Thomas GERRARD Obituary

When my son started Rosmini, he said "give me your boys and we will make them into fine young me". He kept his promise to me and to many other families. The Rosminian spirit is strong in the boys you guided through the difficult teenage year.
I know you will be enjoying your rest in the arms of the Lord.

My most vivid memory of Thomas James Gerard extends back to the 1st May 1941, the day Thomas was born and I remember this not only because it was the day he was born but I remember it distinctly because it was the day before my 6th Birthday and who doesn’t like to receive a baby on their 6th birthday. I was convinced that Tom was my personal birthday present and what a gift to behold at 12 pounds 13. He certainly was the gift that kept giving.

The years growing up together I can safely say there was never a dull moment and because granted I was the older sibling, I was also regarded as the more responsible one and I was entrusted to wheel Tom out in his pram for his daily walk. However one day my friends decided to join me and we wheeled Tom out on our usual joint. We wheeled him right up to the top of the hill, with some effort I might add and then one of my friends thought it would be a great idea to let the pram roll down the hill with Tom in it and then all of us would race madly down the hill to reach it before it got to the bottom. It was near miracle that Tom made it past his first birthday.

Tom defied the odds on numerous occasions throughout his life, even on his first day of school, he refused to remain in the classroom and when the Nun tried to encourage him to stay, he took his life in his hands and delivered her a short, sharp kick to the shins in response. Then he disappeared out the door like a bolt of lightening and ran all the way home. Which by the way was a fair hike.
Well, Mum certainly wasn't going to have bar of that behaviour and promptly marched him back to the school again kicking and screaming. Not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine that Tom would be Principal of a Boys College in years to come. I can safely say I don’t think the Nun did either.

Due to the fact my Dad worked for the Railways, as Station Master, we lived very close to the Railway Station which we considered part of our playground repertoire. One such afternoon whilst patrons were waiting for the arrival of their Train, Tom happened to push a rather large luggage trolley off the platform and onto the tracks just before the main passenger train was due to arrive at the station. Everyone was in great panic to remove it out of the way of the path of the oncoming train. Doing so with just minutes to spare. Needless to say Tom was pretty popular.

When we arrived in New Zealand, we all attended Marist Convent School, where Tommy would often hold all the Nuns attention by singing a number of verses of “Hello Patsy Fagan”. Even though he couldn’t hold a note to save himself the Nuns just loved listening to his Irish Accent.

So thank you Tommy for all the great times we spent together I can safely say there was never a dull moment but many, many humorous ones, which created the treasure trove of memories I can always look back on today.

You, carried many titles, such as a well respected and loved Principal, Mentor, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, but to me you will always be my little Baby Brother, who I will miss so very much and all your great advice, dished out when I needed it and even when I didn’t.

May the road rise before you and the wind be always at your back and until we meet again may God keep you in the palm of his hand.

Slán Leat Tomás


Rest in Peace Tom.

Marie

My thought and pryers are with Tom's daughters and grandchildren and his sister Marie and her family. He was certainly a "larger than life" character and influenced many young people as a dynamic and kindly Principal. May his valiant soul rest in peace! The love and the prayers of the extended Hoskins family are with you all.

So sad to hear of your passing Tom.
Thank you so much for being a man of great wisdom, who was there and gave excellent advice in times of trouble.
And for also being a man of great humour. Often the combination of these two great strengths meant a funny solution to something that felt huge and overwhelming at times.
Rest easy now Tom, your work is done, and as always, done well.
Love and thoughts to the girls, Antonia, Michaela and Cassandra. Know there is always a place for you whenever you need one.
Yvonne Reid

Una persona entrañable , noble , sincera y divertida . Siento mucho tu partida Tom. Muchos buenos recuerdos de aquellos años en Auckland . Descansa en paz

May his soul and the souls of the faithfull departed thru the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

I was taught by Tom at Rosmini during the 60s and he also taught my son 30+ years later. Tom not only maintained and developed the Rosmini character, he was the Rosmini character. And a real character he was too. A good kiwi bloke. It's sad when anyone dies, and especially so when it's one of life's lovely people. RIP Tom.
Edward O'Leary

Uncle Tom had a personality that was larger in life in more ways than one. His humour was so infectious you couldn't help but laugh and his wedding speeches was legendary, Tom had everyone in fits of laughter.
As well as taking on the challenging role of Principal at Rosmini College for 35 years, Tom also managed to raise three amazing daughters, which are an absolute credit to him.

I will never forget the time when I was 10 years old and I was staying at my Grandparent's house in Auckland and Uncle Tom popped over in the afternoon. He said to me, " Brigid if you make me a cup of tea I'll give you a $10 note, but only on the condition you make it in my Special Horse Racing Cup". I thought I'd hit the jackpot in those days and Tom probably had at the races. I couldn't make the tea fast enough.

So thanks Uncle Tom for all the great times and the delicious chicken soup that was a one pot wonder, which you pulled out of the bag from nowhere. Also for all the years of the customary cutting of the Turkey and ham for the Christmas dinner and the traditional bag of cherries.

A bright light has been dimmed but a brighter light will be shining in heaven and I'm sure you will have more than a few Angels doubled up with laughter.

Tom was a fun and fabulous uncle! I loved staying at his house when visiting from Auckland! We enjoyed so many Christmas’s with the Gerard family at Nanas and I still cherish my JEM doll that I received from Tom one Christmas Day. Rest In Peace . Much love and prayers to all the family who will miss him terribly xx

GERRARD, Thomas James. Born May 01, 1941. Passed away on August 13, 2020. Arise and go now to where peace comes dropping slow?Keep on kicking grandpa bear. Love Keisha, Helena, Michaela.

GERRARD, Thomas James. Born May 01, 1941. Passed away on August 13, 2020. Grandpa bear we always knew you had wings. Love Xavier, Scarlett-Rose, Cassandra.