Thomas Joseph Gonyeau
January 28, 1953 - January 29, 2016

"For so much of my early youth, the Dold and Gonyeau families were almost joined at the hip. We both had siblings about the same age and many of the kids "meshed" and became good friends. One of my earliest memories of my days at St David's was walking to school with Jim (and probably Tom as well) before they moved to the Kilborn house. Tom was a year or two older but I spent many days hanging at the Gonyeau house. I know Tom is at peace, and I pray that peace may come to the rest of the family. We lost a good one. Love to all - Ron Dold College Station, Texas"

"Dear Fr. Patrick and family, I am so sorry to hear the news of your father's passing! Please know that you are all in my prayers. May God give you comfort and peace. Eternal rest grant unto Thomas, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. God bless you! Suzanne"

"Fr. Patrick, know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God's love surround you with comfort and peace. "

"So sorry to hear about Tom. His life seemed so full with family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."

"So very sorry for your loss. Tom now is in our Lord's warm embrace. Rest in Peace Tom. "

"I cherish my childhood memories of Uncle Tom where he is always smiling and laughing. My mother (Judy) taught my brothers and I by example how strong the bonds are between siblings. Our hearts go out to everyone who is suffering his loss. May your memories also bring you comfort."

"Dear Gonyeau Family, We are sorry for your loss, sending good thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May peace, love and lovely memories surround you all. Love Mary and Carol "

"Dear Gonyeau Family, We are sorry for your loss, sending good thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May peace, love and lovely memories surround you all. Love Mary and Carol "

"Patty, Hope it helps to know that God is holding your loved one in His arms and holding you in His heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time."

"Dear Gonyeau family, I'm very sorry for your loss. Mr. Gonyeau was always very kind to me whether I was hanging around the house with Patrick or mooching food on a Houghton Lake vacation. He was also a very funny guy! The only thing that gets us through times like these are a strong faith knowing our loved ones are happy and at peace, waiting for our arrival in Gods good time. God bless all of you, Jeff Stummer"

"Dear Patti and all the Gonyeau Family, we are saddened to hear of Tommy passing. We rejoice in his homecoming with our Lord and his Dad & Mom and sister Mary Lou. God bless all of the Gonyeau clan. Your in our prayers."

"My heart breaks for your family in you loss. But I see Adam there with open arms saying "Hi Dad"! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you, our other family!"

"Our thoughts, prayers, and love continue, and will always remain... with Patti and all of Tom's family. This Gonyeau Gang has been abundantly blessed and my brother 'Tomah' was one of those special blessings. May you rest in peace dear brother, you will be missed! We are grateful that you are at peace and look forward to the day when we are all reunited!"

"So sorry to hear of this loss for the Gonyeau family. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. May God bless you with peace. "

"To the family of Thomas Joseph Gonyeau, I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God "is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) With sympathy, "

"To fr patrick and family are condolences from the schoolers 4 parishioners of the shrine and are prayers are with you and you're family god bless and peace be with you & you're family "

"You were definitely God's gift to me. Through the joy, the laughter, the tears, the struggles you were always loved. Rest in the peace of Christ, my love...and until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand. "

"So thankful our brother and uncle is free of pain,and suffering. Comforted by the fact he is in Heaven with our Lord, and those we love that have gone before him.We Love you ,Ducky!"

"My dear sweet bro(duckie)it is so hard to believe you are no longer with us here. I love and miss you dearly, and am thankful for the time we had together in AZ. Our biggest comfort is in knowing that mom,dad, lulu and Jesus greeted you as soon as you left us, and that we will be together forever."

"Dearest Patti, Patrick and all of your beautiful family. I was so sad to read this in this morning's paper. Prayers and love are sent your way. I will remember Tom and all of you when I say my Rosary tonight. God bless you and be comforted in your grief by the love and faith you all share. Love, Kathleen Old St. Mary's - Detroit"

"We are very sad by the loss of uncle Tom. our hearts and our prayers are with my Cousins, aunt Patty and the rest of the Gonyeau clan dealing with this loss. We are grateful for the promise that we will see him again in heaven. John 10:27-29 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand. "

"Tom: I can't think of you without grinning. You were always a smiling face and comic relief for us going thru the tough times and coming of age at St. David High. I'll not forget a group of us meeting up at the church parking lot and my handing over the car keys to my family's Dodge Dart. I stood mortified watching as you practiced your attempt at driving a 3 speed manual transmission! I was just praying that the car my salesman father drove, would still be able to engage the clutch the following morning! Well God answered my prayers for a happy ending, and "what happened in the SDS lot, stayed on the SDS school lot"! I pray you are renewed in God's peaceful embrace. I only hope to catch up with you and all our friends at the final 1971 class reunion. By the way your son Fr. Pat presided over my mom's funeral mass at the Shrine Basillica. I am so proud and thankful to you and Patty's gift of children for us to share! Wish I could make it to the service. Many prayers, Christine Krause English"

"Fr. Patrick and the Gonyeau family: So sorry for your loss. May memories comfort you in the days to come. Heaven became brighter with Thomas."

"Rejoicing that you're free at last and in the presence of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Taking comfort in the knowledge that we will be together again, "Tomah", forever in eternity. Love you so very much, missing you terribly! Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with Patti and the kids you loved so very much. More than they will ever know!"

"My heart is heavy...but know Uncle Tom is with Grandma, Grandpa, and Mom in a much happier place, knowing it is harder for us left behind. Much love and prayers to my family. I love you all. Jennifer"

"Fr Patrick, Patty and all your family. I'm so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. My prayers are offered for his eternal life and in support of your needs at this difficult time. Pat (Walker) Wigman, St David HS Class of '71"

"So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Hugs and prayers to all the family. "

"May you rest in peace little brother. We love you dearly and look forward to the day we'll be together in heaven."