Tom Byrd Van Brunt

About

University of Florida

Tom Van Brunt Obituary

Tom Byrd Van Brunt Tom Byrd Van Brunt, 90, of Tallahassee, died Saturday, January 26, 2008. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice, who died on January 10 of this year. Visitation will take place on Friday, February 8, at the Westminster Oaks Clubhouse from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EST. A public memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. EST Saturday, February 9, at Killearn United Methodist Church. Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Timberlane Road Chapel (850-893-4177) is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rotary Foundaion (www.rotary.org); WRC (Westminster Retirement Community) Foundation; Goodwill Industries; or the Alzheimer's Association. The second of four children, Tom was born in Tallahassee in 1917 to William Edwin Van Brunt and Lina Clifton Byrd Van Brunt. He was a graduate of the University of Florida where he was a member of Blue Key, Sigma Nu Fraternity and was president of the Glee Club. He met Alice Dickinson in Daytona Beach, Florida, marrying her in 1942. Their 65-year marriage and devotion to each other were an inspiration to all who knew them. A World War II Navy pilot who fought in the Pacific, Tom received the Navy Cross for distinguished service. After the war, he and Alice lived in Florida, Virginia, California and Texas and retired in 1979 to Tallahassee. Tom Byrd's many friends and large extended family adored and admired this man of great warmth, courage, humor, generosity and kindness. A wonderful storyteller, Tom also relished (and retold many times) good (or bad) jokes and puns. He was an enthusiastic and fun-loving parent, grandparent and great-grandparent. He loved to fish, play golf and mesmerize children with magic tricks. He offered true friendship to many and was always ready to help people realize their goals, advocating for them or connecting them to just the right people. Tom enjoyed a lifetime career with Equitable Life Assurance Society, making friends wherever his job took him. Throughout his life, he was an active Rotarian and involved in many organizations such as United Way and Goodwill Industries. He was a member of the Killearn United Methodist Church and served as president of the Westminster Oaks Residents Council. Tom is survived by a sister, Clifton Lewis of Tallahassee; daughters, Bonnie Snyder (and husband Bob) of Tallahassee and Lina Van Brunt (and partner Rakar West) of Eugene, Oregon; granddaughters, Holly Snyder (and partner Melissa Smith) of Tallahassee, Lindsey Rejtharkova (and husband Tomas Rejtharek) of Orlando, and Kerri Pearce (and husband Stuart) of Tallahassee; and great-grandchildren, Libby and Bryant Pearce of Tallahassee; and a large extended family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Van Brunt

10 Entries

Babs Wilkison

February 6, 2008

September 1953 we came to Tallahassee and bought a house next to the loveiest couple I have ever known. We knew no one here but knew we wanted to raise our family and set up practice here. We were expecting Jay, our first child, in six weeks. We had four children in the next five years and a wonderful time with Tom, Alice, Susan and Bonnie Van Brunt as our neighbors. God gave us the finest people to be found any where and I cherish every moment we spent together. Toms' busiess sent them to Virginia after seven or eight years. We missed them. We visited when we could but I have never known another family as fine,loving,caring and giving as the Tom Byrd Van Brunts.I thank God for letting us know and love His very best!

Janet "Bebe" Wilkison Weimar

February 5, 2008

Tom and Alice are remembered as exceptional people. My family was fortunate to have them as next door neighbors fifty years ago. My bedroom wall was adorned with an animal mural, lovingly designed and painted by both Alice and Susan "Lina". Tom once rescued my 3 y/o brother from our rooftop, where he was confirming Santa's annual passage. Tom climbed the antenna and calmly coaxed Jay over to him as to not startle the adventurous toddler, causing a fall. I still have and cherish a small, cast iron, wood burning stove and all the accesories given to me by Tom and Alice nearly 50 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with Susan "Lina", Bonnie and their families for their profound losses.

Kirsten Svela

February 1, 2008

I had the honor of meeting Holly's grandparents many years ago, and they were such wonderful and loving people. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Chelsea Lister

February 1, 2008

I remember as a child I would be so excited to see Uncle Tom at family functions because he would always entertain and play with us kids. He mesmerized me with the quarter that he made disappear into his arm. No matter how many times we asked to see the trick, he always did so happily. I believe he got as much joy from it as we did. He had an infectious smile and charm about him that I loved and will miss. I look forward to seeing him again and his magic tricks one day in heaven.

Richard Linn

January 31, 2008

Tom and Alice were both wonderful people. I met Tom in 1965 when I joined the West Palm Beach Rotary Club. In 1968, I decided to change careers, because I thought so much of Tom, I joined his company, The Equitable Life. I spent 32 years with Equitable and met a lot of people who knew Tom and thought very highly of him. He and Alice will be missed by many peoople. God bless Bonnie and the rest of thier family.

ann white

January 31, 2008

Dear Bob and Bonnie and all the Snyder family, I read the entry about your mother two weeks ago and now about your dad. Y'all have truly been through the mill lately. Our daughter, Missy, was on the Leon Girls' softball team with Holly, and also Holly rented an apartment from us years ago. My own mother died on the 13th at age 91 and my 92 year old father is distraught. Old age isn't fun. Also, Bob, Mike's mother, Rebecca White, was good friends to your mother when they lived at Seasons North. She even came to our house to sit with Becca when she had gotten home from the hospital after surgery. That was only a few days before she died. By the way, Missy gave birth this am to Jenna, her 4th--two boys, two girls. All is fine. We are thinking of you. Ann (and Mike) White, formerly of Tallahassee, now Tampa

Ann Marie Parker

January 31, 2008

Tom was one of a kind. His smile made everyone's day. He brightened the room and not a day goes by that I think of him as one of a kind. He will be remebered in a good way by all and the memories he left with us will cherish for a lifetime. I am very fortunate to have had such an amazing human being in my life. I am most fortunate as well to have had the oppertunity for my husband to meet him before this day had arrived. It is through him we will live with joy and it is through him that we will cherish his presences for eternity. God bless the family and friends closest to him and may God watch over Uncle Tom as he is watching over us every day. With unconditional love and everlasting memories,
Ann Marie and William Parker
(Daughter to Thomas Blake Van Brunt)

Steve Edwards

January 31, 2008

Please accept my sincere condolances.

Bob West

January 31, 2008

Tom Van Brunt was an authentic southern gentleman and a great American. My life is enriched by having known him.

Kathy Blankenbaker

January 31, 2008

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr VanBrunt at Westminister Oaks where i was for 7 years as an activity assistant in the Health Center. I will always remember his warm smile. My prayers are with you.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results