Thomas P. Kanary

After reading through the guestbook, I can only think how blessed I am to have such a close and wonderful family. I am also so grateful to have had Grampa for my grandfather. When I was visiting Gramma, I was touched to see how many people sent cards with condolences and that also shared the positive way Grampa touched their lives. I hope I can pass on to Gavin the values Grampa (and Gramma!) have passed on to me. I am glad that Gavin, at bedtime prayers, reminded me that Grampa will...

You (and Gramma) did more for me than you can ever imagine! Thank you so much. I love you Grampa.

I appreciated most that Tom carried himself with such a gentle strength and a deep faith. His table was an open table. I should say norma and his table was an open table, where as Grace would say, even you John are welcome.

To those of us lucky enough to have had the pleasure of knowing Tom Kanary, he will always live in our hearts and minds as a man of peaceful countenance, unflagging patience, and loving devotion to all of the values that make life meaningful.

Prayer. Many of our entries have references to prayer. This was such an important part of Dad's life its nice to have it show up so often. When we were little we all moaned and groaned in the car when we set out for vacation and we had to say the rosary at least once in the car on the way up to Houghton Lake. And then on Sunday, the day after Dad's funeral, as we sat in the family room (Mom, Lisa, Chris, Dan, Ian, Paige, Ryan, Nancy and maybe others) it dawned on us that we hadn't gone to...

Papa was very very funny. Even when he was not feeling very well near the end he made us laugh. He really wanted a drink of water not ice chips and said I just want a "real glass of water". I loved him very much and miss him.
Grace

Papa,

It is nearly impossible for me to imagine that you are gone. Having helped to carry your body to its resting place is the only thing that makes me believe it. I feel your presence in my life daily - I am here because of your wisdom and kindness. You and Grandma deserve so much credit for making me who I am. Because of the family that your raised and held together, I have had support and love, even in difficult times.
I can thank you and remember you by humbly hoping to...

For Thomas Kanary it was all about the heart. Not so much the physical heart, though we are grateful for the science and technology that allowed it to beat so long and true.

For Tom it was more about the other heart, the real one. The one that taught us all about unconditional love, gentleness, doing the right thing, and doing it the best you can, with no regrets. It is the heart that mentored and inspired not just family, but friends and colleagues-he was one of those people really...

I feel a little lost at times. Not that I cannot find my way back from where I was or where I am going, just not quite as certain. My Dad, my touchstone, is physically gone and it is taking me some time to realize just because I cannot see him does not mean I've lost him. I love you Dad and for my sake I wish you were still here. I think of you all the time. I will try and live by what you have taught me; God, family, gentleness and acceptance.