Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Thomas Leonard Obituary
Thomas Leonard, born in Fort Wayne, IN on December 23, 1959, was lifted to a better place with his Savior on March 22, 2015 after losing a long, hard fought battle with many health issues. Tom was a devoted and supportive son to his mother, Janice Gilmour Andres and stepfather Jack Andres both of Okeechobee who survive him. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas S. Leonard Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tom is survived also by a sister, Catherine Faulkner (Scott); nephew, Christopher Faulkner; nieces, Jennifer Faulkner and Emily Faulkner of Austin, Texas; a brother, David Leonard (Vita Joy); nephews, JM Burdeos, Tom and John Leonard; nieces, Marie and Georgie Ann Leonard of the Philippines; Jessica Leonard of Indianapolis, IN. Also surviving is his uncle, John O. Leonard, of Syracuse, IN; aunt, Debra Leonard, of Fort Wayne, IN and nieces, Christy and Claire Leonard; six stepsisters, Jo, Cheryl, Jackie, Denise, Lynda and Mikki, and one stepbrother, Dennis. Tom was much loved by his family and we will miss him.
After retiring from trucking, Tom earned an Associate's Degree in Psychology and Nursing Pharmacology from Ivy Tech, Fort Wayne, and was close to completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN until his failing health made it no longer possible. Tom moved to the Okeechobee area four years ago to be closer to his parents. Tom was an avid fisherman, musician and cyclist. He was administrator of an Internet bike forum and also a forum following his 300 pound weight loss after bariatric surgery. He was an inspiration, mentor, and friend to many over the world as attested by the hundreds of memorials to him. BikeForum is making a donation in his memory to the Tour de Cure, a bike race supporting the American Diabetes Association. A memorial will be held in Indiana with his extended family at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Leonard
Dave
April 5, 2015
An admirable and inspiring gentleman... one of the very few who was truly worthy of the title, "Moderator."
Don Strong
April 3, 2015
The last few years were rough for Tom but I was always amazed by his perspective, attitude and resilience. He is missed.
Marc Cooper
April 1, 2015
I only knew Tom on the forums. He was kind, and helpful, and relentlessly encouraging. When I asked to give away jerseys that no longer fit (thanks to his encouragement), not only did Tom approve, but he made the thread "sticky", and it continues years later, with folks helping each other out. That was Tom, taking a modest idea and giving it legs to help others. Godspeed.
March 31, 2015
Tom was an inspiration to all of us on the forums, rest in peace mate.
John (Australia)
Bob Stewart (Merlinextraligh)
March 31, 2015
Tom's work on Bike Forums is greatly appreciated. He will be missed. I will think of him riding the Tour de Cure this spring.
Pat Holdren
March 31, 2015
Your wisdom will be missed...
Deborah Leonard
March 31, 2015
I loved Tom dearly, I was his Aunt Debby. I was so proud of Tom and all he did in spite of his disabilities. He was a mentor to me and supportive on many matters in my life. I will dearly miss his phone calls on a weekly basis to check in with me and see how I was doing. My greatest thrill for Tom was when be became a believer in the Lord. I told him how much God loved him and how special he was to God to be given what he needed to believe. I know where Tom is today and look forward to the day when again I will be with him and talk with him like before. Love Aunt Debby
Gary Zhen
March 31, 2015
He will forever be missed and never forgotten at his second home, on the internet cycling community at BikeForums. He was one of the kindest and most colorful souls there. Rest in peace friend, it was a pleasure to be in your presence.
March 30, 2015
Vaya con Dios Tom. When you moved near me I was hopeful we'd be able to share some grilling tips if not a bike ride or two as well. I like to grill but some of the things you talked about were on a different level and I had hoped to learn. It was not to be. I'm glad that we did get to meet a few times and will miss you.
Bob Dopolina
March 30, 2015
Tom was always generous with his time and advice. He was a good man who will be missed by many.
Chris
March 30, 2015
I never had the pleasure to talk to Tom on the BikeForums. But his story was one of the reasons why I started riding more regularly and his knowledge has helped me during my transition from a 350+ lb new rider using a comfort bike to someone dropping weight and making plans for 50-100 mile rides. Thanks Tom and anyone else from his riding team/groups.
Ron Horne
March 30, 2015
We'll miss you Tom. BikeForums.net won't be the same without you.
March 30, 2015
I never met Tom, but I wish i had. He was a gentle guide for a lot of people.
Dan Kasper
March 30, 2015
Peace be with you Tom, going to greatly miss the conversations.
Darwin Gregory
March 30, 2015
Tom was indeed an inspiration on bikeforums.net, and although I had hoped to ride the Tour de Cure in Indianapolis to meet him and ride on the Indy track, I was unable to get there. Tom was always willing to offer encouragement, and has been missed during his illness. Until we meet to ride together Tom, ride on and blaze the trail!
rumrunn6
March 30, 2015
here's wishing you fun bike rides in Heaven, and your family nothing but the best memories
"cooker"
March 30, 2015
Like many other bikeforums regulars, I found his steady administrative hand and thoughtful comments added immensely to making the forum a great resource, not just for biking, but for living and participating in society in general.
March 30, 2015
Thank you, Tom, for all you did for us cyclists on bikeforums. Godspeed to you.
Eugene Hollingsworth, Mound MN
Leo Rapacki
March 29, 2015
Ride on my Brother. May you find smooth roads, and the wind at your back.
Bill Steele
March 29, 2015
Rest in peace, Tom. May the wind always be at your back.
Chris Murray
March 29, 2015
You were a huge inspiration to more than you will ever realize!
Bill Barnard
March 29, 2015
Tom was an inspiration to me, and to many of us at Bikeforums.net. He showed me support, encouragement and caring about my health, when his problems were much more severe. Tom I miss you so much, God's blessings on your soul, and on your family.
Lucas
March 29, 2015
Godspeed Tom. I never met you, but thank you for all your help with Bike Forums.
Wishing you tailwinds always in your new journey.
Law Miner
March 29, 2015
R.I.P.
Ben Lively
March 29, 2015
I consider myself fortunate to have known Tom. Farewell, my friend.
Laura Vee
March 29, 2015
Tom was a great guy, cyclist, bbq'r, and an all around righteous dude. He inspired me and encouraged me when I first began cycling and I'm a better person because of him. I will never forget him. I will never forget his kindness.
March 29, 2015
I "knew" Tom from the Bike Forums as well. I'm sure many will read these and find a very common theme...he was committed to being a fantastic human being and spreading his joy of life with anyone who would have it. Thank you Tom.
G. Fisher
March 29, 2015
I guess it's true, the good die young. The world needs more people like Tom
Mark Wilder
March 29, 2015
We never met, but you've made such a major impact on my life. Thank you, god bless you.
March 29, 2015
Well done Tom. You added something of value to the lives of many.
Berner
Lee
March 29, 2015
Tom's intelligence and good humor will be missed on the Bikeforum
Robert Jones
March 29, 2015
I am so sorry that Tom passed, we only met through the bike forums, but he was kind and thoughtful, and inspired great conversations. I will miss his insight in the future.
Gabe.
March 29, 2015
I'll miss you, mate.
March 29, 2015
Tom is an inspiration to so many people. He will be missed. He touched many, many lives in such a positive way with his positive, helpful and courageous outlook. He saw nothing but the good in everything and his love for the simple things in life like cycling and sailing is an example for us all.
Tom's family should be extremely proud.
Stan L.
Bill Kapaun
March 29, 2015
Thank you for all you've done for the biking community and us people that are "former" couch potatoes.
You inspired me to get off my duff and ride!
Paul Thompson
March 29, 2015
Thanks Tom for making the Bike Forums a valuable resource for all levels of cyclists and a fun, entertaining place for us to hang out.
George Hsu
March 29, 2015
Tom is an inspiration to a countless number of people who may not have even met him in person. The world misses him dearly.
Pamestique
March 29, 2015
Tom and I met through the internet forum... he would tease me with his big ideas which I seldom understood but he made me think and he pushed me to learn more. People like that are few and far between... miss you already Tom.
Chuck Turner
March 29, 2015
Thanks for making so many lives better.
George White
March 29, 2015
I never met Tom but considered him a friend and honoured him as an humane and gifted human being. He touched the lives of many in his relatively short life.
Jeff Wills
March 29, 2015
I never met Tom, but I knew him through many virtual conversations on Bike Forums. He was always a delight, and I will miss him.
My condolences to the family.
Wernmax Bike forum denizen
March 28, 2015
Sorry about Tom. I hate that people die. I'm wishing I'd known him in face to face, and had more time to talk.
Steve Bourne
March 28, 2015
Thank you Tom for all your help and inspiration on Bike Forums over many years. You will be sadly missed mate.
Jim McCurdy
March 28, 2015
Will be dearly missed in his forums.
Shawn Schmitz
March 28, 2015
I was inspired by Tom's story when I found BikeForums.net a few years ago. So sorry for your loss. Tom will be missed.
eddie
March 28, 2015
I really liked Tom. He was always kind. And I have much respect for him
Siu Ling
March 28, 2015
Tom is a very dear friend of mine who I kept in contact daily. Be it by phone call, text, email, or message through our work, we became very much alike in how we would handle things at that come up.
He came to me often to tell me about the things that concerned him in life, and together we would come up with possible solutions and by the time we ended our conversation, we both felt that we go a lot accomplished and that we had a lot of positive plans in our heads about his future.
And I needed him too.
Even still, I find myself thinking "Oh I better verify this with Tom" because I kept him informed of every step I took. But now, when that comes across my mind, I find myself realizing that he is not here to call any more.
But I still hear his words. Guiding me.
And he always will.
Thank you Tom for being a part of my life. And for being my friend.
March 28, 2015
Janice So sorry to read about your son in todays paper. Prayers go out to you and your family. Betty Jo Mcknight
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Leonard's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Leonard
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Leonard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
