Brian Charles Tomczyk
Big Rapids- Brian Charles Tomczyk, 23, of Big Rapids passed away Thursday November 20, 2008, at his residence after a three year battle with cancer.
He was born December 10, 1984, in Lansing, the son of John and Laurie (Helquist) Tomczyk. Brian graduated from Big Rapids High School and the Math Science Center in 2003. While attending high school, he was a four-year letter-winner on the varsity hockey team, and received statewide recognition as a Scholar-Athlete.
Following graduation, Brian toured Africa for the summer before enrolling in Ferris State University. He majored in Secondary Education with a History concentration and a minor in Spanish.
Brian enjoyed the outdoor life– sailing, biking, hiking, and exploring were some of his passions, as well as traveling and listening to a wide variety of music. Brian worked at the Card Wildlife Center at Ferris State University, as well as his volunteer work for the WISE organization. He also enjoyed Ferris State hockey, and was a statistician for a number of seasons.
Brian loved to read, learn, and spend time with his friends. He dedicated his life to living intentionally, promoting social justice, and building a loving community through service. Brian has been an inspiration to all who have known him, and his impact will live on.
On June 20, 2008, he married Katie (Tinkham), who survives. Also surviving are his mother Laurie (Gary) Lindstrom of Manistique; his father John Tomczyk of Big Rapids; his sister Stacy Tomczyk of Big Rapids; maternal grandmother Jewell Helquist of Fenton; paternal grandparents Joseph and Josephine Tomczyk of Flint; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 23, 2008, at the Big Rapids High School Auditorium, with Rev. Leah Simontal officiating. Memorial contributions in Brian’s name may be left in care of the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, where Brian’s family will greet friends on Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
7 Responses to “Brian Charles Tomczyk”
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My prayers go out to you John and Laurie and the whole Tomczyk family.
I remember step cousin Brian as a wonderful , bright , young boy–I was told he grew up to be an even better man-:).
Live off the memories
God bless you all,
Sara di felice
Laurie, Stacy et al:
I am so sorry to hear of Brian’s loss. I will not remember him in sickness, but rather as the cheery, tussle-haired optomist with superb manners and such a keenness for life and knowledge.
You are all in our prayers. If there is anything I can do to be of help to you just say the word.
Paul Bigford
Dear Laurie:
I know your heart must be breaking. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Roger
to the Tomczyk families,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Brian. I know he had struggled and fought so hard…..he is at peace now, and will suffer no longer in the arms of our Lord. I hope the days ahead will bring peace to each of you, I know this is an extremely difficult time.
our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Amy Fogle (Norma & Bob’s daughter)
Frisco, TX
My deepest condolences go out to the family of Brian Tomcyzk. Brian had a kind heart and was well liked by many, if not all. He was an inspiration as a student-athlete, and a fine example of what a decent human being should be, as well. He was a wonderful person and will truly be missed.
Dear Ones,
Brian was a ray of sunshine, being so far away is so hard. All my love to Katie, and to all the Helquists and Tomczyks. I am so glad I got to experience the joy he had with Katie.
Hugs to all my cousins, aunts and uncles. I feel so lost but I am glad to know Nanny and Papaw, Richard, Ray and Renee will be having a great reunion.
My love to you all.
Dawn Jones-Baer
I need to say more about my cousin who I feel was almost too much of an angel for this earth. I will miss his beautiful smile. I am so glad he had the beautiful and darling Katie to love him and cherish him. I feel he shined a special light on the world and she was such a good compplement to that light. It hurts to be 2000 miles away as I wanted to hold all my family close, Momma Laurie, Grandma Jewell, Aunts Cathie and Heidi, Uncle Carl, and all the family who loved him so. Please know that I love you and miss you. Cancer takes lives in many ways, but the spirit goes on forever and I will be glad to see Brian again on that day when I am lifted up. Hugs to John and Stacy Tomczyk as well, you are beautiful people whom he loved dearly, as do I.
May God be near all we who love John. I bet Grandpa Andy free of his limitations will be fishing some sparkling brook with Brian.
DAwn JonesBaer Casa Granda AZ