(July 15, 1962 – July 27, 2007)
Thomas William Stephens passed away on Friday, July 27, 2007 in Chilliwack, BC at the age of 45 years. He was born July 15, 1962 in St. Therese, Quebec.
Tom is survived by his wife, Pearl; children: Ryan, Kyle, Stephanie and Kaitlin; grandchildren: Blake and Bailey; mother, Thelma; and sisters, Susan, Cathy and Trish.
He was predeceased by his father, William.
Tom was a good husband, father, grandfather and friend. He and his sisters were raised by their mother, Thelma after loosing his father, William, to cancer at a young age.
He battled his own illness (Crystal Storing Histiocytosis) for over three years and was an inspiration to many with his strength. While he never gave up, he also helped his family and friends prepare for his death.
Tom worked very hard all of his life, doing everything from banking to farming to finally a computer technician at NCR, where he greatly excelled. He was often found helping others with their computers.
Tom was the Referee in Chief at the Abbotsford Touch Football League for many years as well as the Assistant Head Coach at the Chilliwack Giants Midget Team in 2003.
“It was the most memorable year of football he had coaching those young men.”
He had a passion for the game and was a great asset to the team helping lead them to the BC Finals to win second place.
His wife and children would like to thank the many friends and family who helped throughout his illness, as well as the doctors and nurses who did everything they could to find a cure and to make him comfortable.
He had a love of the Lord and a peace about him and will be surely missed.
A memorial service will be held on August 9, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Solid Rock Christian Fellowship; Pastor Dan Dyck officiating. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.