Tom Remembered

In his three years in Richmond, Tom Keller had successfully completed his junior year in technical theatre at VCU while spending his spare time volunteering for the Richmond Animal League.

Thomas John Keller, born in New Hartford, N.Y., on Sept. 27, 1985, passed away on Aug. 9.

He was…the most inspiringly determined person I’d ever known,” said his sister, Kristin Keller.

She described him as passionate, unique, talented, hard working and empathetic.

“He was always out to make everyone feel better, and I remember many days where he knew I was down and he’d say ‘Cheer up, Charlie’ or do a funny jig and make me laugh,” Kristin said.

Keller, aka “Da Big TK,” loved music, dogs and turning tables. As a child he was a boy scout and played practically every sport and instrument out there–—soccer, baseball, lacrosse, swimming, ice hockey, track and climbing; trumpet, violin, drums and guitar. As for his career, he loved set construction and welding.“

He could create a vision in his head and build it in a way other people couldn’t imagine. He’d worked on pretty much every set since he started at VCU. He had this crazy intelligent artistic touch with everything that he did,” Kristin said.

Like many college theater students, Keller spent the summer working at a professional theater. Keller joined many of his fellow VCU undergraduates and graduates at the Seaside Music Theater in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Thomas was the son of David and Rosemary Keller of Pottstown, Pa., and brother of Kristin, Joseph and David. The close-knit family made a point to spend time together. Their annual family vacation was a long-standing tradition, even after the kids left home for college.

Joseph, a freshman at Immaculata University, created a Facebook.com group in remembrance of Tom, which already has 86 members.

Kristin, a George Washington University graduate student, created a memorial Web site for Tom: http://TheBigTK.MuchLoved.com where anyone can share photos, memories and thoughts.

The site’s thought gallery is already up to five pages. Here are some of the sentiments shared:

“Tom, we are blessed to have had the opportunity to watch over you here on earth. We are doubly blessed now that you are with God and can watch over us for the rest of our lives. Love, –Mom and Dad.”

“My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of my very special friends, the Kellers. I love you guys, and I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Tom very fondly – all of our Halloweens trick-or-treating with him, Patrick Andrew and crew. He always knew where the good candy houses were! –Marlene.”

“I was very honored to be at Tom’s service today. There were many tears, but it was such a celebration of his life. I think most people, including myself, were so moved by the words of Kristin, Joe and David. They knew him well as a loving brother and human being. Tom was my dog-sitter twice during the summer of 2006. I have four wonderful doggy mutts myself that he looked after which shows over and over again his commitment to loving God’s creatures great and small…He was a wonderful young man with a great since of humor. I realized today what a kindred spirit with animals he was. What a great human being and lover of all God’s creatures! –Beth Paulson.”

“Kristin, what a wonderful way to share such precious memories of the happiness that Tom brought to the world. With his boyish good looks and undeniable sense of humor, this tribute had me crying (of course) but also smiling at all of the happiness your family shared. I feel without a doubt, that Tom is looking down on you, and is proud to see you celebrating his life as you are. I admire your great strength and perspective, and am so glad you have such wonderful memories of your beloved brother … Love, KTH.” (posted by K. Henderson)

Keller’s funeral mass was celebrated in Pennsylvania this past weekend. The family is asking that anyone wishing to remember Tom to please make a donation in his name to the Richmond Animal League, 11401 International Drive, Richmond, VA 23236.