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Donald Tomczak Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
TOMCZAK, Donald Mr. Donald "Don" John Tomczak, age 56 of Acworth, GA, died suddenly while running on Monday, November 30, 2009. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, he graduated from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign '76) with a BS degree in Forestry. He married his wife and love of his life, Phyllis, in 1977. He was a lifelong runner and marathoner, bicyclist, gardener, and rapt student of life. He was also an outstanding member of the USDA Forest Service and retired in April of 2008 after 30 years of service. He was a devout member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. In addition to being a devoted husband, he was a doting father, dutiful son, beloved grandfather and dear friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughters, Gail Tomczak Tarver and Randi Tomczak Boykin, and his grandchildren, Tyler Wood "Bo" Boykin and Ava Lucille Tarver, all of Watkinsville, GA. He is also survived by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Tomczak, and his sister, Ellen Lichner and family, all of Tinley Park, IL. The family will receive friends from 4-7PM Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3 and 4, at the Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, Kennesaw, Ga. (770) 422-7299. Rosary service will be held Thursday Dec. 3, 2009, at 6:00PM. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday Dec. 5, 2009 at 10:30 am, St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Kennesaw, GA. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may send a donation to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens, in Don's name.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Tomczak
Alex Boldog
May 29, 2024
Remembering a dear friend and colleague.
Larry Gordon
November 29, 2021
Hard to believe so many years have passed. I was just thinking of him this morning when talking to a colleague about our 100 man race and Don was the fastest on my team!
Lawrence Gordon
November 30, 2020
I was thinking of Don just the other day when a another one of ou friends from running, Walter Pinion, died suddenly. I hope all is otherwise well!!!
Lawrence Gordon
December 2, 2019
I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since his passing!! Great guy!!
Gary & Katy Samaha
December 22, 2009
Dear Phyllis, Gail and Randi,
We know you are heartbroken by the loss of your husband and father. May your memories of this good man and his caring ways be of consolation to you and the entire Tomczak family.
You three created a fitting tribute to Don during the reception at the funeral home and the Mass at St. Catherine's.
We will remember Don and his remarkably friendly disposition always.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Leighton
December 9, 2009
Phyllis, Gail, and Randi - I remember Don from Arkansas in the 80's when I was still in HS and babysat you girls. Our family had a few chances to entertain you all and I remember Don running down one of the old dirt roads with my Dad (George) and fellow USFS employee. My thoughts are with you all during this very sad time.
Jade White
December 8, 2009
You and the girls are in my prayers Phyllis.
God bless you.
Larry Gordon
December 7, 2009
Phyllis, I was very saddened to learn of Don's passing. I am thankful of the opportunity to have gotten to know hi. He was on my 10 person team that did the 100 man 100 mile relay. He was quite a competitor and quite a guy. We just had our xcountry race this past Saturday and the Master's team was in charge of the race. Quite a number of group remembered Don and he was the main thing we talked about. I hope you are otherwise well. We will miss him.
Sincerely yours.
Sherry Reaves
December 7, 2009
I worked with Don at Forest Service in Atlanta for many years. He is a light that will certainly be missed. He was one of the nicest people I know and I often enjoyed discussing running, his daughters and his grandkids with him. He was so happy to retire so he could spend more time with his grand kids. May God continue to bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Phillipians 4:4-7 is my favorite verse and has provided comfort and peace during times of trials.
Larry Hedrick
December 6, 2009
Dear Phyllis and the rest of the Tomczak family: Don was a dear friend among his other family, the Forest Service. We also feel his loss most profoundly. I hope you can take comfort in the knowledge that you remain in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times.
Shirley Mathis
December 5, 2009
To the Tomczak Family. I worked with Don at the Forest Service and he was a wonderful person to know. We discussed retirement and he was looking forward to it. I am glad he had a chance to enjoy his family and retirement. May the peace of God be with you and you will continually be in my prayers.
John Bath
December 4, 2009
Dear Phyllis and the Tomczak family, I only knew Don from a business perspective, but in the brief time working for Don at his residence, his kindness was so profound to me. Over a short time we began to know one another and he was full of great advice (I was having my knee operated on and he gave words of encouragement, and shared his experience of the same operation) Eventhough, the loss of him is a shock for us all, I know I will take the legacy he gave of kindness and remember it each day forward! You are in our prayers.
December 4, 2009
Phyllis, Randi and Gail. My heart aches for each of you. May your individual memories of a very fine, compassionate and caring man see you through the rough days and months yet to come for each of you. Don touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed by all.
You will continue to be in my prayers.
With Love
Bonnie W.
Ron Stephens
December 4, 2009
I remember Don telling me several times that he viewed his work with the PASS program as his work legacy. He was always greatly concerned about each of the trainees and their future success. And he did leave that legacy. But he also in the process left a greater one - evidence of his care for others that in the end is of even greater value.
Saddened for your alls' sadness and asking for you that consolation that only He can give.
Ron Stephens,
Forest Silviculturist (retired)
Chattahoochee-Oconee NF
John Blanton
December 4, 2009
Although Don's early passing was certainly a surprise, he did not need more time in this life to positively affect all of us who knew him. Knowing the heartfelt friendship that he showed to me as we worked in silviculture together for the USDA Forest Service, I am convinced that the love for his family was unsurpassed. All of us will miss his smile and quick wit, but he is now forever with his Lord waiting for us to join him in the joy that we cannot yet comprehend. May we be inspired by Don's life to love others and live unselfishly as he did.
Paul Kormanik
December 4, 2009
Few people have done so much good to so many people as Don did in such a short life.It was a great honor having worked with him even thro it was for only a brief period of his life.
Brandon Mason
December 4, 2009
Phyllis, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Gary Swanson
December 4, 2009
Don was a wonderful colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed. Looking forward to the resurrection in Jesus Christ, when we will see him again.
Michael Perez
December 3, 2009
To the Tomczak family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I had the great honor to work with Don for a few years while we were both staff members of the USDA Forest Service, RO-Forest Management staff in Atlanta, GA. Don was a very special friend, a great human being, and my brother in Christ. We certainly need many more people like Don in this world and look forward to the days we can be together again. Don will always be in my heart forever.
Lisa Bacon
December 3, 2009
Phyllis, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Bruce Wilson
December 3, 2009
Phyllis, Gail and Randi: My heart broke yesterday at noon when I received word of Don's passing. He was my supervisor on the Biloxi Ranger District and did more for my Forest Service career than anyone. My prayer is that GOD hold you securely in HIS loving arms and provide all that you need in the days ahead
Rich Aubuchon
December 3, 2009
It was an honor to work with Don in the Regional Office. One of the finest gentleman I'll ever be privileged to know. His interests were many and his humor set him apart. Loved hearing his stories and listening to his take on life. He will be sorely missed.
God bless you all.
Barton Davis
December 3, 2009
I got to know Don going through the Forest Service silviculture certification program (PASS 16)in '05-'06 and corresponded with him up until his retirement. Don is one of the most genuinely friendliest and caring person I have ever met. Don went above and beyond to help people in the Forest Service community and provide a future generation of silviculturists. I speak for myself and the rest of my fellow PASS 16 members in that Don will truely be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Shannon Williamson
December 3, 2009
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Gail has always been like a little sister to me and Phyllis it was so lovely to meet you earlier this year. I feel like I have lost a member of my family.
I hope you are able to find strength in each other and those around you during this time.
All my love.
Shkita Gay
December 3, 2009
May the good Lord comfort and strengthen you during these diffcult times. Just know he is with you always! (Forest Service)
December 3, 2009
To Don's family,
May God grant all the peace in the days ahead. Keep the good and happy memories, he is already in the heaven. God Bless you all.
Norma Negron
USDA Forest Service
December 3, 2009
Dear Phyllis and family
I worked with Tom while in the regional office of the Forest Service for several years. We had great discussions surrounding chestnut restoration as well as gardening-related interests. He was a great colleague and I was so saddened to hear of his unexpected passing. I lost my mother to a sudden heart attack this year, also way too young, so I can empathize a bit with what you must be walking through at present. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters in the days ahead.
Sincerely
Dr. Carol Croy
Gail Lassalle
December 3, 2009
Dear Phyllis, Gail and Randi,
I worked with Don on the Biloxi Ranger District in Mississippi. Though retired now, I keep up with Forest Service employees and was shocked and heartbroken to get this news. Don is one of the finest men it was ever my privilege to work with. My heart and head will not wrap around the fact that he is gone, so I can imagine the hurt and emptiness each of you must feel. I pray that God will get you through this time of great loss and that somehow knowing how much Don was loved and respected by those who were privileged to know him, will help you be strong for one another. With love and prayers, Gail Lassalle
Melissa Twaroski
December 3, 2009
I was saddened to hear of Don's unexpected passing. My prayers are with you and for the repose of Don's soul in heaven.
Eternal rest grant unto Don, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Pat Gilbert
December 3, 2009
Phyllis and family, my heart and prayers go out to your family at this hour. I worked with Don and had great respect for him at the FS. He was a very humble man. I leave with you all this thought, "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. His marathon race has just begun in a heavenly way.
Bonnie Nicholson
December 3, 2009
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do, just let me know. Bonnie N
Paulette Anderson
December 3, 2009
My work relationship with Don at the Forest Service was great because he a tried to make my job easy by doing everyhthing correct before he presented it to me. He always gave me support and listen to me regarding my mother's illness. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
December 3, 2009
It's never easy for those left behind, but when you lose someone unexpectedly we all feel the shock.
May it help to know many share your sorrow, and stand with you in your time of need.
May God bless all of you.
Vickie & Ron Cook (parents of Kari Hufham Hardman & Josh Hufham)
Lynda Davis-Rogers
December 3, 2009
To Don's family,
May God grant you peace and solace in the days ahead. May your wonderful memories comfort you.
Jean Jessen
December 3, 2009
You all have been in our hearts and prayers since you lost your dear Don. What a wonderful man he must have been to raise such beautiful and caring girls. We send our blessings for strength, hope, and healing--wish we could be there to give "our girl" Gail a hug. Rick and Jeani Jessen (Jess's parents)
Clifford Taylor
December 3, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 3, 2009
Phyllis, Gail and Randi: What a beautiful tribute to Don. It was worded perfectly. He truly was a great man and I will miss him terribly.
Love,
Bonnie C
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