Thomas Beaudrie

Although life will never be the same without him here, Thomas Beaudrie made a significant impact in the lives of so many throughout his life’s journey. He has been described as the kindest and gentlest man one could ever meet, and he would go to any lengths to help anyone in ways both great and small. Tom was a devoted family man who was blessed to spend 44 years with the love of his life, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandson who were his greatest source of pride and joy. He was a man of faith who lived a contented life, facing whatever came his way with unwavering strength. Deeply loved, Tom will never be forgotten.

During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. It was with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, that America engaged in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms that we still enjoy today. War was declared the following day, and those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods such as coffee, rubber, paper, and sugar. It was just prior to this historic day in our nation’s history that Earl and Marion (Valade) Beaudrie were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as January held the City of River Rouge, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1941. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Thomas G. drew his first breath on January 16th. He was the seventh of 12 children in his family as his older siblings included Edwardine, Mary Ann, Beverly, Virginia, Earl, and Joan while his younger siblings were Barbara, Sandy, Lucille, Arthur, and Gerald.

While growing up many referred to Tom as Butch, and in many ways he was a young boy of his generation. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes High School in River Rouge. Butch played football and spent time in the Mother Superior's office, and he went on to graduate from high school in 1959. His family had a cottage in Belle River, Ontario, in which he enjoyed spending time growing up. He made many friends there over the years.

It was also during this time that Tom married in 1965. Although his marriage ended in divorce after a couple of years, he was forever grateful for the birth of their daughter, Tracey. He worked at various jobs with the longest at Williams International in Walled Lake. He received many educational certificates and later in life went on to Detroit College of Business for further education.

New and exciting changes were in store for Tom when he met Lois Brennan on New Year’s Eve in 1971. Sparks flew right from the start, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Tom and Lois were married on October 20, 1972. Together they welcomed one son, Thomas, Jr., into their hearts and home. In 1994, the family moved to Cadillac where Tom worked for AAR Cadillac Manufacturer for eight years. Tom and Lois lived in Bayonet Point, Florida, from 2001 until 2011 when they moved to Portage where he spent the remainder of his days.

Throughout his life Tom was one to keep busy. He was a very active member of the Lutheran church for 30 years. He felt blessed to have church families in the various places he called home. Tom enjoyed cooking his famous chili and pancakes. In his down time he enjoyed playing golf as well as reading, smoking cigars, and watching old westerns. When it came to music, Tom liked Willie Nelson and other classic country singers and gospel music, too. Over the years he gathered a rather extensive collection of Native American art and memorabilia.

With unending compassion for others, Thomas Beaudrie was a blessing to everyone he met. He was a very gentle man who had a natural ability to calm fussy babies. His mother always claimed it came from them being able to hear his large comforting heart beating. A more devoted husband and father would be hard to find, and he was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather later in life. He could be a bit strong willed at times, yet he had a fun-loving sense of humor that made him so much fun to be around. His strong hugs will be forever missed.

Thomas G. Beaudrie, of Portage, died on Thursday, December 31, 2015. Tom’s family includes his wife, Lois; two children: Tracey (Jim) Cade, of Canton and Thomas Beaudrie, Jr, of Portage; six grandchildren: Courtney, Ashley, Matthew, Michael, Maya, Elliana; one great grandson, Ayden, and siblings: Edwardine McCall, of Trenton; Beverly (Raymond) Cade, of Dearborn Heights; Sandy (Bob) Johnson, of Belle River ON; Lucille Ponic, of Belle River, ON; Arthur (Judi) Beaudrie, of FL; and Gerald (Lynn) Beaudrie, of Belle River, ON. Tom was preceded in death by his siblings: Mary Ann Bistany, Virginia Reaume, Earl Beaudrie, Joan Lemieux, and Barbara Beaudrie. A memorial service will be held for Tom on Saturday January 16th at 11:30 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, Canton Chapel; 851 North Canton Center Road, Canton, MI. (734) 981-4530. Visit with Tom's family immediately prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Please visit Tom’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory and/or photo.