ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Howard Valk, also known as Tommie, Tom, Grandpa Tom, and Papa. Myself, Tina, Dorothy, Lynnette, Michelle, Rob, Alen, and Randy called him Dad. 

During the precious time I had with him the days before his death, we talked and he shared his regrets, but mostly we talked about the good times and the amazing people he had in his life. After he passed I went to his home for the very first time and learned so much about the man I thought I knew pretty well. He lived in really friendly town. He lived in a cozy home with caring neighbors.  Pictures of his family were everywhere. He collected ducks, I thought it was the sweetest thing. I found out he was in the background of a movie with Scott Bakula. He never mentioned it to me. He was a pilot, which I knew but, I never had the chance to fly with him.

He was at peace those last few days and he enjoyed his time with the many people that arrived to say goodbye. He ate dozens of goodies, all his favorite foods were bought or prepared by the family there. We had a Super bowl party, ate goodies, and laughed, while Dad cheered his team to victory. He was a huge,Tom Brady fan! 

I would loved to see your photos, and read the memories you would like to share.
On behalf of the family I thank you for honoring Howard with your presence here.
Bless you all!




March 6, 2021
March 6, 2021
Dude, you are so missed around here! Frank intensely misses your friendship and visits. You've touched our lives in so many ways. We miss your smile, your stories and your positive being. I miss you re-furbishing vintage travel trailers at our barn. You were such an artist in re-doing those. I loved seeing the progress day to day as well as getting to help pick out finishes. You gave me the most perfect horse hotel - i see you all over it and feel much warmth in my heart. You made sure I got the best, including your craftsmanship. Howard, thank you for your constant, loving friendship with us over these decades. As both Frank and I have declared many times, you are a very good man!!!  Frank says you were his best friend (besides me of course!) and feels you presence often. oxoxoxoxo
March 6, 2021
March 6, 2021
It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to spend time with you and get to know you. We had great moments of memories together watching and talking about football especially your favorite person Tom Brady. I'm sure it was pleasing to see him win one more championship for your eyes. Well, rest easily my friend for you will be missed terribly and be loved forever.
March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
Howard
How do I start you would say we are related "my grandkids your grandkinds our grandkids" you loved to tell stories as well as fix things "jack of all" I would call you, there wasn't  anything you couldn't fix. You will and are missed but never forgotten you left A big part of your ❤ here until we meet again my co-grandpa and friend much Love to the Family
March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
My Bro,no matter the direction life's crazy roads we'd turn on, our journey never ended. Our relationship grew stronger as brother and sister.no matter what,I knew in my heart you loved and always thought of me as your sister and that meant the world to me, My heart would always smile when you introduce to me to your friends as your sister. I have always known that you would always day or night be there for me and you were so many times. In my life, I wish we could have had our yogurt date again. Or our coffee or lunch I miss our times together we always had so many laughs and so much to talk about. I sit with tears running down my cheeks because I will miss you so so very much and the security I felt knowing you were right around the corner anytime I needed you and I can't wait for the day to get one of your bro bear hugs. I didn't think I could get past my own hurt to write this, But then the Lord showed me that others might like to hear what a wonderful person you were to me. I love you bro, your sister Bobbi❤️
March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
I would like to be able to tell you again of how proud I am of you!
Even with huge hurdles in your way you didn't let them stop you to become a Great Carpenter and Licenced Contractor in two states! (not easy to do)
A Good Conciensious and thoughtful Motorcycle rider and mechanic.
Then, Becoming an airplane pilot !  Wow ! That was so fantastic and seemed 'larger than life' for you, but you wanted it so bad that you dug in and started the very difficult task of learning it all and you DID IT !! You became a Wonderful and Smart Pilot. You even learned how to wrench on our Cherokee Piper airplane as you did everything you drove, rode or flew ....... even with your many complaints you always managed to work it out!
We were All very proud of you!
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
Tom, it is hard to believe you’re gone. It seems like yesterday that Denise and I took the kids to your house in Riverside to visit. When you bought your airplane and the trips you took in it. It’s hard to believe that you’re not just a phone call or short flight away. However, I am honored that I was able to be with you during your last days here on earth and look forward to seeing you again in heaven. The love and forgiveness that you talked about and the peace you had in your heart and the fact that you took your last steps on your terms. I will always respect those things and love you forever. 
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
Wow, I can't believe you are gone from us so soon, But I will say that you had the most Happy & Beautiful send off party I could have ever imagined. There was so much love in your room from family and friends all the way down to the nurses that were incredibly Amazing all the way to the very end of your life on earth with us. We are going to miss you so much!!! I love you so much dad and I will see you again one day! :)
February 25, 2021
February 25, 2021
To my Daddy...I miss you! Thank you for all the memories. We have talked and argued over the years about a great many things. I truly cherish the last several years where we really listened to each other. You were my earthly father, but you were also my friend. Sometimes, we just needed to tell each other..."everything is gonna be all right." I could really use one of your bear hugs right about now. I will do my best to honor your memory. I love you forever...and ever.

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Recent Tributes
March 6, 2021
March 6, 2021
Dude, you are so missed around here! Frank intensely misses your friendship and visits. You've touched our lives in so many ways. We miss your smile, your stories and your positive being. I miss you re-furbishing vintage travel trailers at our barn. You were such an artist in re-doing those. I loved seeing the progress day to day as well as getting to help pick out finishes. You gave me the most perfect horse hotel - i see you all over it and feel much warmth in my heart. You made sure I got the best, including your craftsmanship. Howard, thank you for your constant, loving friendship with us over these decades. As both Frank and I have declared many times, you are a very good man!!!  Frank says you were his best friend (besides me of course!) and feels you presence often. oxoxoxoxo
March 6, 2021
March 6, 2021
It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to spend time with you and get to know you. We had great moments of memories together watching and talking about football especially your favorite person Tom Brady. I'm sure it was pleasing to see him win one more championship for your eyes. Well, rest easily my friend for you will be missed terribly and be loved forever.
March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021
Howard
How do I start you would say we are related "my grandkids your grandkinds our grandkids" you loved to tell stories as well as fix things "jack of all" I would call you, there wasn't  anything you couldn't fix. You will and are missed but never forgotten you left A big part of your ❤ here until we meet again my co-grandpa and friend much Love to the Family
His Life

Howard William Valk

February 25, 2021
God looked around His garden and He found an empty place. He then looked down upon you and saw your loving face. He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best. As the days come and go and the world moves on, I know you’re still here, you’ll never be gone. On the night the Angel  came and took your hand, We cried as you left  for a blessed land. But heaven rejoiced as you came into sight. For your soul was a diamond, shining so bright.

For those who love you and those you chose to love, we thank you for being you. Until, we see you again...
Recent stories
March 5, 2021
I really don't know where to begin......
Best that I can say is that you have Always been there for me and our kids...
You are a Wonderful and a Strong constant with All of us and to explain the Loss of That is quite impossible!
You always have been and you always will be a very Huge part of us ! ....
I so hope that you felt in your heart how much we all Loved and Needed You ❤  and that you Still feel that from all of us !
You were the Husband,  the Dad,  the Teacher and  the gentle comforter that we All needed
Thank You for that
Even if you were the Rough and Tough Cream Puff that I teased you about.......
You were Always the Man!
....We have remained very close friends for the last 46 years. May our friendship continue when we meet again on those heavenly shores ⚘
But right now I have to say that I truly miss our laughs and our talks we had almost daily over our coffee's and on the phone.
I miss you calling me Babe.....
I miss my Close and Dear Friend  


To my Dad my best friend.

March 4, 2021
Dear Dad my best friend my angel now in heaven. It just doesn’t seem real that you are now in heaven and not here with all of your loved ones. You are dearly missed. You have taught me so much in life even though at times you were really hard on me growing up. But like I said to you,  I thanked you for that because it  has made me who I am today. A strong person that can stand on her own two feet. And I really look up to you for that. You’ve taught me to be strong and respectful with manners and morals and to love my family.. you always told me I was like the glue in the family and I will continue to carry that on. I can’t tell you how much I miss you I not only lost my dad but my best friend we had so many good memories and I will hold on and cherish every minute of that for the rest of my life. I know God has gained a beautiful angel and I will see you again and we will reunite, so I’m not going to say goodbye. I will say, “ I will see you again in the future “.  I love you daddy always and forever and cherish the memories we have. May you rest in peace now with no pain. Have joy and beauty up there in heaven with your loved ones , your family that you have missed . Now you can spend time with them up in heaven.. Love always your daughter Michelle

Special thanks to Jess

February 25, 2021
The entire staff was amazing during this difficult time. However, Nurse Jess and Dad formed a quick bond. She even rearranged her schedule to be there for him. She was special to us all. So, we wanted to do something for her to show our appreciation. 

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