My name is Jeff Nichols, and I am only one of a multitude of people who knew Fr. Thomas Brindley as my spiritual director and dear friend. For over 20 years we met, he helped me discern the ways and means of God in my life. I’ve never had someone like him in my life that could reach the depths of my questions, struggles, and joys as I sought to follow Christ.  He was and still is a great example.

 

If you had the privilege of knowing Fr. Thomas and his family, you are a blessed individual indeed. Fr. Thomas is a man who invested in life deeply in his dedication to God, to his family, and to anyone who crossed his path. Sadly, for his family and for those of who know him, he departed this earth on Friday, September 24, 2021, at 9:30 AM, suffering from pancreatic cancer.

 

His transition to the fullness of the Kingdom of God from our limited human perspective is difficult to bear. It seems too soon, too harsh, and too brief a period from terminal diagnosis to his passing. His wife and family miss him deeply, and those of who know him, miss him deeply as well.

 

Now there is a very practical matter. His family is left with ongoing financial needs. Lorna is in the process of discerning how to continue Fr. Tom’s legacy of Upward Call Ministries through the gathering and publication of his writings but that will take some time. For now, the earnings from spiritual direction and congregational ministry has come to an end. So, several of us have decided we need to step in and remedy, as best we can, the practical need of aiding financially his dear family.

 

Many continue to ask how they can support his family right now. Fr. Tom invested well in the lives of so very many people. I now ask you to invest in his family in this manner of practical support. The immediate memorial service expenses as well as the ongoing financial needs of rent, bills and the myriad of expenses Lorna will face is difficult to calculate at this point. We may need to adjust our goal along the way. Time will tell.

 

Whatever your ability, a little or a lot will be so very deeply appreciated. This is a wonderful way for us to reinvest in someone who so selflessly and relentlessly invested the lives of others. Thank you for considering a gift of any amount. We have arranged for the funds to go directly into the personal account of Lorna for the family’s needs.