason Hilderman - Posted by: The Hilderman family (friends) on: Apr 21, 2016

• The Friesen Family sends its deepest sympathy to the whole family. Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Thinking of the sorrow that you are feeling will have you in our thoughts. - Posted by: Barb Calder (Cousin to Lois) on: Apr 20, 2016

• The Friesen Family sends its deepest sympathy to the whole family. Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Thinking of the sorrow that you are feeling will have you in our thoughts. - Posted by: Barb Calder (Cousin to Lois) on: Apr 20, 2016

• I am deeply sorry for your loss. When I heard the news I couldn't help but cry, even though I didn't know Tom too well. He was an incredible person and he always showed that through his actions. Tom was so kind and he managed to keep a smile on everybody's faces. He made camp an amazing experience for me and I will cherish those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering from this horrifying loss. I am so sorry that Tom lost his battle with mental illness, and please anybody that is going through a rough time right now just remember that it gets better. Klinic 24/7 call centre: (204) 786-8686. And the manitoba suicide line (also 24/7): 1-877-435-7170. - Posted by: Briana Osmachenko (Tom was a camp counsellor at the camp I attended. ) on: Apr 20, 2016

• My sincere sympathies go out to you Carl and the rest of the family. So sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you all. Love Tammy, Gus and family. - Posted by: Tammy Khosrowkhani (Relative - Sandra DeGurse's daughter) on: Apr 20, 2016

• I was blessed to have gone to school with Tom, from elementary until we graduated. I will always remember Friday nights with Tom at CLAY, going to movies and just hanging out. Tom was a joy to be around, and had a way of making people laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Lauren Thompson () on: Apr 20, 2016

• My deepest sympathy to you Carl...and all your family. Your beautiful written words about Tom make it clear what a truly wonderful soul he is. I pray that in your deep sorrow, you can also be proud of his life well lived. Thinking of you xxoo - Posted by: Kerry (Cochrane) Canie (Friend of the Degurse Family) on: Apr 20, 2016

• My sincerest condolences to the Degurse family. I remember Tom (Tommy Banks as we called him) as a young man who was so positive and vibrant. He was one of those players that always stands out for the never ending smile he had. He met the challenges we presented him head on and with a enthusiasm that others fed off of. I am truly sorry for your loss and the loss of a young man who would have succeeded no matter what. - Posted by: Rick Henkewich (Former Football Coach @ GC ) on: Apr 20, 2016

• My prayers are with you and your family. Tom had a beautiful soul. I remember in elementary school he put on pink eyeshadow and lipgloss as a joke and everyone thought he was hilarious. He always had a wonderful smile whenever he walked by in the halls. Rip Tom - Posted by: Tatyana Bernier (School acquaintance) on: Apr 19, 2016

• So sorry for the pain that you must be going thru , such courage in your beautiful words about your beautiful son - Posted by: Paulette fournier (a mother) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Dear Carl, Lois and family, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that your church family and many others are thinking of you and praying for you. Thank you for sharing such beautiful memories of Tom I feel I got to know him thru your words and know that he was very special young man. God bless! ❤️ - Posted by: Shellie Sklepowich (Church Family ) on: Apr 19, 2016

• My heart goes out to the Degurse Family. Tom I want you to know that you are one of the funniest, caring and loving person I have ever known. I remember when you picked me up at my house just to go on bike ride adventures down random streets and we would talk about anything and everything! You will be missed! Leila Family forever! See you later! - Posted by: Heather Tabing (Friend ) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Such sadness for immediate and extended family members. May special memories be felt deep within your hearts and comfort your souls always. Truly thinking of you. - Posted by: Barbara Baxter (Family Friend) on: Apr 19, 2016

• I worked with Tom at a Dasch group home., the clients we took care of absolutely adored Tom., if he had a night off they would constantly ask when Tom was coming back. I myself thought he was such a warm, positive, good natured soul. We will miss him so much., my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. - Posted by: Joanne Schell (Co-worker) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Tom was my student - no, he was my teacher, for two months in his Gr. 11 year. In sixty days he had a great impact. I'be NEVER in 38 years of teaching been around someone so positive about life and learning. He is enduring proof that school should be about preparing kids for the present as well as the future. - Posted by: Syd Korsunsky (Former teacher ) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Tom's kindness and diligence made an impact on everyone around him. The mention of his name could lighten a room. He certainly brought people together. His loss will be felt by many. - Posted by: A friend () on: Apr 19, 2016

• Dear friends,no words can express our feelings. We are sorry for your loss!Tom was a great man with a big heart and amazing soul.We will always remember him. - Posted by: Maysoun and Nour (Friends) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Tom was such an amazing friend,he would always so happy and caring. I remember in the summers you would come pick me at my house on your bike and we would always adventures. Tom, you are in my prayers. Condolences to you and your family! Leila family will be forever! Love you Tom! Thank you for the memories! I can't believe your gone, I will miss you! See you later! - Posted by: Heather Tabing (friend ) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Thank you for the courage to put a face on mental health issues - you have lost a beautiful soul and you wrote such a beautiful tribute to a very special son and family member. I made a donation to the CMHA in loving memory of your son. I too have adult children who have mental illness and can only imagine the pain you are going through... just wanted you to know that others care, even though we may not know you personally. - Posted by: anonymous (fellow parent) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Lois, Carl, and family. Praying for God's strength and help during these hours of deep sorrow. He knows what it's like to be separated from a son. - Posted by: Flo Epp (cousin to Lois) on: Apr 19, 2016

• So very sad. But Carl please note that the Canadian Mennonite board will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as we meet this weekend. We will get in touch later next week. Remember there are good resources available for times like these. They are available on our website Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. - Posted by: Ken Reddig (Friend and fellow Canadian Mennonite Board Member) on: Apr 19, 2016

• I'm so sorry, Carl. I also speak for my oldest daughter, Michelle. We cannot find the words to describe our sorrow. Our sympathy is real. - Posted by: Bruce Owen (Former Free Press co-worker) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Heaven has a special place for souls as beautiful as Tom's. May God bless the family as they continue in life's journey, and may Tom's memory live on. - Posted by: Karen (friend) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Our hearts our hurting for you! What a great young man Tom was. So much caring and giving he has done in his short life. We are thinking and praying for you at this time of great sadness!. - Posted by: Peter and Marianne Toews (Church freinds) on: Apr 19, 2016

• I was a site leader with Outta town when Tom did it and worked with volunteers at Siloam Mission. It was always a pleasure walking into the kitchen at Siloam to see Tom's smiling, considerate face. He would always ask how i was and was a great listener. I am very sorry for the loss. - Posted by: Tim Cruickshank (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. We cannot imagine what you must be going through at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! ♥Dave & Sharron - Posted by: Sharron Heibner (Cousin to Mom Lois) on: Apr 19, 2016

• My heart greives with you. May God grant all of you comfort and peace at this time and in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing such beautiful memories. They are so precious and meaningful at a time when we are all searching for meaning. May God grant you grace and keep you in His care. - Posted by: Kuen Yee (Fellow CMPS Board Member) on: Apr 19, 2016

• I have prayers for the family in my heart, I would like to let them all know you are thought of with love and empathy at this most difficult time. - Posted by: Teresa Rollock (Mother of school friend/ EA at elementary) on: Apr 19, 2016

• Words cannot express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for the passing of your son & brother, please accept our sincerest condolences and know that your family and Tom are in our thoughts and prayers. May the love and support of all your family and friends help you through this very very difficult time. Bless you all, Cindy, Erwin, Ryan, Aaron, Teemu, Tarrah, Riley & Leigha - Posted by: Harmatski/Berens Family (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2016