THOMAS ANTHONY ROCHE

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• We just became aware that Tom passed away. With great skill and compassion Tom helped us through the darkness and the tears prior to and after the death of our daughter. He gave us strength when we were weak and hope when we had none. We will always remember Tom fondly, with gratitude and the utmost respect. May he rest in peace. Thank you Tom. - Posted by: Ken & Marilynne (Client) on: Mar 05, 2020

• To Nancy and your sons, Tom helped me navigate my life post cancer treatment. He created a safe place for patients and survivors to share their stories, struggles and triumphs no matter how small. Tom showed us ways to savour the moment and the most minute victories. He will always hold a special place in my heart and I will remember him fondly. So sorry for the great loss to not only your family but to CancerCare Manitoba. Take comfort in knowing that he helped countless patients and their loved ones through the toughest times in their lives and made them stronger more grateful human beings. With love and sincere condolences, Sonia Becenko - Posted by: Sonia Becenko (Client) on: May 23, 2019

• Nancy and family, We just heard today (May 22/19) that Tom passed on, and we are so sorry for your loss. You already know what a gentle and kind man Tom was, and what a gift he had for counselling clients, and he was these things for us as well. We lost our 11-year-old daughter, Keira, to cancer in June 2017. Tom counselled both of us, as well as our older two children after they lost their sister. We were desperately needing a lifeline, and Tom provided the stability, mindfulness, and perspective that we needed. Tom understood our wavering faith, but our ongoing need to connect spiritually again and to regain our hope. He let us talk, and he truly listened, and he helped us to see each other's needs. Nothing could change our outcome, but Tom reminded us that Keira was, and always will be, a true part of our lives. We wish that for you - that Tom remains a never-ending, integral part of your lives. Sincerely, and with sympathy, Toni and Gary Bond - Posted by: Toni and Gary Bond (Client) on: May 22, 2019

• I'll forever be grateful to Tom for helping us through the very difficult time of my husband's cancers. Tom was so gentle, kind, and intuitive, knowing just where we were and what we needed to help us through until we saw him again. My condolences to his family. He was a remarkable man. Sincerely, Jackie Drever - Posted by: Jackie Drever (Client) on: Mar 23, 2019

• Dear Nancy and family, we have never met but I wished to send you all our deepest condolences on the death of Tom. My husband, Chris, and I were clients of his after we experienced the death of our lovely daughter. Tom was always so kind and seemed to just get us and I feel we have lost a true friend. Ann and Chris Anderson - Posted by: Ann Anderson (Client) on: Mar 21, 2019

• The key to Tom's success as a social worker is he refused to cross the line of social worker to friend. His job was to help people - not befriend them. To this, his kindness, compassion, comprehension and knowledge were very helpful in saving a hopeless wretch. When you look up "Social Worker" in the dictionary they should show a picture of Thomas (Tom) Roche, M.S.W. When ordinary citizens tried to get answers from WRHA or govt. officials they're usually road-blocked. When Tom Roche called on your behalf - the health system took note and almost always replied. The soft-spoken man who cared like a giant. Rest in peace, Tom. My sincere condolences to your immediate family and your extended family at CancerCare & your patients - who will not forget you - because forgetting a great man is impossible!!! - Posted by: Morris Bay (Patient) on: Feb 23, 2019

• Rest In Peace, dear Tom. Your kindness and smile will be missed by MANY. Knew you for a short time but a precious and memorable time. - Posted by: Suzanne Dupuis (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2019

• “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”– Melodie Beattie. On behalf of the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities Foundation we are grateful to be remembered by Thomas’ loved ones during this time and honoured to be trusted to support Manitobans with disabilities in his memory. - Posted by: Kyla Wiebe (Society for Manitobans with Disabilities) on: Feb 19, 2019

• Tom helped me through a very difficult time when I lost my wife three years ago .... I am forever thankful for his guidance ..... my sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Jim Chester (Patient) on: Feb 16, 2019