(This is part of the eulogy, written and delivered by Tom's brother Michel)


First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for being here and for all your support over the past few days. On behalf of Kathy, Tom's family and friends, I'd especially like to extend a sincere thanks to the the York Regional Police Service and the Police Association for all they have done for us. You have made us all extremely proud and honoured to know that Tom was a member of such a fine group of men and women.

Tom will always be with you all, he simply works in a different division now. My wife was putting our 6 year old son to bed the other night and he said: "Mom, should I still pray for uncle Tom now?", my wife replied, "Oh yes, you must. You see, uncle Tom works for God now." Zachery said: "Ahh, that's so he can keep the bad guys out of heaven!" So you see, Tom simply got a transfer and being Tom, he took up that new assignment without question and I am sure his new CO is very happy to have him on the job.

I want to thank my parents, for giving us a truly caring brother who unselfishly watched over his younger brother and sister while we grew up, was always there when we needed him throughout the years, and gave us an incredible role model to look up to.

I especially would like to thank Kathy for giving Tom so much support and happiness throughout his life. No matter what Tom accomplished or did not accomplish, you have made his life complete. I never saw Tom as happy as he was when he was with you. You gave him all he ever wanted or needed. We love you so very much for this.

Born on August 9th, 1959, Tom had a short year and a half of easy childhood before he would begin his lifelong duties as the responsible older brother. Tom taught Rochelle and I some very important and fundamental rules of life in our early years. Many of these lessons were actually taught a la "school of hard knocks".

For example...donning a Superman costume really does not make you invincible, nor does it give you the power of flight! Similarly, beds should not be used as trampolines and collar bones do not act as adequate suspension systems after falling off the upper bunkbed.

Moms do not appreciate practicing home haircutting techniques on your little sister.

Don't drink diesel fuel!

Dishsoap makes an excellent artificial ice-skating rink when applied thoroughly and evenly over the entire kitchen floor.

Talcum powder simulates incredibly realistic smoke for playing "fire-breathing dragons"!

Bats do NOT make good housepets...

Tom's good common sense and high degree of responsibility made our parents feel quite comfortable when they sent us off with him to school, daycamp, or to play at Brickyard Pond, because they knew that Tom would always get us home safely. We might be filthy, wet and have salamanders in our pockets, but we always got home in one piece.

Tom put up with a lot of trying to keep his siblings in line in our youth. He never complained when we tagged along. Tom would never admit that he cared for us, or loved us...he didn't have to, it was easily seen. Tom gave unselfishly and never asked for anything in return. He never put anybody out, but he was always there to lend a helping hand.

Sharing a room with Tom for 18 years for the mostpart was very easy and normally a lot of fun (except for the banjo era). Tom is solely responsible for my present day dislike of bluegrass music!

Sometimes at night, Tom and I would lie in our beds with the lights out and discuss elaborate plans for the next day's events or we would try and colaborate on a believable story to cover up an unsuccessful plan that was not discussed thoroughly enough the night before. Sometimes we wouldn't say a word. It didn't matter. It was all good.

One day it came time for Tom to leave us and pursue his dream. He was going to become a police officer.

Not far into his career of crime prevention, Tom himself fell victim to a theft. His heart was stolen by a beautiful young woman and his life was forever changed. I always saw Tom as a rather serious, driven man with a sometimes dangerous, but refreshing sense of humour, but whenever I saw him with Kathy, there was certainly something very different about Tom. A joy or happiness or a glow, that had never been there before. Tom was truly happy now, his life was complete.

Thomas Roland DesRochers... a loving husband, a wonderful son, a faithful brother and companion, a trusting and trustworthy friend, a playful, but very respected uncle, and outstanding police officer and detective, a lawyer. He was all of these and so much more.

He was a man with such ambition and strength that most of us would not even think of, let alone attempt, half of the goals Tom set out to accomplish. He is a remarkable example to us all and for this he shall never be forgotten.

Sleep well big brother, you've earned the rest. We love you and we will miss you always...




  

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