In memory of Tom Zuber❤️

The Zuber Family has suffered a great loss. Tom’s passing was both sudden and tragic.

To say this was an unexpected and shocking outcome is a vast understatement. Tom led a healthy lifestyle. He didn’t smoke, rarely drank (well okay, not as often as he would have liked) he hiked the many trails and beaches and biked daily enjoying the active lifestyle that Vancouver offered in abundance.

As recently as October 21st., Tom was playing his guitar live on stage. He was feeling ill yet pushed past his discomfort to fulfill his commitment to his bandmates, RULE 62 and the many fans who had come to see them perform. No one in the audience knew, including friends. October 30th, we received news that Tom had been diagnosed with what appeared to be tumors on his liver. While awaiting the test results to confirm this he continued to teach 3D Animation to his students at multiple universities despite the pain he was in. They too, had no idea he was suffering.

November 7th, Tom reluctantly went to the hospital where he continued to humor the nurses and demonstrate his gratitude for their help despite his rapid decline. Just three days later he was placed on life support and by November 13th he succumbed to massive organ failure.

Devastated in grief are his wife Janice and his children, Jesse, Chelsea and Lucas. His sisters Carol and Linda and extended family are all trying to come to terms with his sudden passing.

In the days since the news broke, people from around the world have reached out with compassion and the sharing of how Tom had such a profound impact on their lives. Tom studied Animation at Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver and returned to become a beloved teacher to many students at this school and others around the world. He was pursued by and achieved much at many renowned Art Studios from Vancouver to New Zealand. As an award-winning Animator and acclaimed teacher of 3D Animation, his alumni, faculty, his students and colleagues are feeling the enormous loss of his presence. Together with his life-long friends, they too have expressed deep sadness and a yearning to offer more than sympathy for a man who was admired and loved by so many.

It is in response to this outpouring of compassion that we have established a pathway for expressions for his family by way of a fundraiser utilizing the GoFundMe Platform.

Tom was a proud man. Proud of his family and too proud to ever ask for help in life. Despite being the sole provider, he always managed to find a way to meet the needs of his family. Whether it was basic living expenses or tuition for his kids and the medical expenses they continue to endure.

We acknowledge that asking for help was beyond his realm and he would never burden anyone with thoughts of financial assistance. Yet we find ourselves having to recognize that reality strikes, most especially in tragedy.

Adding to the devastation of his sudden death, his wife and three kids are now left to mourn his passing while trying to navigate the future without Tom and the burden of the financial strain this leaves them with. They too, will not ask for help. Like Tom, they refuse to trouble others with their burdens. It is up to us, all of us, to show them that our love and admiration know no boundaries. That expressions of sympathy come in many forms, some more helpful than others.

It is with this belief that we ask that you consider a donation in lieu of flowers. They too die long before their scent dissipates from the very space that cocoons the family in grief. In fact, each contribution can be seen as a seed that will be planted in his honor and nurtured so that it provides for today and the future his family face without him.

On behalf of Tom’s Family, we thank you so very much for your kindness and generosity. By honoring his memory, you join us in contributing to his remarkable legacy.

Sincerely,

Friends of Tom Zuber

FAREWELL TOM. May Peace Be Your Journey…

The family are planning a Celebration of Life aka “Tom’s Beach Party” this summer in Vancouver. Details to follow at a later date.