Thomas James Valliquette Mr.

Thomas Velliquette, age 89, unexpectedly passed away on September 15, 2026.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Thomas was the son of Thomas Velliquette, Sr and Jeanette Velliquettte. On January 7, 1967, he married the love of his life, Bertha Velliquette, in Toledo, beginning a marriage filled with devotion, adventure, and deep family roots.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bertha; his parents, Thomas and Jeanette; his son‑in‑law, Jack Myers; and his brothers Dennis and Francis Velliquette.

He is survived by two daughters, Michelle (Jack) Myers, Melissa (Hiram) Crabtree; sister Janet (Jerry) Davis; Grandchildren Sarah (Christopher) Shoemaker, Greg (Becca) Myers, Ellie (Darin) Elder, Amanda Crabtree, and Dillon Crabtree; Great-Grandchildren Autumn Hasapes, Emmett Myers, Baelynn Elder, Mason and Tristan Shoemaker.

Thomas lived a life rich with joking, humor, and love. He loved everything on the Great Lakes, including the freighters that he worked on and the railroad that kept him close to Lake Erie. For more than 20 years, he tent‑camped in Canada along Lake Superior, cooking over open flames, bathing in the cold lake, and savoring the simplicity of nature.

He enjoyed coaching softball, playing card games, long conversations, and the easy companionship of friends and family. With Bertha, he enjoyed square dancing and traveling-memories that carried them from Hershey, Pennsylvania, to Tip‑Up Town USA's winter festival, Daytona 500 trips with family, and was always a person on the-go.

Thomas was known for smoking cherry‑flavored pipes and cigars, listening to music with his feet tapping, and for his spirited love of the Michigan Wolverines-often teasing his sons‑in‑law about the rivalry. On the railroad, he was affectionately called "Tom Cat," while his siblings lovingly called him "Tommy."

In his youth, Thomas earned recognition as a sharpshooter in the Army, ran track and field at Central Catholic High School, and played tuba in the school band-early signs of the discipline, enthusiasm, and heart he carried throughout his life.

He will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, his adventurous soul, and above all else, the deep love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the stories shared, the traditions continued, and the countless moments of joy he created.

Friends will be received at the Robert Shank, Sr. Chapel at Sunrise Cremations and Funerals, Walbridge (701 N. Main St.) on Sunday September 20, 2026 from 10 A.M. until the time of Military Honors at 2 P.M.