In memory of Thomas

[Tomwin]

I really don't know where to begin. I have known Tom since I started playing dg back in 91 and he was always one of the most helpful people to me at the course and away. He would do anything for you that he could and ask for nothing in return except for maybe a round of disc golf with him.

Thomas single handedly built and installed all of the baskets for the original Tyrrell Park course, most of which we still use out there now. He was a big part of getting disc golf and our disc golf community off the ground by selling discs and running / helping run events from early.

Back in 99' before shipping out 9 targets that tom made up to a place in the New York area, he got permission from Port Neches to allow us to put in a temporary 9 hole course for halloween. Pictures of it (http://www.gtdiscgolf.com/modules.php?set_albumName=halloween&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php&page=1) That was a blast and something that I'll always remember as one of my best memories with Tom.

It's hard for me to really believe that you are gone. I'll miss you TB.

[AveSatani]

I have to second that, Tommy.
I believe he really built Disc Golf to what is is in this area and I certainly would have never played disc golf competatively if it wasn't for him. He was very encouraging to anyone who came out and i will never forget how he always had a free disc for you if you needed one. We would sometimes play two rounds on the island and some new people would come up and ask to be shown around the course and even though he was tired as hell, he would go show them around just to promote the sport.
I will always remember building a DDC course on the island and playing that with Tom and practicing freestyle for the Circular Skies States.

[Sportznut]

Back when we first started playing in '91. I remember playing rounds and rounds with Thomas. Sometimes we got out there at 10 in the morning and stayed until dark. He always had time for anyone, especially new players. You always new you could buy some discs at the Island if you saw the Black Van in the parking lot. Thomas put together the Wednesday Night mini's. That is when we only had pleasure island. We have great number of players that come out each week for our leagues BUT we have 3 courses and the internet to promote. Thomas had just as good and even better number of players with only 1 course ( pleasure Island, and the mosquitos use to be so bad that you couldnt breathe) and no internet to get the word out. When i found out he got with the City of Beaumont and put in Tyrrell Park , at HIS OWN COST, that showed his love of the sport and wanting to see its growth in our area. Thomas also scoped out Klein Park many years before we were able to get it. The City was not interested in it at the time.

I was also told by some freinds that i have that they remember Thomas going down to Port Neches park and freestyling every weekend. This was before disc golf came to the area. They told me that even then he would help them to learn tricks and gave them frisbees to practice with.

What else can I say... Thomas will dearly be missed.

[fuzzy]

Admittedly everytime I saw Thomas it seemed like I was asking for a favor related to disc golf. He was always willing and ready to do whatever was needed for all of us in the DG community.

For a few years now Thomas rarley came out to the course but strangley enough he always had stacks of the latest disc golf equipment . That is how he was, even though he was not really playing anymore, he still went to the local dive shop and bought discs and stuff on a regular basis just to support and encourage them to continue selling DG merchandise.

Anyday of the week you could drive by Thomas' house and he would have 2 baskets stretched across his yard with literally dozens of discs in them and around them. He loved disc golf pure and simple.


Thanks For Everything TB!

[bandanaman70]

I first started playing In 98. Not long after I met Thomas. He new alot about disc golf and was a great player. The best memory of playin with thomas was when we played doubles for 2$ a man and I got him as a partner.We won!! Played from maby 1 of my drives!! I learned alot about disc golf, just by watching thomas throw. He was GREAT person for the game of disc golf. God Bless His Soul

[chessguy]

I only got to meet Thomas once but he seemed very nice and very enthusiastic about disc golf. Ray got me in touch with Thomas and he hooked me up with a couple of baskets. I have old #7 from Tyrrell in my backyard that he made and I'll always remember him when I practice on it. Rest in peace.

[DavidE]

What a great person he was. Thomas was a catalyst in the early days of disc golf on Pleasure Island. He was the guy everyone knew and was a common bond with all.

My foundest memory of him was the summer of 94. He had co-designed the Ponderosa and the original Circle R on Pleasure Island with John Houck. My buddy and I went out to play the course while the finishing touches were being made. Without signs up yet, Thomas took me and my pal on a ride through the course in his Chevy Astro van. He rode through the entire course hole by hole showing us the layout. That was very kind of him.

Thomas Bertrand, you were a great man and you leave a great legacy.

[CypressTrout]

I didn't know Thomas well but did play quite a few rounds of golf w/ him in my younger days. I do know he was always a very mellow and pleasant guy to be around and was always willing to take the time to promote the sport . Maybe something could be done in the future seeing as he was largely responsible for the popularity of dg in southeast Texas. Maybe a yearly memorial tournament named after him or something. Suggestions ??

[AveSatani]

i suggest that we place a memorial (maybe something in concrete and could be permenant giving DG rules and how to play) at the PI course. It would be inexpensive and a great way to remember the guy who was always out there.

[JerryCrumpton]

Thomas, I played a few rounds with you Don and Neil. I have been playing for 13 years now and enjoy the game to this day. The rounds I shared with you guy's were some of the most fun I have had. It is great fun playing with like minded individuals. I was saddened to hear you were gone and will think of you again when I am on a course in the early morning and the Dew is still on the ground and I have the whole day for nothing but Disc Golf.
I would love to hear more info on how this tradgady came about. Please send me a message to my e-mail address if you have any info.
Shoot for par and take the birdies where they come.
Jerry