Tom Bellemare

[Bob Marino]

After corresponding with [member=1674]Peter Halle[/member], [member=5]Bob Marino[/member], and [member=6108]Sean Ackerman[/member] we agreed that we wanted to honor Tom's memory and help his family.

I contacted [member=4105]tjbnwi[/member] to see if it would be ok with Tom's wife, Veronica, to set up a memorial in his name since I don't know her personally. That memorial fund has been created and all donations will be directed to Veronica. You can make a contribution, even a small one, using the link below.
http://gofund.me/tom-bellemare

I had communicated with Tom several times throughout the year when I learned of his cancer. Like many of you, I have had friends and family members who have been affected by this terrible disease, including members of this forum. Tom's last email to me made me well up with tears as I read it because I could sense his feeling of defeat. May his legacy live on here and in the people he has touched over his many years.

Thanks in advance for any contributions.

Please note that the Go Fund Me website has a 5% fee on all contributions.

Thanks Shane and Pete for setting this up. I would also echo what Pete posted about making a contribution. There are thousands of FOG members and many have made contributions, some very generous. But for those who have not yet done so, please reconsider and make even a small contrition. In total it adds to a sizable amount and its for such a darn good cause in memory of a darn good man and a real help to his wife.

Bob

 

[ustoolfast]

So sorry to hear this news, our condolences to Tom's family.  RIP Tom.  Well done guys on the gofundme.     

 

[vt]

This is Veronica, Tom's wife:

It is hard to put into words how grateful I am for all the help, thoughtfulness, and sympathy shown during this difficult time. Tom loved participating in the FOG and was passionate about Festool and the friends he made.  Thank you for sharing your stories with me.  It is a comfort to know he touched many lives.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, time and effort in creating the Memorial Fund for Tom Bellemare.

Sincerely,
Veronica

 

[bkharman]

This is Veronica, Tom's wife:

It is hard to put into words how grateful I am for all the help, thoughtfulness, and sympathy shown during this difficult time. Tom loved participating in the FOG and was passionate about Festool and the friends he made.  Thank you for sharing your stories with me.  It is a comfort to know he touched many lives.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, time and effort in creating the Memorial Fund for Tom Bellemare.

Sincerely,
Veronica

Veronica,

I hope I speak for all that have interacted with Tom over the years in saying he will be sorely missed. He not only was an extremely knowledgeable guy... But he had a finesse about him that made him a great guy to talk to. In this day and age of doing everything on the Internet, I did take great pleasure in giving your husband a call to not only place an order but to also just "catch up"!

If you need anything, you can most definitely reach out.

My deepest condolences.

Bryan.

 

[stvrowe]

Veronica,
Thank you for posting.  Tom often went out of his way to serve his clientel and to participate on this forum.  He has already been missed by many.  Condolences to you and your family - keeping you covered in prayer.
Steve Rowe

 

[Theshipstore]

Well said and very true. He will be greatly missed

 

[jacko9]

Sad News, Tom was a true gentleman and was always great to talk to.  Every time I called to enquire about product or place an order, we would have a conversation about any number of topics.  Tom you will be missed!

 

[laanguiano]

I purchased a few tools from Tom, and had a question on the setup so I emailed.  He urged me to call his cell so he could help me set it up. 

I called late at night, which he didn't care, and walked me through everything teaching me things I would never had thought about.  We then conversed about different life topics for a bit.  I hardly knew him, but heavily knew through our small time of what kind of guy he was.  His generosity and selflessness will live on through those he touched.

 

[Shane Holland]

Just a reminder for anyone who would still like to make a contribution. I will likely close out the GoFundMe page in the coming week or so. Thanks again to all who have participated.

 

[Carl Prentiss]

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

 

[ali]

Not been on here much in the last month so absolutely devastated to hear about this.

Rest in Peace Tom, my thoughts and condolences with all his family and friends. He was much loved  :'(

 

[Shane Holland]

Bump.
http://gofund.me/tom-bellemare

The deadline for making contributions is 1/31. After that, the Go Fund Me account will be turned off.

Thanks again for everyone who's made a donation.

 

[Cheese]

[member=48572]Shane Holland[/member]
Just curious, if there was a target amount for the fund and how close the FOG got to that target. Lots of great members here, and if we're a little bit off target, there's still time to correct the cannon for windage...

 

[Shane Holland]

[member=48572]Shane Holland[/member]
Just curious, if there was a target amount for the fund and how close the FOG got to that target. Lots of great members here, and if we're a little bit off target, there's still time to correct the cannon for windage...

[member=44099]Cheese[/member], I had originally set the target at $1000, I think, which is completely arbitrary. We did a great job of hitting that goal so I increased it to $2500. We're currently at $2300. It's not really about a goal. The goal is to do what each of us is personally willing and able to contribute. For me, I think of how I would want others to do for my family if this thread was about me. And, one day it will be.

 

[Cheese]

Interesting answer Shane...and as life presses on, it will eventually be about each of us as because time takes its toll. My hope is that the new goal/non-goal will be reached because it's for a great cause. There's still time left...and every little bit helps.