I heard you die twice, once when they bury you in the grave.

And the second time is the last time that somebody mentions your name.

Macklemore, “Glorious”

I still speak of Thomas and look down. Look down in the pain and anguish only caused by losing someone so close who was such a huge part of my life. But one of these days I am going to mention him and look up. Look up and see the world, I see in the way he taught us to, no worries, just light, love, happiness, and the next party.

And sport, he would never forget sport.

It wasn’t long after Thomas past, in fact I think it was initially suggested only hours after, by Chris Statten and family, that something should be created in his memory. A tattoo of the letter R on our ass was briefly discussed (and I am not 100% sure that it is off the table), but it was clear the Statten’s meant bigger (insert Deeth ass size joke here).

With the approval and appreciation of my family, Chris and Bill Statten took the Thomas Deeth Bursary to the Don Mills Civitan, the first hockey club Thomas ever dominated, and the project had life.

To be awarded to a gifted athlete, graduating from Senator O’Connor, enrolled in a post-secondary institution. We will be saying Thomas’ name for years to come.

To learn more about this incredible bursary or to make your donations today, please visit: http://www.dmchl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?leagueID=21038&clientID=5010&pageID=18889

A special thanks to Chris and Bill Statten, for building something Thomas would be so proud of having his name on, and being such wonderful friends to the Deeth family before and after Thomas’ passing. We’re so appreciative for your love and this incredible gesture.

For my family, this bursary is a reminder, not that we aren’t the only ones missing Thomas, but that we will never be the only ones remembering him.