Thomas Struyk Tribute

I met Tom at Pinnacol when I started 11 months ago. He was always super friendly. He offered his assistance and was very welcoming. He always spoke when he passed my office or I passed his. He would always tell me how he loved me southern (NC) accent and tell me to come talk to him - he just liked to hear me me talk. He always made me smile or laugh. He was always willing to help in any way. I'll miss Tom a ton. He made an impact on me and my worklife just in the short time I have been here.

I would usually see Tom on his way to lunch with his good friend Jim. Our conversations were always about golf, his kids and my grandkids. He was always concerned when he found out that I had not had the opportunity to play golf the previous week-end, express his disappointment for me and then would share his story of where he played. I didn't realize until I read all of the tributes how Tom would know what was important to you as an individual and ask you about the things that he had found about you through casual conversations. He knew what we each would enjoy talking about . Professionally Tom was on top of his service game. He always wanted to help and would check " what can we do for you" or "let us know what we can do for you". Tom you can now enjoy the "quiet time" that you deserve.

There were no limits to Tom's devotion and love for his boys. Without a second thought, Tom made many sacrifices both personally and professionally to ensure that the boys had a bright future and endless opportunity. He gushed with pride when he spoke about them, which was often.

Many have spoken about Tom's zest for life. Yes, it was hard to keep up with Tom! I will always cherish his quick, hearty laugh and that big warm smile.

Tom had an enormous giving spirit. He volunteered for Pinnacol's Meals-on-Wheels route, gave money quarterly (from his bonus) to the Denver Mission, collected money for an elderly woman in need (and I might add, against VOA's policy but Tom didn't care...), and prepared friend's taxes for free....these are just a few of the things Tom did.

Tom stopped by church every morning on his way to work to pray for his boys and those most dear to him. His love for those around him ran deep. He genuinely cared about those he worked with. Tom's nicknames for his co-workers changed from day to day....Fiddy, Margaret, Rachel, Dawg Man....these were his expressions of affection. Only the most dear, got a nickname.

He's up in heaven now...looking down on us, wishing us well as only Tom could do.
Rest easy dear friend, you have raised strong, courageous boys.

Whenever I ran into Tom, it would sound something like this:
"Hey buddy! How's it going? How's that son of yours? Did you get that (choose one) 1. e-mail; 2. report; 3. voicemail from me? Was that what you needed? Is there anything more I can do for you? I want to make sure we're getting you everything you need. If you need anything else, just let me know. I'll get it for you."

Those are some of the Tom phrases that echo in my memory and that I already miss hearing. Whether it was in the hallway, on the elevator, in line at Starbucks or in his office, I think every conversation I ever had with him had at least one of the above phrases in it. Those phrases speak to who Tom was and how he will be remembered. He cared about us, he cared about our kids and took the time to find out about both. He was passionate about customer service and sincerely wanted to make sure that you got more than what you asked for, in less time than you expected it. He instilled that same passion in those he worked with. What a wonderful legacy he left for all of us to admire and emulate!

Tom, I can't imagine that you EVER left a party early. I'm so sorry you had to leave this earthly one so soon. Godspeed my friend!

To my great regret I hadn't talked to Tommy for several months when I got the news of his death. But when I thiink of tommy I think of my big brother who always had my back. Even as kids he chased off more guys then I can think of. I'd be sitting on the front steps with a guy and Tommy would come out and give the poor guy so much shit. They couldn't get out of there fast enough. There are too many outrageous stories to tell, but I'll carry them in my heart for ever. We came together as a family over the weekend to celebrate Tommy's life and lay him to rest. It was was biggest number of us to get together in 26 years.. All i could think of was how excited he would have been to be there with us. Somehow I think he was. When we took the family photo all I could picture was Tommy in the back row making everyone laugh. I'll miss you sweet brother. Love always Peg. I hope you read my email I sent you Friday morning.. I'll keep a close eye on the boys, your right they are good boys. You would have beemed with pride at how composed and articulate they were talking at the wake and funeral. You did a great job raising to amazing boys. Rest in peace knowing they are going to ok. Love you Tommy.

I live next door to Tom. The common wall between our spaces feels empty and dark. I can't believe he's gone. He don't hear him climbing the stairs to bed or answering his door or BBQing dinner! It's an empty hole without him there and I do not know how he left us.

His jovial voice will be missed by my little family. He was one of those guys that made sugar our of sh_t...took the world one day-at-a-time and made the best of it. Always a compliment to his neighbor coming to/from the house every day. He loved his children with all his heart. We often talked about raising boys as a single parent (I have three) and I used to tell him things would get better as they became more mature. Those teen years are difficult ones for many.

Tom, I miss you...you've left a hole in my life. Hopefully we will meet again. God watch over his family and lead them in the right direction.