Thomas West Donaldson

So Sad to hear about Tom´s passing, just found out today from Krista Gardi....
I worked the door for Tom when he first opened the original "Cheers" on Detroit rd...Tom had come to Black´s Health World on Lorain rd in Cleveland, looking for a imposing figure to "Bounce"..... I guess I was what Tom was looking for...

We had many good times at his establishment, and his private parties....
Tom was a gentleman and easy to be around.....

To the remaining Donaldson family and loved ones, may God Bless you all, and continue to comfort you with your loss...

Respectfully

Ray Vivolo

With love & gratitude.

If I could go back in time to before we met, I'd look for you and find you sooner...so I could love you longer.

So grateful for the time we shared. Forever my love Thomas

"Life will never quiite be the same, my dearest dad Tompassed away last Monday, June 6th. He was a remarkable man always gracious and kind. One of the most even-keel men I've ever known. He was authentic and straightforward and sometimes brutally honest. I can't tell you how many times I told him I really didn't need to know that Dad!! He was fun and had a mischievous side, some of my favorite moments growing up, was with his best friend for 70-plus years, Chris Boylan, and his wife Patti while visiting of living in Florida. Chris and Tom were always up to all sorts of antics.

He was raised on the family farm in New London, Ohio until age 3 then moved to the big city Lakewood, then to ROcky River graduating class of 1958. Tom attended Ohio Wesleyan, his mother Marthabel's alma mater. He was an entrepreneur owning many businesses. He was a renaissance man never ceasing to amaze me with all his many talents. He was spontaneous and very adventurous and had a wicked wall-to-wall carpeted van we would haul it to Florida for every chance we could get away. He was a guitar player and musician. He dabbled in writing, acting, and made stain glass lamps. His number one sport was tennis, golfing, canoeing, snorkeling, and spearfishing, loved anything sports. D.I.Y. guy. sign maker, always keeping busy.

He was a dutiful Dad taking on the role of raising two teenage daughters (believe me we didin't make it easy for him), while our mother was transferred to Fla. after our parents' marriage ended. He was a best friend to Dana and me and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for us. A year later in 1983, on my 18th birthday, Tom cme home and told Dana and me he bought a music stablishment/tavern and was naming it Cheers Tavern. SAY WHAAT? Which featured the best local talent six days a week. Of course, Monday night was reserved for Mike Baab former Brown's player, and Monday Night Football. The rest is ancient history.

I love you , dad. I wouldn't have been the person I am today without you. Say hello to Dana Donaldson and Mimi and Grandad Ken for me."

Papa Tom truly enjoyed his time with family, from celebrating puppy birthdays to singing Rock Island Line with the grands.

Happy memories!

I am so sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. You have been a faithful and loving partner to Tom. May God rest Tom´s soul and may God give you peace. Love you!

Tom hired me for my first jobs at a popular night club where I learned my trade. A kind and sweet man.

A quick glimpse into Tom's life...

Rocky River High School

Class of 1958

Dear Heidi, I am so sorry to learn of Tom's passing!
You are in my prayers today!
Wally