Thomas TESSIER

Thomas Tessier 1958-2011

Thomas David Tessier, 53, died Sept. 27 at his home in Eagle-Vail.

He was born July 13, 1958, in Ypsilanti, Mich., the child of Vern Tessier and the late Kathleen Freidhoff Tessier.

He is survived by his father, Vern Tessier, of Rochester Hills, Mich.; his brother, Louis, and his wife, Julie Tessier, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; his sister, Marie Tessier, and her husband, Paul Grosswiler, of Bangor, Maine; nieces Kathleen Tessier, of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., Kristine Tessier, of Grand Rapids, and Simone Grosswiler, of Bangor; nephew Leif Grosswiler, of Bangor; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tom had a close and loving relationship with his brother's Vince and Lou and also his sister Marie. The losses of his mother and older brother Vince took their toll on Tom in later years.

Tom graduated from Rochester Adams High School in Michigan in 1976, where he excelled in art. He moved to Colorado several years later to work in construction and felt he had found a home in the Rocky Mountains. His skill for finish carpentry led him to specialize in installing kitchen cabinets, and later his eye for design led him to designing kitchens for his longtime employer, Thurston Kitchen & Bath. While in Vail Valley, he developed close friendships with most of Vail Valley's best contractors and created loyal followers of his wit, talent and commitment in the construction/design businesses here locally. Tom will be greatly missed.

His friends and employers at Thurston Kitchen and Bath will hold a memorial gathering at the Thurston store on Monday between 4 and 7 p.m. at 40814 U.S. Highway 6 in Eagle-Vail. Please join us in remembering Tom and all he has brought into our lives.