Tom's Story... Guestbook


If you wish to sign Tom's book, please send message to be added to webmaster@evereden.com (include "Tom's Guestbook" in the subject line so it's not missed!).
Unfortunately we've had to remove the online form due to all the spam being posted, but we would truly love to hear from any who find their way to Tom's Story.



- Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 18:38:40 (EDT)
What a wonderful tribute to a man who was clearly so special. I feel honored to have viewed his site. I will share this with my son, who has been on the Oakland, CA police force for about 10 months now.
Like Tom, his lifelong dream was to be in law enforcement. What an accomplished man your Tom was, what an inspirational role model to share with my son.

Thank you,
Mimi
I'm from California
How did you know Tom? Friend of Rochelle's
Mimi     imim1256@yahoo.com

Rose Bar

- Monday, December 10, 2007 at 21:43:23 (PST)
It was a great honour for me to receive the Tom DesRochers Academic Achievement Award upon the completion of my training with York Regional Police.
After learning what a great man Tom was and meeting his wonderful family I felt very privileged to be given this award. I will strive for the same excellence in both my personal and professional life that Tom did. All the best to the DesRochers family.

I'm from London, Ontario.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

P.C. Drew Howard #1793    1793@yrp.ca

Rose Bar

- Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 11:24:57 (PDT)
On April 24th 2007 it was my honour to receive the "Tom DesRochers Academic Achievement Award" at the YRP Recruit graduation ceremony presented by Mr and Mrs DesRochers. I had heard a little bit about Tom prior to receiving the award but it wasn't until speaking with Mr DesRochers and him making me aware of this incredible site that I really discovered what a special person Tom was. Reading the information about Tom's life really puts life in perspective and shows that anything is possible with determination, dedication and perseverence. He is an inspiration to all of us and it is wonderful to see his life remembered in this excellent web site.

I'm from Barrie.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

P.C. Greg Johnston #1759 York Regional Police   

Rose Bar

- Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 20:22:04 (PDT)
I didn't know Tom personally, but felt I had come to know him just a little through having the great pleasure of knowing Rochelle.

This is a wonderful testament to an obviously very special man. I've enjoyed getting to know Tom a little better.

I'm from Australia.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Lee    lam@aanet.com.au

Rose Bar

- Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 11:19:54 (PDT)
I was honored to receive the Tom DesRochers Academic Achievement Award and to meet Tom’s parent on August 16, 2004. Only after reading through this amazingly touching and beautiful website, I know how much I was honored by this reward and the opportunity of meeting Tom’s parent. Tom's life shows us how good and fulfilled our lives may achieve if we love and strive enough. Tom becomes alive for me from this moment. I feel his smile, his encouragement, and his love for his wife, his family and every one of us. He is with us forever.

I'm from York Regional Police Service.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

P. C. Shu Rose Liu #1447    roseshuliu@yahoo.com

Rose Bar

- Saturday, May 22, 2004 at 13:49:01 (PDT)
I was honoured to receive the Tom DesRochers Academic Achievement Award on May 14, 2004. It was also an honour to learn about Tom, what he did, and what he stood for. I look forward to my career in policing and will try to achieve the same high standards that Tom set in all aspects of the job and his life.

How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

P.C. Jonathan Nauman #1419    1419@police.york.on.ca

Rose Bar

- Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 10:58:24 (PST)
I have just completed this wonderful web sight and it has brought me to tears. It brings back many wonderful memories of him and his family.

How did you know Tom? I'm a friend of the family

Audrey   

Rose Bar

- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 15:38:38 (PDT)
What a beautiful and touching site, in dedication to such an incredible man. Unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of meeting Tom, however I was honoured to receive the "Tom DesRochers Academic Achievement Award".

I'm from Keswick.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Zach Goldman    1317@police.york.on.ca

Rose Bar

- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 13:08:04 (PDT)
On April 16th, 2003 I received the "Tom Desrochers Academic Achievement Award". If not for the opportunity to learn about Tom through this wonderful site, I would never have appreciated this award in such an amazing way. It is truly an honour to represent Tom through this award. Tom's life and then his sudden death will always remain as an amazing influence for me on both the way I police and also the way I live my life.

I'm from Bolton.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Adam Van Loenen    1329@police.york.on.ca

Rose Bar

- Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 08:28:42 (PST)
I am very honoured to achieve the Thomas R. DesRochers Award. He has set the standard in dedication, perserverence and honour that I, as a new police officer, will strive to achieve and maintain.

I'm from Keswick.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

P.C. Ian McLellan #1296, York Regional Police   

Rose Bar

- Friday, January 10, 2003 at 16:15:04 (PST)
My son, Ian McLellan, today received the Thomas Roland Des Rochers award. It was such an honour for him as he worked so hard to achieve this award. Ian also has a wonderful sense of humour and is the joy and pride of my life. I feel so honoured to have met with the parents of this special young man. Thank you for taking the time to speak with all of us at the commencement. You will remain always in my heart and prayers as my son shares a special part of your son's memory.

I'm from Keswick.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Caroline    jarzabek@primus.ca

Rose Bar

- Tuesday, November 05, 2002 at 14:00:09 (PST)
Very nice tribute to your brother. What great accomplishments in such a short period of time.

I'm from Midland.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Sharon Bingham   

Rose Bar

- Tuesday, November 05, 2002 at 14:00:09 (PST)
Very nice tribute to your brother. What great accomplishments in such a short period of time.

I'm from Midland.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Sharon Bingham   

Rose Bar

- Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 18:38:40 (EDT)
I am a Police officer from Miramichi New Brunswick and I found your site by chance. It's abundantly clear that you loved Tom very much. I don't know you people but I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm from Miramichi NB.
How did you know Tom? Other

Dave Burchill    dpburch@nbnet.nb.ca

Rose Bar

- Sunday, April 29, 2001 at 15:37:31 (EDT)
I am the first recipient of the Thomas R. DesRochers award for highest acedemic achievement, which will for now on be presented to the York Regional Police recruit with the best grades at the Ontario Police College. It is an incredible honour to win this award. I promise I'll do my best to continue Tom's legacy as I begin my career with the York Regional Police. My condolences to Tom's family and friends. By the way, fantastic website.

I'm from Newmarket, Ontario.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

P.C. Jeffrey Walker #1180, York Regional Police   

Rose Bar

- Friday, April 27, 2001 at 08:53:12 (EDT)
Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting your brother Tom. Having read the content of this page, I can see how such a person, let alone your big brother, would be greatly missed. It is wonderful that you honour Tom and what Tom stood for in this way. I truly empathize with your and your family's incredible loss.

I'm from Penetang.
How did you know Tom? I'm a friend of the family

Carole (Galbraith) Robitaille    sallyr@csolve.net

Rose Bar

- Wednesday, June 28, 2000 at 20:35:26 (EDT)
Your brothers story is very remarkable and touching. I am very sorry for your loss. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him.

How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

PC Jeff Pearson #3860 Emergency Task Force, Toronto Police Service   

Rose Bar

- Friday, June 02, 2000 at 22:32:27 (EDT)
A very moving tribute to Tom. Not a day goes by that I do not think about Tom. I miss his wit and wisdom and most of all, I miss his sense of adventure. His life was and continues to be an inspiration to us all.

How did you know Tom? I was a friend of Tom's

Armand La Barge   

Rose Bar

- Wednesday, January 26, 2000 at 17:05:59 (EST)
My name is Andrew Sheridan and I am the proud son of Michael and Judy Sheridan (Judy DesRochers) and grandson of Robert (Pepere) and Theresa (Memere) DesRochers. I just recieved notice of this site and I would like to thank everyone involved in its development. This is an opportunity for all us to share our emotions and feelings both for and with Tom. I am sure with his intelligence and God-like abilities that he is fully aware of every word entered on this site. Tom was a very special person to me. Unfortunately I was unable to see him as much as I would have liked though no matter what the reason or accasion he always had the time to stop what he was doing and listen with a open heart and mind. For this I am ever grateful. I especially remember running into him at York University where we both attended school at the same time, though we both happened to be at the Ice Gardens hockey arena watching mutual friends participate in the International Police Hockey Tournament in the early spring of 1998. Even though he is no longer here physically he is surely around us all in everything else. To this day I still think of him for advice or guidance and this is something I will continue to do for as long as I am here. To the rest of our family (I would take tooooo long to write all the names) I would just like to say thank you for this opportunity to express our feelings and emotions about Tom, someone who holds a major stock in all our hearts.

I'm from Toronto.
How did you know Tom? I'm a family member

Andrew Sheridan    yu178571@yorku.ca

Rose Bar

- Monday, January 24, 2000 at 13:41:02 (EST)
Tom, the boys from the curling team have thought of you often over the past year, not only when curling but in our general conversations. We miss you very much and remember all the good times and fond memories that we had together. We are off to the police curling provincial championships next week and we kow you will be thinking of as as we will be of you.
Your curling buddies Ted,Doug & Frankie..xoxo

How did you know Tom? We were friends of Tom's

Teddy, Doug & Frankie   

Rose Bar

- Saturday, January 22, 2000 at 14:39:46 (EST)
Tom and I created the first police basketball team in 1987. Tom selected our first uniform which is shown in the sports section of his site.I worked with him in CIB and was amazed he was able to work in our office and get his law degree at the same time. I shared a desk with Tom for a short time and the jokes we played on each other I still use to this day on unsuspecting younger officers. Rest now Tom until we see each other again.

How did you know Tom? I was a friend of Tom's

Andy Hanlon    drewster67@hotmail.com

Rose Bar

- Friday, December 24, 1999 at 16:01:29 (EST)
We have been eager to visit this site since becoming "connected" just a short time ago. Many thanks to Rochelle for her assistance. Not a single day goes by that I don't think about Tom. I certainly had the priviledge of knowing him as a co-worker and then a very close friend. He is talked about often at work and at home. Usually the conversation contains the words "remember when" followed by lots of laughter. I'm sure "tough guy" as we called each other is still laughing along with us. I remember working along side of him for years both in uniform and in C.I.B. He helped me put it all in perspective by always making it fun. I plan to visit here often now.

How did you know Tom? I was a friend of Tom's

Doug Hall    ds.hall@sympatico.ca

Rose Bar

- Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 22:59:23 (EST)
This is a great tribute to deserving guy, I worked with Tom in 5 District and I learned very quickly how much of a practical joker he was. If you didn't actually see him do something you would never believe it was him, he would come up with some

How did you know Tom? I was a colleague of Tom's

Joe Quirk Det. #247   

Rose Bar

- Saturday, November 20, 1999 at 05:41:35 (EST)
What a beautiful tribute to your brother - it prompted me to tears. I wish that I had the words to express my sympathy at your loss. This webpage is one of the nicest things I have ever seen to keep such a wonderful person's memory alive. Thank you for sharing it with us - it gives us a glimpse of someone very special.

Come visit My Blue House
I'm from Mexico.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Rebeca   

Rose Bar

- Tuesday, November 09, 1999 at 15:02:01 (EST)
Thanks so much Rochelle and family for allowing the YRPA to include Tom's eulogy in our upcoming magazine. We have also taken the liberty of including Tom's site as one of the YRPA's favourite links. (See www.yrpa.on.ca) Tom was well loved by everyone here at the YRPA and he is greatly missed. We feel honoured to include him, and the tribute to his memory, in the magazine. Thanks again.

I'm from York Regional Police.
How did you know Tom? I was a colleague of Tom's

PC Carol Sokil #644, Editor of the YRPA Magazine    sokil.home@sympatico.ca

Rose Bar

- Monday, October 25, 1999 at 09:17:19 (EDT)
I have too many memories of Tom to begin listing them but I can say that we were good friends from the time we were very small and I will always miss him. What is comforting though, is the knowledge that he is always looking over us, and probably has that silly grin on his face too!

I'm from Toronto.
How did you know Tom? I'm a friend of the family

Ed Zapletal    zapletal@trigger.net

Rose Bar

- Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 12:54:48 (EDT)
I was a classmate of Tom's at Osgoode Hall Law School. Tom and I realized that his hometown and my current home were Penetanguishene, and that we had many friends and acquaintances in common.

Tom truly was one of those very few, unforgettable people that we can all be so lucky to connect with during our lives. He will be sadly missed by his friends and his relatives, as well as the Ontario legal community that would have benefitted so greatly from the characteristics that made him an excellent police officer and guaranteed him to be an excellent lawyer.

How did you know Tom? I was a friend of Tom's

Lisa Belcourt   

Rose Bar

- Thursday, October 07, 1999 at 01:48:34 (EDT)
A truly wonderful tribute to Tom! Thanks for letting me share in it as well. Having lost a brother myself, I know what it means to hold tight to memories and you've done it beautifully on these pages.

I'm from Savannah, Georgia/Richmond, Virginia.
How did you know Tom? I didn't, but wish I had...

Holly Trosclair    hollytrosclair@hotmail.com

Rose Bar

- Friday, October 01, 1999 at 16:16:15 (EDT)
As I read the great passages of Tom's life, I'm thrilled to have such a wonderful angel looking after us. Thank you for sharing his journey on Earth.

How did you know Tom? I'm a friend of the family

Natalia   

Rose Bar


- Sunday, September 19, 1999 at 04:51:33 (EDT)

Here's a memorable "Tom Moment". Normally, the ten minutes you spend waiting before your wedding begins are filled with nail biting anxiety. I spent the minutes before my wedding wiping off the "Help Me" Tom had written in bright yellow lumber crayon on the soles of my shoes. I didn't have time to get nervous!

Thanks Tom!


Michel (Tom's brother)
I'm from Vancouver Island.

Mike    mepps@island.net

Rose Bar

- Thursday, August 19, 1999 at 15:57:10 (EDT)

Thanks for stopping by. I started this site back in February/99 as a way for me to cope with/come to terms with losing Tom. I guess you could say it was my therapy, a way for me to sort out some thoughts and feelings and to take time to reflect about Tom, his achievements, his interests, his sense of humour, and most of all, how he touched our lives.


Please take a moment to share a fond memory, thought or anecdote.


Rochelle (Tom's sister)

I'm from Barrie, Ontario.