Thomas William Brookover II

I remember Thomas as a keeper. Competitive but always kind and gracious. I also remember being bummed that he wouldn't continue on with us in public school because he was such a solid person and athlete. Not surprised by his business success. Sad news of another leaving us way before there time.

I was a basketball cheerleader in 7th and 8th grade at St. Mary's and that's where I became aware of Tom. One of my friends and fellow cheerleaders was madly in love with him back then (actually many of us were)! He visited my roommate and I once in college (UC) when he was in town. So sorry to hear this news! Rest in peace Tom!

Elisabeth, I am so sorry. I had heard from Ellen that Tom's cancer had spread. May God be with you and comfort you, Debby and Dave Vincent

Rob and I have so many wonderful memories of good times with Tom and Beth. Just before moving to Switzerland we remember meeting both of you along the water in Chicago for a meal outside. And then we reconnected in Tucson, with the guys playing golf together on several occasions and fun dinners out. Tom was always fun to be around, and we became fast friends no matter how many years went by between visits. He was beloved by our then little boys who appreciated an adult who knew how to have fun. We loved that we had that special connection in Tucson and hold our memories dear of good times together. Sending much love to you Beth.

Tom and I were born only 13 months apart, with me being his older brother, so I have no memories when Tom wasn´t in my life.

For me, as we grew up, Tom went from being my little brother, to being a sparring partner, roommate, example in athletic competition, running mate when going out in our 20´s, classic storyteller and jokester, and finally, at the end of his life, an inspirational figure of courage and tenacity for living well in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Make no mistake, Tom Brookover fought the evil of cancer like a lion. It challenged him for the past 8 years on a daily basis and he met those challenges with the admirable assistance of his devoted wife, Beth. He took his strength from their mutual love and that love allowed him to beat the odds for survival for years.

My family is indebted to Beth for all she did for Tom during his numerous treatments, tests, procedures, surgeries, hospital stays and for standing by him in his final days that were filled with excruciating pain. Only she knows what Tom went through. Tom was blessed by Beth´s love and support during his life and especially during his illness.

Cancer did not take Tom´s life - he fought it to a draw. It died when he passed away. He was undefeated, in my view.

Thank you to all the friends of Tom and Beth and our family who prayed for Tom during his valiant battle. Please pray for the repose of Tom´s soul, his wife Beth, our mother Carolyn, and our family as we remember Tom and grieve for his passing into eternity.

Below is a favorite photo of mine of the two of us as children. Tom is on the right. If you look closely, we both had tears in our eyes because we didn´t want to be photographed. The consoling thought that comes to my mind when looking at this picture is that Tom no longer has tears in his eyes.

Resquiescat in Pace, little brother.

Brian

Thomas was fun, generous, loving, welcoming, funny and smart. He loved my sons like they were his, and they loved him dearly! We stayed with my sister and Thomas on several occasions in their home in Oro Valley, AZ and he always made us feel welcome and happy. We will miss him but never forget how he enriched our lives.

My heart and hugs go to Elisabeth, Michelle, and ALL the Brookover and Brislance families. May Thomas be comfortable and at peace and I pray joy and peace come to all of you. May we all carry on with Thomas' legacy for this world. Hugs, Shelly Smith

Beth, I Am beyond words to express my deepest sympathy for you and everyone in the Brookover family. Tom was my best friend growing up and best man at my wedding, even though we lost touch over the years, the wonderful memories I have of him during our childhood and young adulthood are priceless. Please take comfort in knowing he is in a better place and will be looking over you always! R.I.P. my dear friend!

Tom, You will be missed. I enjoyed talking media shop with you over the years. You had so many great times in New York, Chicago, Arizona and anywhere the opportunities took you. You were a wonderful husband for Elisabeth. After your long battle, may you now rest in peace. ~Shannon

The Brislance family is in mourning. We all loved Thomas from the day he became part of our family. He was the real deal, genuine and unpretentious, loving and kind. Thomas was good to me. I loved him like a son. What a loss to those of us whose life he touched. We will cherish his memory.

When I heard of Tom's diagnosis, I was heartbroken. I asked myself how such a good, funny, All-American guy could develop this disease. I concluded that it's a terrible of fate that could happen to anyone.

As I mentioned, Tom for me was a pure incarnation of the All-American kid. Popular with the girls, smart, charismatic, athletic, and very importantly for me - funny.

My most vivid recollection of Tom is shared with my younger brother Iggy. Iggy, Tom, and I took a car trip from Chicago to Cleveland. It was my my car, so we played our music. Tom was in the back. We played some edgy music, stuff we thought was pretty cool. Tom was in the back listening patiently to our music. He cracked jokes about most of them. I stopped listening to many of these songs because Tom pointed out with his jokes, how kind of lame or plain weird they were. We didn't take offense. He was right and he was just trying to be funny. My brother and I can still recite his jokes, 35 years later. One had something to do with a Smiths song.

Tom to me was a naturally funny guy. He didn't have to try. Jokes and funny observations just flowed from him. He's the kind of person whose eyes you'd look into, and smile. For me, when Tom was around, there was always humor in the air, even if he didn't say anything.

For those of you who know me better, Tom was also a source of good advice. In Chicago, I told him I was thinking of rooming with a guy we both knew from St. Ignatius. I thought it was a decent idea. I needed a roommate. Tom said one thing to to dissuade me "You guys will drive each other nuts." I didn't heed the advice. We drove each other nuts and much more.

I hope there is a special place in heaven for people like Tom. I bet he would made God laugh.

I am very sorry for your loss Beth and my condolences to you and the entire Brookover family. Some of my best memories are with Tom growing up in High School during those impressionable years. He was always Tom, that same old guy I knew from 1982! May God take him to the highest level. You will be missed Brook - RIP.

Thomas was a loving kind man & will be missed

Dearest Elisabeth,
My deepest condolences to you and the family. I send you much love.

We are so sorry, you both fought so hard. You both are such a big part of our lives and we have so many great memories to treasure. Tom will be forever in our hearts.

Oh, Elizabeth, what a loss. We are so sorry. You and Tom have been in our prayers. May warm memories of a wonderful man bring you comfort.
Julia and Chris

So sorry for your loss. Beth. my thoughts are with you.

Elizabeth and family, so very sorry for your great loss.
My heart breaks for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Baker Hosch

So sorry that Tom has left us. I have fond memories of Tom being part of our young men´s softball team and the high level of competitiveness he had, as we all did, and how much we enjoyed beating our toughest competitors. I had not been in touch in a while but am sure that this great traits he had never changed. Prayers to his family and lived ones. Gooby.

In loving memory of a wonderful Uncle and friend. Our deepest sympathy to Beth and the Brookover Family.
Love, Tricia, Hannah & Jacob

Elisabeth, my dearest friend, my sincerest and heartfelt sympathy. You fought the good fight for Thomas. You are so right, Thomas and Jerry are together in heaven.....My love and deepest sorrow for the loss of your life long love.
Bev

To my brother and best friend....your light will always shine in my heart. I will miss your jokes, hugs and talks! I never felt alone when traveling in the car....you had me on location on the phone so you knew I was safe. I have saved all your text messages over the years. I will find comfort in reading them often. The pain is raw for me right now and I´m so sad but I am happy you are out of pain. Rest well . Love you so much. "TEEN!"

Sad to hear of Tom´s passing. We bartended together in college at Ohio State, and Tom really was a fantastic guy, with a great sense of humor. I was happy to have gotten back in touch with Tom over the past year and a half. He never lost his spirit despite all that he went through in his fight. He will be greatly missed.

Rest well, Thomas. With deepest sympathy to Elisabeth and family.

Rest well, dear Thomas. Deepest sympathy to Elisabeth and family.

To my brother and best friend.....your light will always shine in my heart! The pain is so raw and can´t express how much you will be missed. I have kept years of text messages from you and will look back at them to always remind me of the tight bond we had! Finally free from pain! You are my inspirational and hero! Love you always "TEEN!"