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Thomas Tollefson Obituary
Thomas Gundy Tollefson, 42, of Newhall, CA died suddenly at his home on Thursday, May 21, 2009.
Tommy was born on September 3, 1966 in Glendale, CA. He grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley, graduating from Saugus High School in 1984. He worked for Magic Maintenance, Inc. and as a motion picture industry prop maker.
Tommy is survived by his daughter, Amanda Tollefson; his son, Jacob Thomas Tollefson; his father and stepmother, Gundy and Katherine Tollefson; his brother, Michael Tollefson; his sister, Elizabeth Tollefson and the mother of his children, Tara Brown. Tommy's mother, Donna Tollefson-Andreson precedes him in death.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 29, 2009 from 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m., with memorial services on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 4:00p.m.; both at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall.
Tommy's children wrote, "Our dad loved camping, riding motorcycles and swimming in the ocean. He loved a good adventure. His favorite things were the color purple, animals, yummy food and Disneyland. He loved and lived life in a big way. If you didn't know our dad, we really wish you did. He was the most kind-hearted man in the world. Love, Amanda & Jake."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tollefson
Kathy
June 3, 2009
OH Tommy each day hurts worst than the last,
Dara Van Deusen
June 2, 2009
Tommy always had a smile and a quirky sense of humor. He really enjoyed messing with people's heads. If you asked him, "Does this outfit look OK?" he'd say, "Well, if you like it." I always loved his blonde, curly hair. He was the life of the party and such an uplifting spirit. I am his cousin. I spent 1 week with him when I was only 14 and my sister was 15. We had a ball. He took us to Catalina Island. We all got totally baked in the sun. We had so much fun and made some really great memories. The last time I saw Tommy was about 10 years ago. I met his lovely wife Tara and his 2 adorable babies. He and Tara had the gift of hospitality. We didn't get to hang out alot, but every time we did, we laughed and made memories. He would tell me of what it was like to grow up in California. One memory in particular he had about Grandma T. or Helen Tollefson, was when he and Michael were little they asked grandma if they could have some gum. So grandma pulled over on the side of the freeway and got them out of the car and opened the trunk. There were wind chimes hanging from inside the trunk and she stood up a gumball machine and gave them each a penny, like it was the most normal thing any grandma would do. He had many fond and funny memories of Grandma T. especially. I will miss him and hate I didn't know him better.
Love,
Dara
Dolores Burgess
June 1, 2009
Tommy T
The funniest guy in the world. You will be so missed. Thank you for all the great memories I will treasure forever. We love you Tommy and may God bless you and your family always.
Paula Ver Steeg
June 1, 2009
Tommy, my softball pitcher and friend. I will miss you dearly on and off the field. It was so much fun harassing you from first base, listening to you embarrass one batter after the other, and seeing you stop every line drive (well almost every line drive, you were getting old) that came your way. From riding motorcycles at Cal City, to pulling you in the tube at Lake Pyramid, to having margaritas at La Cocina, it was always a blast. You made me laugh whether it be with you or at you, it didn't matter it was all good. The last Halloween costume I saw you in, you were dressed up as an Angel at the infamous Burgess party, and now my last thought of you is as our own personal guardian angel smiling down on your family and friends. Take care my friend. You will be greatly missed.
Stacy Hand- Burleson
June 1, 2009
Tommy and the gang on Dandelion Dr. have a special place in my heart. Some of my fondest childhood memories were spent playing hide-n-seek & football. Sheila Dillon and I were the only girls on the block (at the time) and were much younger, yet Tommy, Michael and the Moffords always let us play with the ‘big boys’ and stood up for us when anyone picked on us.
I will always remember Tommy’s sense of humor and the way he always made me laugh. One time, Todd & Tommy and the gang were up to no good (as usual) and decided to toilet paper our house. Half way through the beautiful T.P. job, my mother caught Todd and Tommy ‘red-handed’. Tommy, in his most charming and innocent voice said to my mother, “can we just finish the job…we’re almost done?” Needless to say, Tommy’s charm won out and my mom let them complete their work of art.
I am an only child, but I never felt that way since I was lucky enough to have Tommy, along with the Moffords, Dillons, Bourgeois, and all the Dandelion gang as my older brothers.
Thanks Tommy! We will miss you.
Carol Tollefson-Henry
May 31, 2009
Dear Gundy and Gang,
"Tommy Gun" is what we called him when he was born, he never slowed down, but always had time to laugh. I know you will miss him desperately, losing a child is the most painful sort of loss ever. None of us ever plan for our kids to beat us in this race... Without the Lord Jesus, it is impossible, I think, to get through. Hold on to Jesus! Tomm is just a few moments ahead, in light of eternity.
With lotsa love,
Tiffany Lindbloom
May 31, 2009
Gundy and family,
I am so sad to hear about the loss of your son, Tomm. Thank you for sending his obituary. His smile (in the picture) says so much about who he was, and to live 42 years as your son, he must have been so very special. I cannot imagine how difficult this time is, but I know that you have faith and that you know that God had a bigger, better, more important plan for him in Heaven. I don't know how old his kids are, but their posts in the Memory Book online are heartwrenching and so touching. I hope in the coming weeks and months, that your family is able to pull together and support one another. You are such an inspiring example of how to live with strength and faith, that I know if they turn to you, you will all be able to move forward from this tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family at this time and always.
We love you,
Tiff, Mark, Marina and Hayden
Julie Lawson
May 31, 2009
Dear Gundy,
My thoughts are with you and your family. Losing a child, no matter what age they are, has to be the toughest thing a parent will ever go through. I'm glad you have your family, friends and faith to help you through this very sad time. I'll see you soon. Love,Julie
Juli Hansen Woodgerd
May 29, 2009
Tommy was very special to me. He befriended me in Kindergarten becoming one of my very first friends, normally a difficult task as I was painfully shy. I had seen him through the years since high school and he was that same friendly person I always knew. I read many comments over "Facebook" from classmates, from as far back as elementary school about how his happy spirit affected them. Don Lutes (Saugus High classmate) wrote "He was so funny and always could tease anyone without getting them upset". I thought that said it best! What a knack he had to spread Joy. The best legacy to have.
God bless his children in this difficult time.
Orla K
May 29, 2009
Tommy,
You touched my heart. I will be forever blessed to have known you. Your laughter and smiles remain in my memory. I will be sending you balloons filled with love.....until we meet again.
Love, Orla
Theresa Washburn
May 29, 2009
This is a very sad loss for all of us who knew Tommy and know of the Tollefson family. Being the ex-sister-in-law he was a character, happy go lucky, caring kind of person and gave me the nickname "Teely". Of course we loved our softball. My run in's with Tommy were words of encouragement and caring. I will deeply miss him.
May God comfort and ease the painful loss to his family member's: Gundy, Mike, Tara, his children Amanda and Jake, his nephew Tyler (my son) and other's. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike Tollefson
May 29, 2009
“Tommy T” my little brother, Jake and Amanda’s daddy Gundy and Donna’s son and a friend to so many hard to believe I won’t see your beautiful smile again. I Love You Tomm there have been so many good times, hard times and crazy times over the years. One of my favorites was “Mother’s Day a Switzer Falls” when we climbed up the face of the Falls following a guy who with the proper gear had repelled down and was climbing back up. I remember about thirty feet off the ground telling you this did not seem like a good idea but you insisted I was better a little further up…….we ended up stuck on a ledge 120 feet off the ground. Mom, Tyler and our wives watched and waited three hours as a crowd gathered and the Sheriffs rescue helicopter flew in and rescued us. You surely did live life to the fullest and I am very proud to be your brother. It is my hope that the many people whose lives you have touched will take a piece of that care free sprit we all loved in you and take a chance do something a little crazy and zany, catch a ball in the outfield with our arm around our backs or wear that purple shirt that even though some might scoff. You are loved by many and will be missed by all. We will love Amanda and Jake until you see them again. Give mom a hug and kiss for me. And last but not least I will need your help next February with that mud jump at the Adelanto Grand Prix 2010 I am a little rusty on the landing part (obviously) and can not afford another week in the hospital.
Love, Your Big Brother Mike
Paul Bleiler
May 28, 2009
To the Tollefson family,
My heart goes out to all of you. I knew Tommy from Rosedell Elementary school through Saugus High. Was he ever fun to be around! I remember a fund raiser at Arroyo Seco when he won the top prize. (I think it was a juke box.) Tommy always had a smile on his face.
Juan Sanchez
May 28, 2009
I had the pleasure to call Tommy my friend. Although I only knew Tommy for a very brief time, he managed to take a special place in my heart. His happy personality was as infectious as his ever present smile. I will miss him.
Marlene Pedrick
May 28, 2009
Tollefson Family,
We are so sad to hear of the passing of Tomm. He was such a helpful and kind neighbor. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and watch over you.
May 28, 2009
I'm sadden by your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with the family as you go through this difficult time.
Denice Theberge, OLPH
Susan Peoples
May 28, 2009
I am so sorry about the loss of Tommy. My prayers go out to the entire Tollefson family
Paul Percivalle
May 28, 2009
I was shocked when I heard the news. Tommy I will always remember the fun times, from Arroyo Seco thru Saugus High. I will always remember the first year after graduation , fun times. You always had a smile. God bless you and you family.
Lisa Hertel Davidson
May 28, 2009
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Tommy. Every time I ran into Tommy over the years, he was a bright light. He always had a huge smile on his face. It wasn't any different than our days growing up in the American Beauty tract in Saugus. My prayers go out to the whole Tollefson family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Bobbi Keene Click
May 28, 2009
Tomy and I went to school together from the 6th grade at Rosedell all the way through Saugus. He was always the life of the party -- even in class. I remember one summer day when we did a birthday party at Magic Mountain when we were 11 or 12 -- we rode the Enterprise five or six times in a row and laughed at how queazy it made us. I am so sorry for his family and send my heart-felt condolences -- your dad/son/husband/brother was a wonderful person and will be missed a great deal. -- Bobbi Keene Click
Michael Hider
May 28, 2009
I was stunned when heard the news. I went to Arroyo Seco & Saugus with both Tom and Mike. Although it's been years since I've seen them it's very hard to not shed a tear and remember about the good ol days. Tom when it's my time at least I know I will have your smiling face to greet me.
Rose Dillon
May 28, 2009
My heart and prayers go out to Amanda, Jacob, Gundy, Michael and the entire Tollefson family. I will always remember Tommy's wonderful smile and the day he was born. Lots of good memories growing up on Dandelion Drive. Strength and comfort to all of you.
Love, Rose Dillon, McDonough, GA
Sheila (Dillon) Brannon
May 28, 2009
What a beautiful smile Tommy! I have such fond memories of growing up with Tommy. We where the Dandelion Gang. Good times playing tag football, baseball, or riding our bikes over a home made ramp, with us lying in front of it to be jumped over. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tollefson family.
Sheila (Dillon) Brannon
Sheila (Dillon) Brannon
May 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you.I have such fond memories of you Tommy. I grow up with Tommy on Dandelion Drive in Saugus.Tommy had the most beautiful smile.All the wonderful summers we had playing tag football with the Moffords. We used to jump our bikes over a ramp with us laying in the street, what where we thinking. I'll miss you!
God Bless you all.
Sheila (Dillon)Brannon
Scott & Lois Vollmer
May 27, 2009
Tommy T...Good times, good memories, good friend. We will miss you so much buddy. May the peace of God be with the whole family at this time of great loss.
Jacob Tollefson
May 27, 2009
Dear my daddy,
Im sad but happy that you are in heaven now with your mommy. May the lord hold you in his arms. Dad I love you so much. you were the best dad ever. someday we will see you again in heaven.
Love, Jake the Snake
Tracy Emans
May 27, 2009
It's been several years since I've seen Tommy, but could never forget him. We had many great times during our junior and high school years and too few in the years that followed. His kindness, smile and wonderful sense of humor will forever be remembered. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Erin Lyerla
May 27, 2009
When I think back to Junior High and High School many names come to my mind, but one smiling face and incredible personality always make me laugh...Tommy always knew how to make people smile! You will be missed my friend...
Erin Lyerla
Amanda Tollefson
May 27, 2009
To the best dad,
I always loved you and I still do!I wont see you soon but, you are always in my heart.
Amanda Tollefson
May 27, 2009
Dear the beast dad,
I always loved you you and I still do!well I wont see you soon. But you are always in my heart.
Mindy (Emans) Lawson
May 27, 2009
We wanted to send our condolences to the entire family. Tommy was always so much fun and always made people laugh. He will be missed by many
Michael Costanzo
May 27, 2009
Hey Tommy. Thanks for always being so nice and accepting of me. You opened your heart when you didn't have to, but you wanted to ease my pain. You are a good person Tommy and I will sure as heck miss you.
Maria York
May 27, 2009
Tommy.. We may have not seen each other in years, but you have and always will leave a wonderful mark in my life. I am so sad to know that you have left us and your family, but I know you are looking down on everyone smiling, just like you always did in school. So many of your old friends are with you and your family.
Rick Peoples
May 27, 2009
Tollefson family,
I am in shock and very saddened to hear this news. Tommy was an incredible person and I had many great times with him and Mike. My prayers are with all of you at during this difficult time.
Stan Firestone
May 27, 2009
Our prayers are with all of the family at this sad point in their lives. Stan Firestone Poly Graduate
Jeff Tackett
May 27, 2009
Tommy was a good friend and down to earth person. My wife and I enjoyed his laugh. We will miss you. Our deepest sympathy to the family. We'll see ya on the other side.
All our Love,
Jeff & Wendy Tackett
May 27, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this very sad time. Though we didn't know Tom personally, we heard many great things about him. May he rest in peace and God watch over his beautiful family. Love, Aunt Peggy and Uncle Warren
Darren Lowry
May 27, 2009
This is really a shock and for the most part I'm at a loss for words. I have such fond memories of you Tommy. The time we had to compete for the pinball machine at Arroyo Seco & you beat me good & WON!! The rides we went on during Thanksgiving with all the friends and family out at Red Rock. You were a truly funny and joyful person to know. You made me laugh so many times when I wasn't very happy. My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones closest to him, Another angel now watches over you all.
Kathy Park
May 27, 2009
Tara,Amanda and Jake,
I am shocked and so saddened to hear about Tommy's passing. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. His love for you all will live on forever.
Tollefson family,
I knew Tommy in junior and high school. He was always a bright spot in my day, he knew how to make people smile and laugh.
Im so sorry to hear of you loss. May his bright spirit live on in all of your lives and make you smile.
God bless you all.
Kathy (Roberts) Park
Ted&Kathy Chisholm
May 26, 2009
Our Beloved Son-in-Law,Father of our Amanda & Jake,You were such a Big part of our family,all the fun & tears we shared will live with us until We Meet Again.We are heart broken and need YOU to help us all get through this.Please help Tara from the other side to raise your beautiful babies,I have tried to reassure them that their Daddy is now their own private Guardian Angel,We LOVE you Tomm,Your Mamma & Uncle-Dad
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