Thomas Joseph Kiefer

Born on August 6, 1986.

Passed away on March 1, 2010.

TJ had a short but very full and adventurous life. He lived life to its fullest, no matter what he was doing. From his early days, whatever he excelled in whatever he set his mind to. Whether it was soccer, baseball or hockey he put his heart and soul into it, he never let a teammate down. As a boy scouts he won all his badges with a breeze. Of course, his mom, Kathy, was right at his side taking both TJ and Rick, his younger brother, to practices and games. His mom was always there to be team mom, organize drinks, snacks, schedules and of course head cheerleader.

Nothing could get him down, even in school. TJ never missed a day of school in 12 years, he was never out sick, not one day. He was a good son and a good loyal friend to all. Everyone will forever remember and miss TJ. He will always live in our heart and memories.

TJ loved Hockey and through his four years at Wellington High School played for the school team. Ice Skating was another of TJ’s favorite activities. If you saw him skate you would have thought he was born with them on his feet. He floated so effortlessly across the ice, he was a natural! A girlfriend once showed him a few moves she had to learn for a figure skating routine. He was able replicated them immediately. She told him, it had taken her weeks to get those moves down.

In his short life TJ has had many adventures far beyond those of most young people his age.TJ was fortunate enough to have a father who traveled as part of his business. They traveled together with business in many parts of the world many of his friends envied his travels. TJ and his friends Nick, David & Adam went to Amsterdam in Holland for their high school senior trip. The memories of that trip will be cherished and never forgotten.

TJ visited many places as he worked and traveled with his dad. In his travels he visited Hawaii, Alaska, Paris, Mexico, the Caribbean on a cruise, Korea, England, Italy, Dubai and United Arab Emirates. TJ's visited South Africa November 2009 what a trip that was, it was his last adventure. He and his father were taken to an African game reserve for a long weekend. What a wonderful time they had, taking pictures of animals and doing things one could only read about in novels. 

His love of travel was only surpassed by his collection of Rifles and Guns. He spent many hours talking about his guns with a freedom fighter he met in South Africa. TJ loved anything that moved fast. He loved his ATV and his dream was to someday own a red Ferrari.

Yes, TJ saw many things in his short life, so many wonderful experiences. Some other experiences are best forgotten. All the lives that TJ touched will forever hold fond memories. On March 1^st 2010 at 23 years young TJ passed away in his sleep with a lovely young girl at his side. We will never truly know what happen that night, we are all still in a state of disbelief.

 

I am TJ
I was perfectly crafted by my Father's mighty hands.
Knitted together in my mother's womb,
created as part of God's sovereign plan.

Out of love I was made and much love I received.
It was His love that saved me,
so that now I am forever free.

It was planned for this time even before I was born.
God's eyes roamed the earth,
which family would I adorn?

It was you that He picked to carry my body and soul.
Only you had the heart and strength
to carry out His perfect goal.

His plan seems mysterious but in time will be revealed.
Your heart yearns for me now,
but on that Day you will be healed.

There's a home up high where you've never been.
It's the place I live now,
where I'll see you again.

In the room prepared for you, I have often times knelt.
One day I'll hold your hand and take you there myself.

Until that day, I'll wait right here with our Lord.
But I will always be your child,
I am TJ.