Thomas Paul Brostrom

Thomas Paul Brostrom

September 3, 1966 - May 11, 2016

Thomas Paul "Tommy" Brostrom of Cumming, Georgia, passed away much too soon at the age of 49 on May 11, 2016. He was a loving, dynamic, and joyful man whose mere presence forever brightened the lives of those around him. He is a shining example of how to win at life by approaching each day with unwavering happiness and optimism.

Tommy was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 3, 1966, to Mary Janet Justesen and Paul Gustave Brostrom. The close-knit family moved from one end of the country to the other before settling outside Atlanta, where Tommy graduated from Sequoia High School in 1989. As an adult, he chased the sun and the fun, splitting his time between Minnesota, Florida and Georgia.

Tommy was nothing short of a superhero, conquering every success and challenge with grace and a smile. Heartening memories of his adventures bring joy to his siblings Mary Catherine of Cumming; Mark Christian of Cumming; Scott David and Michele York of Atlanta; and Steven Anthony and Brigitta Marcic of Chicago; as well as nieces Katherine Taylor, Brooke Lauren and Freia Brigitta, and nephew Brody Scott. And of course, his beloved dog Harley. There is also peace knowing that he was met in heaven with excitement by his grandparents, the Rev. Christian and Mary Justesen and the Rev. Carl and Ruth Brostrom, Uncle Rev. David Brostrom, and Aunt Chris Johnson.

With a deep appreciation for the people and beauty around him, Tommy was a regular man about town. He never met a stranger and probably had more best friends than mere acquaintances, both of the human and animal kind. Each soul was treated with the same affection and respect, and was greeted with Tommy's famous "Hi, Buddy!" as he strolled over in a cheery t-shirt to deliver a giant hug.

Tommy's fans can be found far and wide thanks to his love for road tripping with his father. His favorite pastimes were bowling, art and keeping track of his loved ones. But no matter what he did, he never ever missed an episode of The Chew, People's Court or Judge Judy. The same could be said for UGA football games. Tommy was a diehard Bulldogs fan... unless they were playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers!

Always on the go, Tommy loved the time spent with friends as a member of the YMCA Happy Club, Christ the King Lutheran Church, and Joshua's Dream Ranch. He also was a prominent luminary at the Johns Creek Arts Center, where he became famous for turning lumps of wet clay into whimsical ceramic treasures. With his sister Cathi, he went into business with Tommy's Bird Bowls, creating and shipping handmade pottery all over America to benefit adult arts. He regularly participated in art shows and local events for the benefit of others, while spreading the cheer of his own brand of art.

To have known Tommy is to know a great inequity, for it is seemingly impossible to ever give as much love as Tommy gave by simply existing. His heart was big and his acts were bigger. There is no way to replace the joyful presence Tommy Brostrom brought to the world, but we all are better to have shared it with him. We'll see ya, Buddy!

A celebration of Tommy will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016, at 1:00 PM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, located at 1125 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd. in Cumming, Ga. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Joshua's Dream Ranch

(JDRanch.org).

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Christ The King Lutheran Church

Cumming, Ga 30040