Thomas S. Breen

Tom Breen was man who in so many ways was larger than life, a man with a booming voice, a strong will and an enormous heart. He was a proud veteran, a hard worker, and a father and friend. Most of all, he was a man who appreciated the simpler things in life, and taught us to do the same.

Tom's story began in 1937, a year filled with so much promise for so many in this country. Thanks to the brilliant leadership of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our nation was beginning to pull itself from the thick quagmire of the Great Depression. Roosevelt's New Deal was indeed a good deal for Americans, helping build roads, create jobs, Social Security and even the Golden Gate Bridge, which was unveiled in 1937. Workers began to fight for their rights like never before, and the UAW waged a sit-down strike at General Motors plants in 1937 that had repercussions for many years to come.

In the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cornelius and Margaret (Kelly) Breen had reason to sit down, as well: they were expecting their 16th child. On March 9th, a sunny spring Sunday in Grand Rapids, the couple welcomed a baby boy, a son they named Thomas.

Being the youngest of 16 children, Tom learned from an early age that if he had any hope of being heard, he'd need to speak up - so you always knew when Tom was in the room! He learned a lot from his siblings, and there was always some hustle and bustle going on at the busy Breen home. Of course, being the youngest of 16 children can also give a young man an appreciation for the time by himself, and Tom was certainly no exception.

After Tom went to high school through the 10th grade, he'd decided he'd had enough, and was ready to push out and find his own way in life. Eventually he worked to earn his GED, as well. Anxious to see part of the world beyond the comfortable, familiar confines of Grand Rapids, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army, having admired America's soldiers from first World War II and then the Korean War. Tom was proud to serve his country, and it couldn't have been a better situation for him. The country now in relative peacetime, Tom served as an engineer in the Army; he was always handy with a sharp mind for mechanics. Tom helped build bridges and other large projects for the Army's engineer division, and his enviable assignment included being stationed in Hawaii for 36 months! It was there, in that tropical paradise, that Tom realized he wasn't much of a fan of Michigan winters.

After his service was completed, Tom moved back home, to Grand Rapids, where he took a job working construction for awhile. Quickly remembering that he didn't care for wintertime, he soon took a job out of the elements, at the Grand Rapids Kelvinator company for awhile, as well. Eventually, though, Tom found his calling as a truck driver.

Being a truck driver was perfect for Tom in many ways. He enjoyed the quiet times on the road, listening to the wheels pound the pavement, the hum of the tires as he rolled down the highway. He had found an appreciation for nature's beauty in Hawaii, and it stayed with him through the years. He loved to watch that beauty unfold before him as he rolled down the road, with a new horizon over every approaching hillside.

Tom broadened his horizons in other ways, as well, of course. He started a family, and was blessed with five children, daughters Jamee, Gayle, and Debra, and sons Steve and Thomas - quite a modest family by his standards!

In 1981, Tom moved from his hometown of Grand Rapids, just over 100 miles south on US-131, to the town of Three Rivers, Michigan. He was never one to sit still very long, and always had to be doing something, so the change suited him well. There he spent most of his free time working around the house, building something, or maybe playing a round of golf with his friends. Tom enjoyed playing golf every now and then, getting out there on the green grass under the clear blue sky. He was kept company by his beloved cat, who he really enjoyed having around. The cat always listened to him, and never once talked back!

Tom Breen was a man larger than life in many ways, a man with a quick wit, a big voice, and an even bigger heart. He was a man who appreciated the simpler things in life; a hard day's work, a sunrise coming over the hills, the quiet companionship of his pet. Tom appreciated the moments he had in life, and taught us all to do the same. He will be missed.

Mr. Thomas Spencer Breen, age 69 of Three Rivers, MI passed away May 29, 2006. He is survived by his children Jaime DeVries, Debby Nordyke, Gail Schroeder, Steve Breen, Tom Breen, ten grandchildren. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, June 2 from 3:30-7 PM with a memorial service to follow at 7 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Thomas' life story or sign the online guestbook.