Escanaba, MI
Thomas M. Ussher, age 63, passed away early Monday morning, February 6, 2012, at his residence in Danforth, following a courageous battle with melanoma.
Tom was born December 9, 1948, in Escanaba, the son of Alton and Dorothy (Jensen) Ussher. He was raised in Gwinn and was a graduate of the Gwinn Senior High School. Tom eventually went on to achieve his bachelor degree, in Radiologic Technology (X-ray), from Northern Michigan University. Throughout his life, Tom was employed as an X-ray Department Supervisor at Arrow Head Hospital in Glendale, Arizona and later was employed at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. Tom loved to go fishing and play cribbage. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed by all.
In addition to his loving companion and dear friend, Michele, Tom is survived by:
Sons: Chris Ussher of Arizona
Brady (Darci) Ussher of Florida
Brent (Nicole) Ussher of Wisconsin
Derek and Drayson Ussher, both of Danforth, MI
Daughter: Tomera Ussher of Danforth, MI
Step Daughters: Danielle LaBonte of Danforth, MI
Tonya LaBonte of Gladstone, MI
Brother: Dennis (Lynda) Ussher of Gwinn, MI
Sisters: Kelly Ussher and Nancy (Brian) LaFreniere, both of Gwinn, MI
Also listed among the surviving family are 6 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Dorothy, and sister, Judith Ussher.
Tom
Anonymous
My dearest father. It was more than an honor to be your son. You have instilled in me what a father and a man is supposed to be. It has been a little more than a month and I am still struggling to accept the fact that you are gone even if it is to a better place. I have saved countless messages you left me so that I can hear your voice when I want to. I know that you are with nana and papa watching over us. I will never forget all that you have done for and it was my honor to hold the hand of the strongest man I knew as you took your last breath here on earth. Darci, Alex, Elliot and I love you so much. God speed.
Brady Ussher
Sarasota FL
Tommy Started as a guy I fished with, then became a friend, then a brother who I LOVE. We have shared times of joy, sorrow, happiness, laughter and tears in & out of the water. Yes we even fished, it became a family of brothers who love each other. We have shared many great times together and his last day on the Manistique river, Bother Tommy had the best day and biggest smile. My friend loved life, his family and I was lucky that he loved me & I will forever changed by Tommy Ussher. Thank you.
Bob Boone Jr
Ventura Ca
Praying for you all at this sad time, we are sorry for your loss.
Cathy and Randy Gascon
Escanaba MI
Tom, please look out for my mother she misses you so much! We all miss you! It doesn’t feel real , feels like a nightmare that I can’t wake up from! Please help us get through this! I love you and always will!
Danielle LaBonte
Escanaba MI
We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. George new Tom well from high school and has some great memories of Tom. May God Bless you in this time of sorrow and may you remember all the good times with him.
George & Cheryl Bodenus
Little Lake MI
So very sorry to hear of Toms passing, it has been many years since I have seen him but remember him well. Sympathies to you all, Laurie & Steve
Laurie Van Damme
Gwinn MI
Dear Ussher Families: We are so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. We extend sincere sympathy and prayers at such a difficult time. May the memories keep him close in your hearts.
Nona and Rick Uren
Negaunee MI
Tom, I miss you so much. You were my strength, inspiration, and my happiness: my soulmate. But, I will stay strong for you. You told me I needed to stay strong for the children and I will. It is selfish of me to be lonely for you when you are in a happy place full of love and peace. I’m truly happy for you. No longer do you have to suffer with life’s many problems. You are in the hands of God now, I’m just grateful he shared you with me. We will see each other again on God’s terms. So, prepare our home in heaven like you said you would do and be in peace until we meet again. I love you and God bless you my love. Michele
Michele Ussher
Escanaba MI
The Ussher Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Tom will be missed and we have many fond memories of him from the past. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to visit with Tom and his family earlier this month. God Bless!!
John and Kathy Macario
Norway MI
I remember my Uncle Tom as a very loving man who loved fishing and cutting wood.He helped my father out and took care of me when my mother passed on when I was just a little boy. I very glad I was able to visit him this last summer when I was in the U.P.. I loved him very much and will continue to do so. Have a safe trip Uncle Tomy. I’m looking forward to getting a hook wet with you when the lord calls my name.
Shawn M Hough
Michigan City IN
We all miss you so much, but I know you are now safe and back with Mom and Dad, and Judy. Thank you Tom for all the crazy and serious times we have shared throughout the years. Especially the time you came for breakfast and walked into the wrong house. So many memories. You were so brave and confident during your illness, you tried so hard to stay with us. I am thankful I for the spend time with you, Michelle and the kids. No words can express how I much I miss you. you know what a cry-baby I am…. I love you always… Your sister, Nancy
Nancy LaFreniere
Gwinn MI
Nancy and Kelly and Family, we were so sorry to hear about Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sue and Don Knetter
Gwinn MI
Tom, We were so impressed how hard you worked making wood this past summer & fall, 3 times what we did. All your hard work is keeping us all warm. We prayed you wouldn’t have to suffer with your illness & you kept busy & strong until Jesus came & took you home. For that we were all blessed. And dear friend, you know we’ll always be there to help Michele take care of the (little ones) as you always called them, so you will be proud of them.
With the Lords blessing. Jan & Roger
Jan & Roger Dault
Escanaba MI
I remember Tommy from 1963 thru 1966 when I attended Gwinn Jr. and Sr. High School. He was also exceptionally friendly to everyone whether you lived in Gwinn or on the base and also made you feel welcome whenever you were in his presence. I last visited with him in Chicago when he surprised us and came to our High School reunion. It was so nice to see him and visit. He had not changed at all. He will be missed by everyone.
Cheryll Chapman McGuire
Roach MO
It’s been nearly a week since you have passed, our hearts remain broken, but the wonderful memories will help us all heal. Having you as a brother was priceless! I would have a difficult time recalling all the countless hours we spent together, fishing, playing cards, camping, family cookouts the Packer/Viking showdowns, watching and encouraging each other as our children grew, the list is endless. I know for certain that the next time we see each other you will by standing on the river bank, pole in hand with that wonderful smirk on your face just waiting to take another $3.00 from me, $1.00 for the first fish, $1.00 for the biggest fish and $1.0 for the most fish. Rest in Peace my Friend and God Bless your Family, Denny.
Dennis Ussher
Gwinn MI
Good Bye Dear Friend. You will so dearly be missed by your comrades of Gwinn High School, Class of 1967. You were a light in the darkness, a laugh in the sadness. A one of a kind. A very special person indeed. Your legacy will carry on in your children and grand children. Rest in Peace Tommy.
Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
Ruth & Steve Kangas
Sparta WI
Dear Michelle and The Usser Family: Please accept our collective condolences from all of our families spread out over Texas, California and Washington. All of us held Tommy and you all in our hearts and prayers these many months of your fighting cancer and enjoyed each day of reprieve that you both received. Tom was like a brother to me and we shared our deepest feelings…our ups and downs and our losses. He made me a better man because I learned from him kindness and generosity by act and thought. His size and strength belied a gentle spirit and kind heart but like me, I’m sure he had his fair share of shortcomings as well. Tom willing shared whatever he had with all and went out of his way to welcome strangers with a strong grip and warm smile… seems he knew the Good Book pretty well as he practiced what all of us have read. In the water, or on the beach he was a skilled fisherman and a prized companion. I never saw him commit a selfish act in any manner for our entire friendship… he has set the bar quite high for all of us. I will miss him greatly and his warm and engaging personality will always be remembered as he touched me in places that I allow few to go…he had all of me…even when we only had a few fishing days toge
there or a short phone call on St. Patrick’s Day. He was a true friend, a great friend, a great brother and I miss him. I also know with all of my being that he’s in a better place, with great friends and family around him as they wait for us…I’ll fish with him again soon enough. Michelle, each day will get better for you. Hug each other often, pray and laugh when you can and know that Tom cherished each of you to the end. Please also know that you have a large “family” out here and we are for you in all things. Prayers and hugs, Tom and Valerie Boone.
Tom S. Boone
Fredericksburg TX
Michelle and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time..
Kathy Wyman
Wetmore MI
What a wonderful happy man! Tom you will be missed by your family and all who were graced by your wonderful smile. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. God Speed my friend!
PS. Tom, I really didn’t mean to nearly shoot your eye out with that BB Gun!
Pat & BJ Miljour
Gwinn MI
I was so impressed by your bravery and positive attitude you had even when faced with no positive outcome. Your humor continued to the end. I will miss you forever and will always be inspired by your courage and spiritual strength.
Michele Ussher
Escanaba MI
I love you Dad. You have taught me many things like how to fish,how to chop wood and make kindling,helped me do my homework,made me do and say the right things and said my prayers at night with me. I MISS YOU.
Drayson Ussher
Escanaba MI
I love you and miss you very much Dad. I will miss seeing you everyday and hearing your voice. I wish you were still here and never had to leave but, I know you are with God in heaven and he must need you more. I know I will see you again. God bless you Dad.
Tomera Ussher
Escanaba MI
Dad, I miss you and still can’t believe you are gone. I love you. Please watch over us all. I will try my best to do what you taught me
Derek Ussher
Escanaba MI
Sorry to hear of the passing of Tom, prayers and thoughts are with you all, Michelle, Danielle, and Tuna.
Terry & Jolaine Anderson
Fort Walton Beach FL
Dear Ussher Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. This is a very difficult time for you all, I know. May God keep you all in his loving arms during this time.
Chic Hakes
Gwinn MI
“Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
You will be missed Tom! Watch over all of the family! You have done many kind things for me, as I may not of thanked you for, but I have recognized all the things you have done! I especially remember when I wanted this meal out of a cook book and when I got home from school and you had made it for dinner so I could try it! Love always, Tonya
Tonya Labonte
Gladstone MI
There will be no services for Tom on Friday, February 10, 2012. Services will be held at a later date. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
Sincerely,
The Ussher Family
Darci Ussher
Sarasota FL
Uncle Tom, you will be missed but not forgetten.
Steve Werve
Parma MI
I knew Tom when we were younger and working in Marquette. He was always a gentleman and a great guy. Peace and strength to all who knew and loved him.
Bob Neale M.D.
Charlevoix MI
To the Family of Thomas M Ussher
My wife & I would like to express our deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow, though words cannot take your loss away may this help comfort in someway.
Gary & Cindy Roberts
Gwinn MI
I have often thought of Tom whenever thinking of football in HS. He was an amazing player and kicked my butt bad. I have a lot of respect for Tom and the whole Ussher family. Rest in Peace Tom and my condolences to the family. In God’s Love, J. Galen Nyquist
J. Galen Nyquist
Alger MI
You raised us well Dad, to be respectful and hardworking. I miss you so much. I hope you, Grandma and Papa will always look over all of us, to guide us and keep us safe. Im very proud to be your son. You will always be with us. I love you Dad.
Chris Ussher
Glendale AZ
Tom was a great friend and teammate on the football field at Gwinn High. God bless one of the sweetest guys Peggy and I have know. Tom will be missed and we pray for his salvation with our Lord Jesus Christ. God Bless Tom and his whole family. With Sympathy and love, Peggy and Randy
Peggy and Randy Foster
South Berwick ME
Family of Tom. So very sorry for your loss. Pat and I would run into Tom once in a while and it was always nice to catch up and chat. Prayers for all.
Pat and Jean Armatti
Gwinn Mi
Tommy and I were friends for over 30 years. He was my partner at the Empire Mine back in the 70’s. We learned to play the harmonica together on night shift. Great cook, great friend, very proud of his kids. We will miss you Tommy !!!!!
Jeff Racine
Gladstone MI
I love you, Tom. Watch over all of us!! We will miss you!
Danielle LaBonte
Escanaba MI
Janice Yeomans - Scottsdale, AZ
Tom and I were coworkers at Arrowhead Hospital. He was a generous, kind and caring man, always happy and a dedicated employee. A great friend who made the department more than just a workplace. I loved hearing his stories of growing up in the UP. My favorite one was bringing the horse inside the house.
Tom, you will truly be missed and I was blessed to have the opportunity to have met you.
Bri Ussher - Perkins, MI
Dear Tom, I hope you know how much Derek and I think of you. You raised a good son, Derek is the most wonderful, caring husband, and I thank you for that. We have 3 beautiful children and you’ll be delighted to know our youngest Arlo looks just like you and Derek! We have Isaac Miller (after your and Derek’s middle name) Vivian Aretta, and Arlo James.
I truly wish I could have met you, and I know you would have cherished and loved your grandchildren.
I know you’re watching over us, and I know you’re proud of Derek and how much he’s grown!
With love, Bri.