Thomas Gurrister Obituary

Good Man

What a wonderful photo of a great man. I treasure the times we have spent together over the 50+ years I have been in the family, especially the years in Florida. The many “early bird special” dinners at the golf club or sunset grill and other local restaurants. We needed to be there at four three zero for some reason.
The games of marbles, cribbage, rummy cube, 6 nimmt, Quirkle, and so many others. Very seldom did he place that marble without a noise in each divot as he went to the next position. He was always happy when, with a sinister laugh, he could send his opponent back home or exchange places to his or his partner’s advantage. He was a game player!
We enjoyed dozens of trips to Busch Gardens over the many winters we spent in Florida. He liked going early so he could park in the first row of ADA spots. It wasn’t so he could be close to the entrance cause he had his scooter. It was so Aunt Lee would not have so far to walk! How considerate. He loved every aspect of Busch: the animals, rides, gardens and especially the winter shows. The 5th Dimension was his favorite. There were times he would go by himself and watch more than one showing, and he always had his popcorn bucket with him for a reduced-price refill. Early on he and Aunt Lee enjoyed some of the coasters. We even got Janice to ride SheiKra, one time. Because we were with Uncle Tom, we got to cut the line and ride the elevator to the top. The baby gorilla, Bolingo, was born in 2005 and we had to see him during every visit. At that time, the chimpanzee and gorilla exhibit had a marked entrance and exit. During one visit we approached the exit and Janice and I started walking in toward the gorillas. Uncle Tom was appalled at our actions of entering an exit. He was a rule follower.
We had several financial conversations. I enjoyed knowing that he had a plan for Aunt Lee and his future. He was always reading about different strategies and had great confidence in his advisers. He kept meticulous records on absolutely everything. He would kid me about how many copies he had of some items. I encouraged him, to no avail, to rely on the online statements, etc. He would read and file every instruction manual and perform all the preventative maintenance recommended. Whoever purchased a car he traded in got a real deal.
Every time we visited, he, along with Aunt Lee, would want to show us the newest pictures of his family. The walls are filled with his pride and joy. And now we could sit and see an endless slide show of the great grands.
I am looking forward to our next visit with Aunt Lee to reminisce. God bless Uncle Tom and the family and friends who all love him.

I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man and quite a Gurrister!

Dear Lee and Family,

We were saddened to learn of Tom's passing. We enjoyed our visits with you and Tom when we were in Florida. He had a terrific sense of humor and made everyone laugh. He shall be missed.

I loved growing up across the street from Aunt Lee and Uncle Tom. We had so many fun times together and shared so much laughter. Although Uncle Tom was always quick with a joke or a laugh he also had great compassion and a big heart. Thank you for being supportive of me when I went to college in Chicago, with rides to the train station and even loaning me money for my tuition one semester when I came up short. You both will always hold a special place in my childhood memories. Rest In Peace Uncle Tom, you will be missed.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

So sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.

Uncle Tom touched my life in such a profound way! Because of his kindness in helping me get a job at the gas company where he worked and letting me ride back and forth to the one and only train to Chicago from Lemont in 1973-74, I met my first husband and had 3 beautiful children and now 4 grandchildren! All because of my godfather's kindness to me! He also drove me to my wedding when we learned the best mans car wasn’t clean enough! Lol! Thank you dear Uncle Tom for a lifetime of love you have shown me. Growing up across the street from you and Auntie Lee was an honor I will never forget. Rest In Peace dear Godfather.

So much love to coming to the Gurristers from the Osmans. Seeing Uncle Tom and Aunt Lee when we went to Florida was always a priority and always so good for the soul. Uncle Tom was one of a kind--thoughtful, generous, funny and warm, and the most loving teaser in the family. We will miss him so. Love to all the Gurristers, Beckers, and Youngs...