Thomas Kingland Suen
September 8, 2003 – February 26, 2020
“Good night, Old-Green-Grasshopper,” he whispered. “Good night, Ladybug –Good night, Miss Spider–” But before he could go through them all, he had fallen fast asleep.”
From James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl.
Born September 8, 2003, Thomas Kingland Suen passed away peacefully in his mother’s arms after a battle with COVID-19. On February 26th, 2020, he joined his grandparents: Thomas and Isabel Lydon, Mary Suen and his great-uncle, Kingland Suen, along with some dear friends who had gone before him. His grandfather, Raymond Low Suen joined him on June 5, 2022.
He will be forever loved and dearly missed by his mother, Isabel Francis Lydon, his father, Ronald Low Suen, his brother, Jaspre Dylan Suen and his many relatives and friends.
Those who were fortunate enough to know Thomas were embraced with his love, affection, and his open heart. Thomas was brave, compassionate, and taught us all that every moment in life is worth fighting for. His best times were spent with his friends, listening to his favorite music, or sitting under trees and listening to birds. Thomas inspired and changed hundreds of lives within his limited 16 years.
A celebration of life for family and friends will be scheduled at a later date. Please make contributions in Thomas’s name to Support for Families of Children with Disabilities, 832 Folsom Street Suite 1001, San Francisco, CA 94107
As Thomas’s younger brother, I have always wondered if there was a cure to his many conditions. I wondered why he had not become the able-bodied sibling all my friends told stories about. I had dreamed for the day to come when he rose up out of his wheelchair and started to speak to me and the rest of my family with assurance that he was all better, that he could be the older brother that I always wanted him to be. That day never came, but he and my parents persevered to allow himself to have the best life possible. Thomas’s personality and sarcastic comments made many people laugh, and left a few people crying. Although he may not have said anything with his mouth, he was extremely good at getting his point across using the multiple speaking platforms that he had encountered. He had the perfect mind and personality, trapped in a crippled body that had every trait against him. If it weren’t for my parents, he wouldn’t have made it this far, nor with the same quality of life that he was able to have, no matter what physical constraints were against him. I think that he has now reached a level of freedom that allows him to know what it is like to break the bonds of his old self, and I hope that someday, he will be given a second chance to feel free.
Jaspre Suen
May 7, 2020 | San Rafael, CA
The story of Thomas’ life is an epic tale. Who can really know what a young human’s life – especially the most completely vulnerable among us – is like from the inside out? We can be sure of one thing – that Thomas was loved totally, selflessly and unconditionally by his mother Isabel, father Ron and younger brother Jaspre. Even the family dog Biscuit sat vigil at the door to make sure Thomas was safe and comfortably sleeping each night, rising to get Ron or Isabel if something seemed askew. This whole family served with their hearts, minds and bodies to make sure Thomas had the most full and happy life imaginable. Sure, there were sacrifices – and look at the love warriors the Suens are today. Thomas, may you be free and completely at ease. I think you’ve earned that nickname of yours… angel.
Thinking of my dear friends on the west coast, with respect and admiration and sadness too, sending love and love and love,
Thia Powers
March 23, 2020
A message on your birthday
Today I remember Thomas.
I remember him in the rainbow catcher in my window
In the flower he planted that I have trimmed in hopes it reblooms.
I remember Thomas in the pillow he used to wrap around.
In the little labels with his name still taped around the classroom.
I remember him when his classmate uses their communication device to talk back to me in class. And who taught them that, Thomas? Because it certainly wasn’t me.
I remember Thomas when I am worried and facing a daunting obstacle. I remember how Thomas faced so many obstacles. How he was brave, how he stuck up for himself, how he was small but fought big.
Each year my students choose a theme song. One year Thomas chose Wagner’s “Flight of the Valkyries”. If you listen to it and think of Thomas, you can get a picture of the huge world that existed in him that this was the epic orchestral piece he would choose to represent him.
It was an awful thing to lose you, Thomas. But, it was a beautiful and rare thing to have you in my life.
Love, Ms. Z
Abigail Zaehringer
September 8, 2020 | HS Teacher
Thomas had a remarkable spirit. I loved that one look from Thomas and you knew exactly what he was thinking ( I fear he was rollin his eyes at me quite frequently).
He was a one of a kind incredible young man and you are an incredible family. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to know him.
Erin Muldoon
March 2, 2020 | MS Teacher
Every time I see bright colors, balloons, smiles & nature’s delights – I smile and think of Thomas!
Sending you love & support
Kristi Dommen
September 8, 2020 | Speech Therapist
Even though I knew Thomas for a short time, it was a great joy & pleasure working with him. Our rapport grew naturally & quickly during our OT sessions. Like the crystal prisms I know he loved, he definitely sparkled bright in my eyes. I will remember him EVERYday!
Michelle
March 2, 2020 | HS OT
Thomas could not have been with more loving, dedicated, and courageous parents. Your family is a shining example of what it means to fight for someone else with unconditional love. Grateful that Thomas is finally resting at peace. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jesse & Christina Suen
March 20, 2020 | CA
What remarkable parents – an example to all in total embrace and love. Although oddly never met Thomas I knew him from birth through Ron primarily and his awe inspiring acceptance of his son and all the challenges that came with his life. Love to all for the lessons provided.
Margaret Jenkins
March 19, 2020 | Friend
Thomas- it was so wonderful to see you smile and laugh and talk in these movies.
To see your live more clearly and all that you gave to the world.
Isabel, Ron and Jaspre I appreciated watching and listening to all that you had
To do, overcome and sacrifice for Thomas. So much love that you gave to him-
So much strength.
Thanks so very much for sharing so many of Thomas’ accomplishments.
Thomas you were a gift to your family and your family a gift to you.
Love to you all,
Tina
Tina Cash
June 18, 2020 | San Rafael, CA | Friend
May Thomas rest in peace. May you find comfort during these difficult times. May his memory be blessed. Hugs, warmth and love.
Eileen
March 19, 2020 | Friend
Blessings to you Thomas as you make your way to well deserved everlasting happiness. You showed us how to accept difficulty with grace, with love and such a smile, with acceptance and courage. Thank you for making us better in so many ways than we would have been otherwise. You will not be forgotten and with certainty will be missed.
George Basque
February 28, 2020 | Cousin
In spite of all the obstacles in his life, Thomas was still able to find joy and love in life. His gentle soul inspires me every minute of every day. I miss him.
Ron Suen
April 15, 2020 | San Rafael, CA | Father
I wish you all peace and the ability to enjoy the wonderful memories you have of Thomas. He taught you – and all of us – so much. We will honor him by carrying those lessons forward.
Sally McDonald
March 19, 2020 | San Francisco, CA
Thomas was surrounded by the most loving family, friends, mentors and medical staff. My short time working in administration with similar children in Montana gave me a hope that each one would receive such loving care.
Sorry he is gone from your lives but he will never be forgotten.
Rose Singles
June 29, 2020 | Manorville, NY
Wishing you peace and courage to press on
through those unbearable days and nights.
Hoping the memories of Thomas
fill your souls with comfort
as you talk about him
in the weeks and months ahead.
many hugs + much love to his Family
March 19, 2020
Our hearts are full of grief. What a beautiful boy. What an amazing spirit. Sending all our love to all of you.
Kyle & Laura
February 27, 2020 | Novato, CA
I can’t imagine how you must feel with the loss of Thomas for whom you have intensely cared so much for during his life. You can rest assure that he felt the love and compassion he received during those years. It was certainly a journey for all of you. A journey with joy, hope, and tribulations. And as we all know, all journeys whether personal or with other will at some point come to a close. I hope at this juncture, you will reflect and see the growth that has taken place within your family. I hope this growth will lead to new beginnings and new journeys that might improve the world we live in.
Again,, our deepest sympathy for your loss and wishing you happy memories of your time with Thomas.
Raymond & Rowena
March 1, 2020 | Belmont, CA