Thomas Ernest LaLiberte.
Born Sept 20, 1942 in Detroit Michigan; died January 31, 2005.
 

(I read a version of these words at his funeral service.)

“The disciples said to Jesus: "Speak to us about how our end will come to be." Jesus said: "Have you revealed the beginning that you seek after the end? For where the beginning is, there the end will be. Blessed is he who arises from the beginning; he will know the end, and will not taste death!"… (The Coptic Christian GOSPEL of THOMAS).

I am Gregory Thomas La-Liberte (born Jan 8, 1967 in Pontiac, Michigan), and I am writing these words about my father who was named Thomas Ernest LaLiberte. He passed away at the age of sixty-two, early Monday morning January 31, 2005.
The dead and those in their final moments may think and know that it's better to be alive. I am, sure they would prefer more time. Evidence appears and reappears in all cultures and historical periods that there is a God / higher-powers, with an afterlife and forms of resurrection. Faith promises a better spirit world.

My father was a hardworking man who awoke early every morning for 31-years to attend a job and career he was not fully happy with. He did it because he wanted to provide the best for my late mother (Valerie Kathryn Towle. Feb 13, 1941 to Jan 14, 1988), and myself. He often mentioned "golden-handcuffs", and I see hints of other careers he may have taken if he had put himself first.

My father was always there for me over the years. He could be my worst critic but also my diehard cheering section and supporter. I can't tell you how much time he spent helping me; even when I was long past the age when many parents would have given their offspring's less time.

I was a confused and troubled adolescent and young adult. Many times both of us acted and behaved badly towards each other. It was my fault that I couldn't see he was a man doing the best he could for his family and himself.

My father, like I and many other people often forget that most of the worlds people are fighting a hard battle to be the best person they can be.
I am happy to believe the last time I saw him; I showed him some success and a return on the time and love he invested in me.

There is irony in that after all the years he carried me (literally and figuratively); I was able to help carry his casket to the final spot.

Some people I hoped might be at his funeral or wakes were not informed or shut-out (the full story is unclear), by time and details. Of course my father also had a way of either keeping a distance from some people or being too private.

He died unexpectedly out of my presence; as I was advised it was not critical to be there. If you have such a person in your life. Take NOTE OF HIM/HER WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THEM!

My father and I are natives of metropolitan Detroit. Our first ancestor in North-America in a direct blood-line was Gaspard Roi-Reau dit La LaLiberte; a botanist who arrived on a mission for the King of France to experiment with crops and survey the lands of Quebec in 1656. I add this information only to
make another record public note so that others can connect the family tree and future relatives will not be lost in memory and connections.

In spite of the fact that my Dad was often sarcastic and cynical about the general population of the world and their motives; in his words about them; my father had an open heart for me and many other people.
Over the years there were many good things he never took credit for. I found out a few years ago he was deeply involved in many charities. I never heard him say much about it or show it more than wearing the lapel pin they give to anyone who donates a sum. I also learned from one of my high school friends who was stranded and in trouble; that my father stepped in and rescued him. I only found out about these years later; as he never told anyone; I guess he wanted to let my friend keep his dignity.
As I go through his belongings I find more traces and hints of his good deeds and kind incidents. I will try to spend the rest of my life honoring the things he did for me and love he showed me; by being the best person I can be.

      14: "Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow.
      15:   For what is your life? It is a vapour which appeareth for a little while and afterwards shall vanish away.” … (Book of JAMES, Chapter 4: 14-  Douay-  Rheims BIBLE).

Gregory (Greg) Thomas La-Liberte
Soul surviving Biological Son to Thomas.