Cyr, Thomas 10/10/1944 - 12/17/2020 Empire, MI On Dec 17, 2020 Tom Cyr moved on to greener pastures. For those of us who knew him well I can only offer his mantra as consolation, "Get Over It". Born in 1944 to Edward and Marian Cyr, Tom and his siblings Marilyn, Sue, Kay, Rosemary and Dan grew up in Ann Arbor. Tom's journey began, probably a century too late, as his personality would have made for an ideal weathered cowboy in the old west or a rough and tough pioneer. Dressed to the nines in his favorite attire by designer Jacob Yoder, he gathered the gumption to ask out his soon to be wife, Kathy, of 53 years. Their first walk down the aisle took place at St Thomas High School in Ann Arbor as homecoming king and queen. The second resulted in their two children John & Christine. Tom attended and played football at both St. Thomas College and Eastern Michigan University. When I asked him, what position he played he informed me he played "left out". Tom served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam era. His business career started behind the walls of the Ypsilanti State Women's Prison where he claimed to be there in the role of administrator. In 1977 the Cyr family moved to Empire where Tom would become the director of the state hospital and eventually retired from there. Tom developed commercial real estate in Glen Arbor and together with his wife Kathy built a successful retail business "Tiny Treasures'. Building upon his business experience and education, Tom became a horse drawn tree logger then finally the most popular sleigh driver in Northern Michigan. He provided sleigh rides on his beloved Black Horse Farm up until the day of his accident last February. Tom cared for his community and participated as a board member for the township, school, and church. He has always been drawn to groups that have unilateral consensus and strive for practical and efficient outcomes:) I'm certain he was most proud of mentoring and teaching the kids interested in learning about driving horses. Horses were always an integral part of Tom's life. Kathy bought him his first horse as a graduation present and his passion was ignited. He at one point had 18 Percherons which he has whittled down to a mere 8. He became a horseman for which the great horseman admired. Tom leaves behind his wife Kathy, son John, daughter Christine, son in law Kevin Mikowski and grandchildren Olivia and Christian. Tom loved his family, friends, horses, and community not necessarily in that order. For anyone who wondered what Tom's political affiliation was; He was a huge supporter of the Amish party and leaned "Gee" it was only as he got older did, he has "Haw" leanings. Contributions to Reining Liberty Ranch (an Equine Therapy Horse Ranch) at 4656 Silver Pines Rd TC 49685. or Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Association P.O. Box 208 Cedar 49621 (Payable to: CARF Assn.). Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia. Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia, MI
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5 Entries
Tom was a good friend and co-worker at the Ypsilanti, State Hospital. He work diligently and was a good administrator. I am very sorry to hear of our loss of Tom. Our sympathies and prayers to his family.
Ivan and Margaret Harner
Friend
January 10, 2021
Kathy, John, and Christine,
Sharron and I offer our deepest sympathies for your loss and ours.
I know you know how much I loved Tom as a close friend whom I met when I was 16 and he was 14 through my wife Sharron who was a classmate of his. We shared the same birthdate of October 10 and tried to be together each year on that day to celebrate for almost 60 years. Tom had a delightful sense of humor and had many one liners that were fun to hear like "I can screw up and iron bar". I was always amazed at his ability and passion for raising beautiful Percherons and using them in his logging and sleigh ride endeavors. I miss my great friend and will always celebrate my birthday with him no matter where he is.
John Kluck
Friend
January 9, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Tom & Kathy have our family many good sleigh ride memories over the years. His kindness to our girls will not be forgotten.
Amy Wholihan
Acquaintance
January 8, 2021
Dear Kathy and Family,
On behalf of my older brother, Bob, who has passed, please accept our sincerest condolences in Tom’s passing.
Sue Hellner
Sue Hellner
Acquaintance
January 8, 2021
Sorry for your loss Myra Ann Hale Chriscinske From Bera ky
Dean R Chriscinske
Friend
January 7, 2021
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