Thomas G. Rivard

It is with profound grief and sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas Gabriel Rivard, 84, of Bay City, MI, on December 18, 2025, surrounded by his 3 daughters and dearest friend, Christine Thurman.
A well-recognized (and always neatly shaven) fixture in the Bay City community, Tom wore many different hats: a barber, a public servant, a devout catholic, and most importantly, a brother, an uncle, a loving father, grandfather, and even great-grandfather. Tom never met a stranger. Those who were lucky enough to know him by name also know how big his heart was. Anyone with the good fortune to cross paths with him, however briefly, instantly became a part of his circle of friends and loved ones, and remained there until the day he died.
Most who knew Tom by name likely knew him as "Tom the Barber," having spent over 6 decades working at Lemke's Barber shop on Midland Street. Of course, as is commonplace for barbers and hairstylists worldwide, he didn't just protect the community from bad hair days and grooming tragedies; he was also perfectly positioned as a frontline recipient of the latest gossip and news regarding not only the lives of his clients, but also their families, friends, and the community at large. It afforded him the ability to connect with just about anyone, any place, any time. Sometimes it seemed as though he could walk into any building in Bay City and know at least 10% of the current occupants, a quality highly coveted by his many of his friends and family.
That said, even those who didn't know him by name often recognized him as a friendly face, ever-present and always approachable. This is unsurprising given his impressively extensive history of community service, lifelong commitment as a permanent fixture at All Saints Parish – Church of St. Boniface, and involvement with local events. Among his most treasured memories are the years he spent alongside his friend and partner, Christine, making popcorn and serving refreshments at community events at both the State Theater and the Wenonah Park Bandshell during its summer concert series. He took as much pride in working these community events as he did his day job, often more. He enjoyed nothing more than seeing kids smile as he served their favorite treats and some of the best popcorn this side of the Mississippi. (Unsurprisingly, his grandkids and great-grandkids were also rather fond of Grandpa's permanent appointment as Expert Popcorn Maker Extraordinaire!)
Tom's love for the community was truly unmatched and unrivaled by all, except, that is, for his love of family. His loved ones will always remember him as a source of unwavering love and loyalty. He was an incredible father and incomparable grandfather, Tom was there for every game, every performance, and every graduation for those who lived nearby. Even for his daughter and grandkids who lived too far to commute on a weekly basis, he made great effort to attend at least one band concert or performance each year. When he couldn't attend in-person, he always remembered to call with good luck wishes, congratulations, and support when needed. And he had an uncanny ability to make sure birthday cards were mailed at the exact right time so they would arrive on your birthday, never a day early nor a day late. Exactly on your birthday, even if the mail wasn't running that day! Everyone knew Grandpa was always available and never out of reach. His endless love and care will be sorely missed. Although, his family has no doubts his spirit will remain as ever-present in death as he was in life.
With his help freely given to anyone in need and his love for family and friends irrevocably unconditional, Tom's loyalty and dependability stood unyielding against even the most wicked of Michigan winters. So whether you knew him as "Tom the Barber" or one of the many other nicknames he acquired throughout his life, including but certainly not limited to: Tommy, Pa, Papa Tom, Grandpa, Tom the Popcorn Man, Oscar (after a particularly surly and fluffy green muppet), or the Keeper of the Fruit Salad (if you know, you know), Tom undoubtedly touched the lives of everyone he ever met. And for that, we are all the better.
Tom is survived by his three daughters, Deborah (Tim) Martin, Diane McGregor and Kathryn Jo (Christopher) Jenkins; his dear friend, Christine Thurman; four grandchildren, Ashleigh (Mike) Wauters, Tyler Martin (Sara), Abigayle Gibson and Mason (Alli) Gibson; three great grandchildren, Colton, Noah and Charlotte; and several nieces, nephews and many friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Electa (Schaefer) Rivard, Sr.; a son-in-law, Lyle McGregor; and his seven siblings, Donald Rivard, Richard Rivard, Eugene Rivard, Loretta Naert, Mildred Volk, Electa Oswald and Albert Rivard, Jr.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at All Saints Parish – Church of St. Boniface with Rev. Dale Orlik presiding. Private interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. Visiting hours will be at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The family suggests donations in Tom's memory to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, in honor of Tom's long-term support of Pediatric Medical Research. Celebrate Tom's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.trahanfc.com