Thomas Laver Memorial Fund

Billi James is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Joni Laver.

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Ten days ago our family lost their beloved son, brother, and father; Tom Laver, in a tragic car accident. This accident happened the day before his 35th birthday. As a family we are at a loss for words and the prospect of life without Tom in it is shaking us to our core. Tom leaves behind a 14 year old daughter and a 4 year old son who both loved their father very much, and while we are so deeply saddened that we will not spend the rest of our lives with Tom, we are heartbroken that these amazing children will no longer be able to reach adulthood with their father by their side.

We are asking for support in addressing the financial impact related to Tom’s passing in an attempt to provide space for our parents/family to grieve and heal with less distractions and overwhelm related to finances on top of everything they are already experiencing.

Our initial goal is $5,000. This will be used in the following ways:

－ Tom’s end-of-life services that include his cremation as well as aquiring meaningful urns for his two children and other family members

－ Tom’s Celebration of Life ceremony on June 18th, 2022 held at Molalla Christian Church.

－ Offsetting as much of Tom’s rent and bills that had not yet been paid to his best friend and housemateMichael, whom he had lived with for the past 3 years. Together they maintained a safe and supportive environment for both of their children who are similar in ages.

－ Establishing a custodial investment officiated by the Laver family for Tom’s two children(4 years & 14 years old) that we intend to add to when possible over the years. These investments automatically transfer to each kid as they reach adulthood bylaw. We believe that this is ultimately where Tom would want these funds to go. We have hopes of smashing the initial fundraising goal to be able to support and cushion the future they face without the financial contributions of their loving father.

We are always going to remember the Tom who was a born fishermen who had found stillness in the sport the instant he was big enough to hold a pole, who was ever-dedicated to developing his auto-body knowledge and constantly applied what he learned to his cars(never ceasing throughout his life in his magic ability to turn our parent’s driveway into his own auto-body shop within minutes.

We are always going to remember Tom who was a loyal friend to the end to those who were blessed to know him. The Tom with a tough guy exterior that would crack the instant he let out his laugh, and that had continued to melt away as he continued to develop as a father. We will remember the Tom who showcased perseverance in his efforts to get back up again and apply himself in his efforts to get back up again when life’s circumstances would knock him down. We hope you will remember him this way too and we look forward to hearing more stories and anecdotes from those who knew him.

Who are we?

We are Tom's siblings and have created this GoFundMe on behalf of our family with their involvement and blessing. Our parents have already had to allocate an impactful amount of time and money in this process, and there are still many factors that will continue to require much more of both resources. If we can all work together to meet(and hopefully surpass) this goal then we can soften one aspect of the blow that no parent should ever have to experience, that no child should ever have to experience.

As the eldest child, I want to take care of as many of the details related to this tragedy as possible. I hope to give our parents space to heal as well as energy for their ministry as they support others in healing.

I am floored by my parents’ continued level of engagement in their ministry during this time, but due to witnessing this level of effort from them throughout our lives,I am certainly not surprised. If you happen to know and love Bob & Joni, you understand why.

We have appreciated the outpouring of messages of love, sadness, and support. We ask that you continue to keep Tom, us, and most especially his children in your thoughts and prayers as we push on towards the new reality in which Christmases, Birthdays, and quality family time will be had without Tom at our table, but forever in our hearts though.

This tragedy is still so fresh, and there is still good potential that we will be thrown more logistical curveballs as the days/weeks progress. Regardless of how things progress, you all have our commitment that will be transparent regarding the funds accrued and are committed to providing updates as consistently as possible.

There are other ways you can support, whether you are local or not. Please reach out if you would like to make donations of resources/supplies/crafts/toys directly to his children and to the family units that are providing them care. There will be costs related to engagement in sports programs and summer activities for the 14 year-old(softball,volleyball, and basketball these days) and for the 4 year old as he ages.