STORM2K

Gail just E-mailed me to thank you all for your prayers on Tom's behalf; they didn't get to make that final vacation trip, as he passed away on 25 JUL 03, the day they were to leave.

The cancer had completely closed his right lung, and Tom was unable to breathe; he was taken to ST. John's Mercy Hospital in STL, where he was placed in the hospice there. Unable to perform anything but palliative care, Gail and her daughters stayed with him as long as he was cognizant of them...he died the next day.

Tom owned a bike-touring business, and was an avid bike-tourist himself, along with Gail and the girls. His bikes were displayed alongside the casket; after the funeral service, two cyclists walked ahead of the hearse with two of his favorite bicycles, while the vehicle was flanked by six cyclists on wheels, who served as his pallbearers.

Gail related that she wasn't ready to be a widow at 49, with 16-and-14year-old daughters...she still waits for him to come in the door and yell, "LUUUCYYYY, I'm HOOME!" as he always did.

Again, Gail wanted me to thank the Storm2K prayer group for their intercession.

So sorry to hear about your loss, Bill. Prayers for Gail's family coming tonight for sure.

Bill.........I am so sorry to hear about his untimely passing, it just isn't fair.....seeing great people being called home and all the while...........

Give Gail my most sincere I'm sorry, I know it's does little to ease the pain but at least she knows someone whom she has never met and probably never will, cares about her!

Dennis

Sounds like a man who was loved by both family and friends alike...with an avid interest in cycling for sure. Gail will surely miss his companionship, but what a blessing he was during his time here.

100 years from now, not a single one of us will be sitting on the front porch...but instead sharing stories and laughs at the very next station. Gail will be there with Tom as well.

There is peace in knowing those things...not questioning...but knowing.

Sorry for the loss you feel yourself Bill.

Steve

Bill, I'm so very sorry...and will keep Gail and her daughters in my prayers.

I am sorry for your loss Bill and my condolences, thoughts and prayers to you, Gail and her daughters.

I've known Gail since she was a high-school sophomore...that nickname, "Robin Hood", was one I gave her...I'm just a little "burned out" by this, so I hope you all will understand if I take a few days off.

Take as much time as you need my friend!

Prayers for Gail and her family.. and for you for your loss of a long time and cherished friend.

The Lords peace to you Bill.

Peace be with you my friend! We will be here when you return! Many prayers and thoughts are headed upstairs for you and Gail and her family!

Bill - my condolences go out to you, Gail and her daughters.

bill i cant believe it!! please tell gail how sorry i am. dennis is right, it is not fair!!

More from Gail; she said that she had made no funeral arrangements, as she didn't expect to do so for some time.

The funeral itself was a "huge", spontaneous gathering, with so many friends and family that the church was beyond "standing room only"...a testament to a fine, once-energetic man, loving husband and doting father. She estimated the turnout to be in the 2,000+ range.

Gail was pleased to know that she had "friends" from all over the country she never met, and perhaps never will in this lifetime...but she is eager to meet all of us, either on the "Front Porch" or around the "Pot-Belly Stove" someday, "across the river".

I'm very sorry to hear about Gail's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Gail and her daughters.

streetsoldier wrote:More from Gail; she said that she had made no funeral arrangements, as she didn't expect to do so for some time.

The funeral itself was a "huge", spontaneous gathering, with so many friends and family that the church was beyond "standing room only"...a testament to a fine, once-energetic man, loving husband and doting father. She estimated the turnout to be in the 2,000+ range.

Gail was pleased to know that she had "friends" from all over the country she never met, and perhaps never will in this lifetime...but she is eager to meet all of us, either on the "Front Porch" or around the "Pot-Belly Stove" someday, "across the river".

i am so shocked about this. yes he had many friends and yes she has a family here at storm2k that prayed for her family dearly. please let her know this.

Bill, I'm so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I actually prayed for him last night. I don't know this family but from what you have told us, I prayed for a miracle. Such a young age and such a tragic loss. His daughter are old enough to always remember their wonderful Dad. Give "Robin Hood" our love. Tell her our prayers will not cease and that they will be now directed to her and her daughters. What a rough road they have to ride. God will be with them all the way.

((hugs)) to you my friend - you are definitely a good friend.

Karan

Bill........hoping our prayers will give you strength........and Gail and her family also. So many things we simply do not understand.......this is surely one of them.................p

I'm so sorry to hear about Tom, Bill1 That was very fast indeed. Gail and the rest of the family are in my prayers!

I'll continue to pray for her and her daughters Bill. I hope they find strength and comfort in God. He will help them get through this.

Bill, I know that this and other things have hit you pretty hard lately. Please take care of yourself as well.


Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4