THOMAS FRANK RAABE

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• I was so profoundly heartbroken to hear about Tom’s death. That day started out like any other day, I woke up, the sun came out, dogs were barking and then my Chelsea called me to tell me that her beloved Uncle Tom had died under tragic circumstances. I just paced the floor for several hours thinking about all the moments with Tom over the years so special to Chelsea and Chase and those moments of clarity just stream rolled a fresh wave of grief our way. The kids have barley slept, we are all still in disbelief. Tom’s loss is a significant one. He was a positive male mentor in the lives of all his nieces and nephews as he always offered his own unique perspective. No more silly jokes now, no more arguing about politics, no more debates on what songs are very dumb, and most importantly no more Uncle Tom at family events. I know that if I am experiencing these emotions what the family must be going through wondering how they will go on without him. It would be impossible to explain the huge hole they are now suffering from. Grief is such a punishing emotion. Although Tom had no children of his own he showed so much love to all his nieces and nephews. Chase in particular felt deeply connected to Uncle Tom as they are similar and understood each other. Chase told me how thoughtful Tom was to him always and how he always took time to talk to him and inspire him to try new things. Chase said he had a sense of humor that was under estimated and that his jokes were silly but witty. I remember when Chase was around 10 years old he received so much Canadian Tire money from him as an birthday gift because Tom remembered Chase telling him that he was collecting to buy a tent. So Tom specifically bought everything at Canadian Tire to get as much as he could to surprise him. Chase said “in a world full of uncles he was a good one”. Tom was my brother-in-law for almost 2 decades and he was there for Chelsea and Chase from the beginning and was always so kind to me. We shared a wonderful friendship. In fact our last conversation together was at Chelsea and Braden’s wedding last September. He told me how proud he was of Chels and Chase and “I did good” and that Braden was a great addition to the family. I am so grateful for having that last moment with him and will forever remember his last smile to me. Chelsea told me that Tom never sided or picked one over the other. He was the buffer to help each family member try and see the others side and that she loved that about him so much. Braden was just getting to know Tom, but said it was so obvious how much he loved his profession and is saddened that he will now miss those chances of learning new things from him. He is happy that they had some special moments with Tom at their home last summer. Well Tom you are not alone anymore, and you will never be forgotten. Everyone that loved you will carry you into their futures always remembering you and what you brought to their lives. “The boundaries which divide life from death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where one ends and the other begins” Edgar Allan Poe Rest in Peace. Melody - Posted by: Melody Raabe (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2023

• We send our Condolences to the family in the passing of our friend and Neighbour Tom. Gloria has known him for over 40 years as he was a friend of Ray Koster, also Gloria new Toms Parents who lived on Nye Ave. During visits with Tom he shared planes to keep himself busy after retirement he mentioned he would spend more time working his hobby and fixing his house. He used to gather with friends at the Rivercrest hotel to discuss the weekly activities. Tom, I am sorry I did not get the Lister rapids community directory completed for you. May you rest in peace. - Posted by: Gloria Harlow-Bibby. David A. Bibby (Neighbor) on: Apr 17, 2023

• Tom's Family, We are very saddened to hear the loss of your brother. May the memories you have bring you peace and strength during this difficult time. Warm thoughts of sympathy are with you along with a prayer in the days ahead. Tom n Sally Shymko - Posted by: Tom n Sally Shymko (Friend n neighbor) on: Apr 15, 2023