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Darren Tolsma Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Darren Tolsma
Dave
February 28, 2009
Everyone who knew Darren respected him as the gentleman he was. A true reflection of goodness in the world is how I will always remember him. Nothing ever spoiled Darren’s general attitude about life, which was always upbeat and inspirational. Each time I had the privilege to share a conversation with him, whether business or personal, a parting thought would always pass; “ I wish I could be more like Darren”. Not only will we miss this gentleman, we will certainly never forget this “Gentle Man”.
Patricia McCabe Ruda
February 27, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family in this time of sorrow. I taught at Depew High School when Darren was a student there.
Morgante Family
February 27, 2009
Tolsma Family,
May your strength and faith get you through this difficult time. Please know you have the prayers and support of the entire Lancaster community. We all have another angel watching over us.
Lexie Simme
February 25, 2009
Dear Mrs.tolsma and family, I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you are feeling.
Sincerely,
Lexie Simme
Kim Kasprzak
February 25, 2009
Robin and children,
Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy on the the loss of your husband and father. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Karen Carey
February 25, 2009
Robin and Family
I haven't seen Darren in years; I used to work with him at Amherst Systems. Darren was a wonderful person who always cared about others.
He always took the time to let others he worked with know he appreciate all you did for him. No matter how busy he was in his own job he would always give others his attention and time.
While I haven't seen him in years I heartbroken for you loss. My prayers are with you.
Tom McBeth
February 22, 2009
Dear Robin, Darren & Nikki,
I have never met you, but I knew
your husband/father during his teen years. Please accept my sincere
condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
I am anxiously looking forward to meeting each of you next week, I only wish it could be under different conditions. God's blessings upon you.
Carol Ruffles
February 22, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all...
Carol (Coia) Ruffles and family
Lynn Wahl
February 22, 2009
Tolsma Family,
We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Tolsma family. We were so saddened to hear of the loss of a truly wonderful man. My son Brian is a friend of Darren Jr. and remembers coming over to the house and there was Darren showing the overhead picture of the house and lawn online. Brian has never forgotten that. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith, Lynn and Jared Wahl
Christine, Brian and Mark Lagree
Melissa
February 21, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
My heart goes out to your family. I had the pleasure of waiting on Darren a few times at a restaurant I used to work at. He was always so kind and would always talk about his kids and how wonderful they were. There was no mistaking how much pride and love he felt for his family. God Bless You and Darren, I know he will be well taken care of up there
Tom Wozniak
February 20, 2009
To the Tolsma family: please accept my heartfelt condolences at the loss of a truly fine man. Jim, Darren and I attended DHS together with Dave and Robert Maida. Five years ago I ran into Darren by chance on a visit to Buffalo. We had lunch together and reminisced. I will always treasure that meeting. Anyone who ever met Darren was struck by his kindness, intelligence and sense of humor. Words are futile at this time, but prayers echo to Heaven. God Bless.
Judy Micieli (Tuberdyke)
February 20, 2009
Dear Mrs. Tolsma and family,
Though I didn't know Darren personally, I knew who he was back in high school. He was one of my sister's classmates (Debby Tuberdyke)...one whom she was very fond of. I can't say that I understand the pain you must be going through...I can't even imagine your grief. Even though I'm a stranger to your family...I would like you to know that I'm grieving with you and your children; and my prayers and my thoughts have been with you since I heard of the tragic accident. Please know that the good Lord didn't cause this to happen; yet, for some reason that we may not understand, and in His infinite wisdom, He has allowed it. Even so, He grieves with you and feels your sorrow. May His presence surround you, and His peace fill your hearts with hope and remind you of the promise of His "amazing grace" which reminds us that we will, one day, be reunited with our loved ones forever in heaven. Until then, may your fond memories of the love you and Darren shared sustain you; and may the peace of the Lord, which surpasses all understanding, be with you.
Justin Klodzinski
February 20, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family-
Darren was an amazing person! I had the honor and privilege to have worked with him for 5 years at Northrop Grumman. Everytime we would have a teleconfernce with a certain supplier that was always late it would drive me nuts and he said everytime "yeah I know, but they make a slick product!"
I always enjoyed our chats on the lastest goings on with the Yankees.
Your entire family will always be in my thoughts & prayers.
Debbie
February 20, 2009
Robin, Darren & Nikki,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss.
My son attends school with Nikki and we attended the memorial service today. We do not know your family personally, but my son wanted to be there for his classmate. I do want to say, it was a lovely tribute to your husband/father, there were so many wonderful and kind words said about him, and for those that know him are truly blessed.
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Emil Wozniak
February 20, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for the loss of Darren. He was one of my students at DHS back in the early 80's. Darren immediately impressed me with his intellect, wit and kind nature. Darren will be sorely missed by so many.
Sharon Chodora
February 20, 2009
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Although many years have passed since we were at DHS, the memories feel like yesterday. Darren was a great person and obviously loved by many. May you draw strength from knowing he touched many lives, even those of us who lost touch over the years. God Bless you all.
Sharon (Haley) Chodora
Nicole O'Brien
February 20, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family - We worked with Darren at Amherst Systems in the 90s. He always had a smile on his face and was one of those people you never forget. He will be missed so much. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shannon & Nicole O'Brien
Andrea Pitruzzella
February 20, 2009
Robin and Family...
I was so incredibly shocked and saddened to see Darren's name on that list. I worked with him back in the Amherst Systems days and he was always smiling and full of life. I can't imagine the pain that you must be feeling at the loss of something so great...but please try to remember that even in our darkest hour God is always in control...if you turn your heart and pain to him he will give you whatever it is you need to get you through this time. May he bless you and watch over you and your family...I am so sorry.
Tim Boser
February 20, 2009
Robin and family,
I cannot express the sadness I feel. I worked with Darren at Amherst Systems in the late 1980;s. He was a talented guy with a great sense of humor and personality. Sadly, I last saw him in November at the service for Donn Hess. Even though it had been years since I had seen him we talked for a long period of time and you could tell he was a man who was clearly happy with where he was at in his family and work life. Darren touched a lot of lives in a very positive way. He will be sorely missed by this community. My God bless you.
Julie Rewers
February 20, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family and friends. I will
fondly remember Darren from high school and the neighborhood. May
God Bless you all and give you the strength and guidance to carry on.
Paula (Doedline) Farrell
February 20, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
Darren was a classmate of mine at DHS. We both graduated in 1981. He always treated everyone with respect and love. His moral compass was always pointed in the right direction. My prayers are with during this difficult time.
Debbie and Mitch Mann
February 19, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your during this difficult time. We grew up with Darren in Depew and remember him as a truly good person. He will surely be missed.
TIM & MATT BROWN
February 19, 2009
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
THE BROWN FAMILY AND THE LANCASTER-DEPEW BASEBALL LEAGUE
Kevin Von Vreckin
February 19, 2009
Robin & Family,
I do not know what I can or could say to even begin to express our sympathy.
Please know that we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May your faith continue to guide you through this trying time and know that you have many friends and students to support you. The Von Vreckin Family
Adam Anticola
February 19, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with Darren at Northrop Grumman and he was always a great person to talk to and joke with. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Brooke Donnelly
February 19, 2009
Mrs. Tolsma,
My family and I want to tell you how sorry we are. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love,
Neil McBeth
February 19, 2009
To the entire Tolsma family,
Darren was truly my best friend in high school. I'm sorry I won't be attending the memorial service due to late notice. Please accept my heart felt condolences. Fair winds and following seas Darren.
Nicholas Jerge
February 19, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
Your loss is felt throughout our entire community. As an educator, Robin has had a positive impact on our area's young children. That support has an effect on countless young children, and now we offer our support to you and your family.
Please accept our deepest condolences, and may God keep you strong throughout this tragedy.
The Jerge Family
Tom McBeth
February 19, 2009
Dear Jim & Margaret please accept my sincere condolences. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Sharon Kielma Krzyzanowski
February 19, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
I am so sorry for your great loss. I went to school with Darren and he was always a wonderful friend. God bless you and your family.
Gary Bensman
February 19, 2009
Darren,
I will miss you and the zeal you had for life, your job, and especially for your family. We shared many opinions and a desire to do what was right.
You would be very proud of your family and the strength they have shown in your loss. You also would be surprised and humbled by the way Northrop Grumman has responded to your loss and their efforts to help your family and your co-workers get through this terrible time.
We will continue to honor you and keep you and your family in our prayers. Say hi to Ernie, Jerry, and Steve. Tell them we miss them all!
Julie Kaska
February 19, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family: It is with our deepest sympanthy that we send you this note to let you know that we have you all in thought and prayer. God Bless You All, you are loved in our Lancaster family.
Wendy Finnen
February 19, 2009
Dear Ken, Tori and extended family,
When our loved ones are called home, a gift of memories are left in exchange. May these happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
Lauri Wierzbicki
February 19, 2009
Dear Robin, Darren, Jr., and Nikki,
We feel blessed to have known Darren and count ourselves richer for the experiences we shared with him. If the goal of life is to leave the world a better place and to prepare those in your charge to carry on that legacy, then Darren is one of the most successful people. It has been our privilege to call him our friend.
While the current days may be long, we pray that in time, his family and friends will all be able to look back fondly on what he added to our lives, and understand that he has left a piece of himself with everyone he has worked with, known, and loved.
The world is an uncertain place, but we can be sure that Darren will be greatly missed, lovingly remembered, and cheerfully quoted as long as anyone who knew him still walks the planet.
Love, Lauri and Mark Wierzbicki
John Crocker
February 19, 2009
Dear Jim and Family,
We are extremely saddened by your loss.
Nilda, Bill, Will & Megan Parucki
February 19, 2009
Dear Robin, Darren & Nikki,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. May God give you peace and comfort during this time. You're in our prayers and thoughts.
Carrie Jacobs
February 19, 2009
Dear Jim, Suzanne, and Darren's Family:
I am so sorry for the tragic loss of Darren. My heart and prayers are with you.
Sandra (NGAS) Peacock
February 19, 2009
Darren,
I am going to truly miss you coming down here at (NGC) at 5:15pm or 5:30pm to talk to me and Sue, I am going to miss your smile and your talking to me about my son staying into College and for helping us write the Entry letter. I am going to miss you running down the stairs.
Thalia Pierakos
February 19, 2009
Jim, Suzanne, and Family,
I was deeply saddened when I heard of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
DARLENE PACITTO IGNASIAK
February 19, 2009
DEAR ROBIN AND FAMILY
I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR SUDDEN LOSS, I LOST MY MOM TRAGICALLY 34 YEARS AGO AND I CAN ONLY SAY THAT THOUGH THE PAIN DOES EASE, THE MEMORIES ARE WHAT GET YOUR THROUGH IT AND JUST KNOWING HIS LAST ACT WAS AN ACT OF LOVE TO BE WITH HIS FAMILY SAYS JUST WHAT A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER HE WAS. YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Tracy Rabey
February 19, 2009
Robin and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have been thinking about you each day since Darren passed. You are such an amazing woman with an even more amazing spirit-I am sure that Darren's memory will live on forever!
Diane (Willman) Nowicki
February 19, 2009
Robin and family,
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I haven't seen you in a while but the knowledge of friendship never goes away. Always allow the memories to serve as your motivator each day and place warmth in your heart to carry on. As Darren is now an angel looking down, he will continue to guide you and be with you forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time
DEBI ZYMOWSKI
February 19, 2009
MARGIE AND FAMILY. I AM JUST SHOCKED I FEEL SO BAD FOR YOU AS I KNOW YOUR BOYS WERE YOUR LIFE.BEING A MOM MYSELF IT IS SOMETHING I CANT EVEN IMAGINE..KNOW I AM THINKING ABOUT YOU ..DARREN WAS A GREAT GUY WITH A TERRIFIC PERSONALITY.I JUST SEEN HIM AROUND XMAS TIME WITH DARREN JR AT WALMART..HE WILL BE MISSED AGAIN I AM SO SORRY..GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.
Robin & Marc Mutka
February 18, 2009
Dear Robin, Darren and Nikki,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. He was a very special man. We knew this from the way our son Jared would speak of him. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
Michele Muscato
February 18, 2009
Dear Tolsma Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I was so shocked when I heard the news. I used to work with Darren at Amherst Systems. I remember Darren as being a funny guy. He was always smiling. He will be smiling down on all of us. May God be with you in your time of need.
Karen Ralston (Butterson)
February 18, 2009
Robin and Family,
I was so shocked and sad to see Darren's name amongst the list of the flights passengers. While I cannot imagine your pain, I just had to reach out and tell you what a fabulous and kind person Darren was. I worked with Darren years ago at Amherst Systems and we had many laughs. My heart and prayers go out to you Robin, kids and family.
May GOD BLESS you and may you find comfort in the memories and love that you know he had for you all!
Doug Gross
February 18, 2009
Dear Tolsma family. I worked with Darren at the Amherst Systems Wilson Rd facility in the late 80's. I remember Darren as a funny, charming guy who always made me laugh. There was one prank in particular: The driveway at Amherst Systems had a particularly treacherous curve that could ice up under the right conditions and send cars careening into the curb if you were not careful. One morning a fellow employee wiped out her tire / wheel on the curb and asked that the company pay to have the car fixed. No such luck. The next day there were orange construction cones placed on the curb when I came in. I was laughing about it when Darren came into my office, asked me what was funny and I could tell by the look on his face that he had placed them there. He admitted it and it ruffled a few feathers in upper management. But we always got a chuckle out of it for a couple years. You have my sincerest condolences. You were lucky to have had him as a father and husband. I will miss him too. Rest in peace my friend.
Mike Pam Mariani
February 18, 2009
Robin you guys are in our prayers everyday . Sorry for your loss.
Judy Rupe
February 18, 2009
Dear Robin & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort with all the memories you have of Darren, keep them close to your heart. Take comfort in knowing, that you now have your own special guardian angel to watch over all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Rupe (LMS)
Marc Kasprzak
February 18, 2009
Robin, and family, I am so very sorry for your loss,. I Know God is with all of you in this time and also with Darren. We are keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts. We love you all. and miss all of you very much.
Megan, Kevin, Casey and Josh Dudziak
February 18, 2009
Robin, Darren and Nikki-
We just want to extend to you all our best wishes during this time of unimaginable grief. We are here for you now and always for any possible thing you need. We want to let you know what a special person to all who met him Darren was. He was someone who Casey so enjoyed to talk with and to run into at your house or at WEGMANS. He always was so genuinely interested in what she was doing and she knew he cared. Please know that takes a special person to leave such a mark on a child. We know that your loss is so deep and can never be filled. Please know though that we will be there for you in the ups and downs to come. Kevin has said a prayer for him each day at the scene. You are not alone. Love to all!
Jim Dougherty
February 18, 2009
Robin & Kids. My Name is Jim Dougherty and I work for Lockheed Martin in Syracuse NY. I have worked with Darren for over 10 years on the BLQ10 program. His sudden death has effected everyone on the BLQ10 team. I felt compelled to let you and your kids know how well Darren was liked and respected by everyone on the team. We always looked forward to his trips to Lockheed and we will all miss him greatly. We are all praying for you.
Alli Lattuca
February 18, 2009
Tolsma family,
You guys are in our prayers and our deepest thoughts are with your family. Im so sorry for your loss. Stay strong. Our hearts go out to you guys.
with love,
The Lattuca's (Depew, NY)
Fritz Szczodrowski
February 18, 2009
Dear Jim & Family
I'm deeply sorry for your loss, I haven't seen you for a while since we went to grammar & high school together and played ball. Our prayers will be said for your son &family.
Renee Clements
February 18, 2009
Tolsma Family,I'm very sorry for your loss. I will always remember the smile that was always on Darrens face when passing/talking in the hall at work. He will never be forgotten. Bless you all.
Kristin Reddien
February 18, 2009
Robin, Darren and Nikki: I would just like to express my deepest condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Dennis Weist Lancaster Schools Buildings and Grounds
February 18, 2009
The Tolsma family is in our prayers.
May you have strength through your family at this difficult time.
Debby Tuberdyke
February 18, 2009
Robin, Nikki & Darren Jr., I knew Darren all through middle school and high school, we were always in the same home room because of our last name starting w "T" and he was in many of my classes. I have only fond memories of the wonderful person he was. I have been thinking about Darren non-stop since the tragedy and praying to God to bless and give you strength to get through this. God Bless you and God Bless my friend Darren!! I will miss you !
The Ptak Family
February 18, 2009
Dear Tolsma family,
I can't put into words how much Darren will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time.
Terri Sorce (Gee)
February 18, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of this. I worked for Amherst Systems 10 years ago and can remember Darren very well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
He was a wonderful person!
JOYCE DMOCH
February 18, 2009
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY. MY STEP-FATHER WAS ALBERT TOLSMA. WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYS AND OUR HEART
Michael Stillwell
February 18, 2009
Words cannot express how much I will miss Darren. He was a mentor, a great friend, and someone I truly admired. I valued our time together and we could always count on each other to relieve the stress of work by talking about baseball, hunting, telling jokes, or whatever.
My deepest condolences to you, Robin, Nikki, and Darren Jr. He always talked about you all and you were very, very important to him.
He will be missed greatly.
Jarnot
February 18, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
God Bless.
Jarnot family
Frank Mariani
February 18, 2009
Darren, Robin and Family,
No expression in words can adequately express what so many of us feel. You were one in a million, Darren, and the world was a much better place with you in it.
Jamie Gleason
February 18, 2009
Jim and Family,
We are very sorry and saddened for your loss. It's hard to know what to say at this sad time because your loss is so great and because your brother will be missed in so many ways. When someone close to us is taken suddenly, the pain sometimes seems more than we can bear. No one knows the ways of eternity or understand when those we love leave this earth too soon, before we are ready to say good-bye. And, no amount of time can prepare us for a loss and no one can fully understand your sorrow. Several years ago, my brother was taken from us suddenly too. Many hearts are with you, hoping you will have the strength you need to see you through this difficult time. And with time, our memories grow more precious and we come realize that those we've loved live on within our hearts. May memories keep Darren always in your heart and mind. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Jamie and Dick Gleason
Burr & Burtis family
February 18, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
John Dierdorf
February 18, 2009
To the entire Tolsma family, my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart.
Margaret Manning
February 18, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Cheryl Haurik
February 18, 2009
Dear Tolsma family,
I am so sorry to hear of this horrible loss. My Dad, and Mr. Tolsma worked together at American Optical, and my Brother, and Darren knew each other. We just lost Dad in September, and if he was here We know he would want to be there for you. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl (windnagle) Haurik
Tom Windnagle
Tom Martinez
February 18, 2009
Dear Jim and Family, I am so sad to hear of your loss, may God Bless and watch over all of you.
Pegi Colosimo
February 18, 2009
Robin, Darren Jr. and Nikki:
I am so sorry for the loss of Darren. He was a very special person. He spoke of family with a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips. He worked very hard. Your loss will be felt also among Northrop Grumman and all his co-workers. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow.
I worked with Darren for 8 years,
NANCY ALABISI
February 18, 2009
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY DAD NAME WAS ALBERT TOLSMA AND WE ARE SURE YOU ARE RELATED BY DARREN PICTURE. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TERRIBLE TIME. REMEMBER YOU ARE IN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE'S PRAYERS. GOD BLESS
NANCY&GARY ALABISI
Robert Hyjek
February 18, 2009
Darren,
You will always be a great example to me of how a person 'should be'. I will truly miss the talks we always had. I am very sad, you are now and will be missed dearly my Friend. God bless you!!!
Robin, Darren Jr., and Nikki My heart goes out to each of you in your time of need. God bless.
Bob Hyjek [Depew Alumni & Northrop Grumman Family member].
Kerl Family
February 18, 2009
Robin and family,
My family and I were so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. We have been thinking of you daily and cannot possibly imagine what you and your family must be going through. With time, hoping loving thoughts and memories of your husband/father guide you through and bring you comfort. God Bless.
Robin Eastmer
February 18, 2009
Robin,James and entire Tolsma family, You are in the thoughts of many at this sad time.You are in the prayers of many at ECC. God Bless your loved one.
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