his friends called him t
call him t

Thomas J. Leonard
Founder, CoachVille/School of Coaching

July 31, 1955 - February 11, 2003

It is with great sadness we inform you our leader, founder, coach
and friend Thomas, died suddenly of a heart attack on
February 11, 2003 at his home in Phoenix, Arizona.

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I am, like everyone, profoundly saddened to hear of Thomas sudden death.  I had

the privilege of meeting him last year in Phoenix....not only was he funny,

prolific, articulate, creative and full of life...he was larger than life.  Such

a great loss to us all.

Diane Marshall

Directional Vision

Thomas Leonard

How very sad to hear of your passing last night. I am shocked and

saddened. There is a huge vacuum that we coaches who are doing what we

do , because of your innovation and creativity, must fill for you.  You

were an inspiration to me in your incredible creativity and passion for

people living more purposeful lives. Even though we may not have always

agreed on content or delivery methods, I owe my global business creation

and my membership in the coaching community to you

Namaste'

I don't know what to say. I never knew you. I never met you. But I admired you. You did a unique job. I'm shocked. I am so sorry. I am so sad.

Your affectionate, but unknown friend

Uffe Stenstrop

Expressing love did not come easily to you, and when I needed it most, you

loved me.

Receiving love did not come easily to you, and yet you have my undying love.

And when you create a new checklist for St. Peter, I'm sure that coaches

will get extra credit.

I am so sad that you had to go so soon. I trust that you are exactly

where you meant to be. Your life, words and energy have inspired me

greatly. I will miss you so much. I send you LOVE where ever you are

right now.

I would like to express to all of you my sincere condolences from Geneva, Switzerland.

I send you my love and abundant gratitude.

God bless you,

As you helped guide my way

With kind advice and words,

Your eyes never wandered from my dream,

Even though mine seemed to stray

You helped me see things I couldn't find

 And you opened doors with your master keys

That pulled me through the thresholds,

before they closed each time.

I am quite sure as I coach again

You will be critiquing my efforts from my heart

But with each passing day you will be missed

You are definitely a Coaches' best friend.

Goodbye Thomas J. Leonard.

Farewell Thomas....leaving this world while being in the midst of what you love to do best, and you certainly gave your all for us and the coaching forum, I hope will be some consolation for family and friends who loved you.  As for me, thank you for your dedication to the pursuit of human potential, and the proliferation of gifts you gave to us so freely! Coaching has lost a formidable champion for reaching our utmost service to ourselves and others.  I'll miss you!

My prayer for Thomas is that he has a great time coaching Angels.

My prayer for Coachville is that Thomas' vision guides the leaders of Coachville.

If Thomas' vision prevails, then a part of Thomas stays with us.

Mike Goss

We can best honor Thomas by continued on with his work - manifesting the

vision that coaching can change the world.

In the bio on his website, the last line reads, "Thomas enjoys his life."

In the end analysis, there's no better tribute than that.

Karyn Greenstreet Coaching & Consulting

I just attended the Intensive Coaching workshop in Toronto and heard so many wonderful things about Thomas J. Leonard from Dave Buck, the instructor.  Although I never met Thomas, I loved the ideas expressed in the Certified Coach program and knew that most of it came from Leonard. What a wonderful man of vision and passion, I thought. I imagined having a conversation with him and Dave in the future about what all of us are so passionate about.

After the Coaching Intensive, I was even more committed to coming to the SF conference  later this year so that I could personally meet Thomas. And now he's gone? I can't believe it! My God, how fragile life is.  Here one minute, gone the next.

Wherever you are Thomas, know that your work inspired me, that your dedication to the Coaching profession and to helping people live their best life will live on; that you have left your footprints on the minds and hearts of thousands. God bless you and the family you left behind.

Deepest consolences

Grace Cirocco

There is a saying in Africa that when an elder dies a library has burned

down.  Thomas, we are your books, your library, your future of coaching.  We

will carry forward what you have started and made possible for us.

Today, though, my heart is so heavy and so sad.

Farewell Thomas

A beacon of light has been extinguished. May all of us who have been illuminated by his brilliance now shine more brightly.

Marsha Ross

My sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Thomas.

Brilliant stars may burn out before their time, but we will always remember the glow they shed on our lives.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Leonard personally.  Yet I feel

great sadness.  He epitomized all that I hold in high-esteem in this life. 

I once sent an email telling him how grateful I was to come across him and

hs philosophy after looking at the Coachville website.  I was floored when I

got a personal response back thanking me. He was a rare being.  He walked

the talk and now he walks with the angels.  He is a shining example of how

we should all be when aiming for the highest potential in ourself.  I extend

my condolences to all of those who knew him personally.  I will keepyou all

in my prayers.  His life was short but his impact is beyond many lifetimes.

Rest well Mr. Leonard!

Sincerely,

Thomas,

The years that I worked directly with you were among the years I learned,

stretched, and grew the most.  You created a way of life and work for

many of us...a whole new profession.

I recall that when talking with you, you had a way of pulling out the rug

from underneath us so we'd have the opportunity to completely re-orient,

quickly and cleanly.  Now, you've gone and done it again, without even

doing it during a coaching conversation.

Few people have touched our lives as you have...and it's deeply personal

for each one of us, I know it is for me.

Boy, oh boy...I'm gunna miss you; our world is going to be a VERY

different place.

Well, I gotta go and give and get lots of support, and take time to

process, and discover new ways to orient....

With deep respect and love,

To Thomas. . .your wisdom, vision, and love remains strongly with us.  I

send this prayer for all of us.  With love and great sadness. . .Linda

Weinberger

Hopi Prayer

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.

I am the gentle Autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry:

What Thomas gave away for free has sustained me for 5 years.

Bob Noah

Noah Onboard

*

He will be missed.   His inspiration and enthusiasm has launched a great

enterprise which will be an enduring testament to his life.

Let's continue to follow his lead and celebrate his successful life.

David E.C. Huggins, M.A.Sc., F.Inst.D., C.M.S.

*
I just read my email and know your heart must be broken right now. I had

only known Thomas for a little over a year but had come a greatly respect

him and stand in awe of his vision for coaching.

I am also sure you are absolutely overwhelmed with the enormity of the task

ahead. It is foolish to think there is any contribution I can make but if

there is any way I can help either of you in the days ahead, I would be

honored. I care very deeply about the future of this organization. It has

been one of the greatest pleasures of my professional career to be a part of

it.

I'll be thinking of you both during these days. I want to help - with

anything - if there is a role for me.

Saralyn Collins   CPC,CPMC,CET,FCPC

*

Dearest Friends,

I have just this second received this so sad news via email.

I have only recently discovered the work of the late, great Thomas J

Leonard.  I listened to The 28 Principles Of Attraction tape programme over

Christmas and I can't tell you how profound an impression it made on my

life.  It was as if it was produced just for me.  His personality and life

challenges almost mirrored my own.  I have applied your teachings to my

situation and the results so far have been amazing.

In fact I had planned to write to Thomas only this week to thank him for

what his work has done for me.  Sadly I won't get to do that.

Thank you Thomas.  Thank you for your wisdom.  Thank you for your love.

And thank you for teaching me and thousands of others the 28 Principles.  I

will never ever forget you.  I never met you in person but I feel we are

kindred spirits and in many ways we already have met.

Thank you so much.  And I still can't believe this has happened.

All the best to your family and friends,

Steve Roche

London, England

I'm really sorry to hear that and which his friends and family all my

condolences.

Josee-Jade Lariviere

Thomas was part of my life and I felt I knew him personally although

we never met.  He has been a integral part of my work and life these

past years.  I am so sad to hear of his passing.  He will always,

always, be remembered. 

Minni Richardson

It looks like God wants some coaching and he's called for the best.

I'll miss you, Thomas,

I've recently joined Coachville and have been so impressed with the services

offered to coaches. I am saddened by the news of Thomas' passing. I'm

sending prayers to his family, friends and coaches who speak so highly of

him.

Sincerely,

Wendy Von Der Linn

AFFIRMFit

Tom's life influenced many people who are influential in coaching today:  Cheryl Richardson, Laura Berman Fortgang, to name just two.  To paraphrase what a wise man once said, it's what you leave IN people that counts more than what you leave TO them. 

Tom pioneered a profession that will endure for generations to come.  He will be remembered and celebrated long after we've dried our tears of sadness over losing him.

To Tom's loved ones--my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.

Melissa Phillips Cooper, M.A.

*Senior Academic Advisor, University College Advising Center

*

Thomas, you will be greatly missed, more than anyone will ever be able to verbalise! May God bless you and grant you peace.

what a shock - he contributed much in his short life - for that i feel lucky

to have received some of his wisdom.

A true leader never dies, he lives in our memory forever

God Bless YOU

Oh my God, I can only express my shock and sadness as well. I only met Thomas once in person, but being and early Coachville member and faithful R&D team participant, I thoroughly enjoyed the many telephone conversations,  Thomas' enlightened spirit and his generosity and sharing of his passion were true gifts.  Thomas was a truly giving human and his insight and joy of work will remain with us forever. 

I can only say that God has blessed the world with this man and now He has taken Thomas to help out at home.

Karen Frank

All my love goes to Thomas and his loved ones as a warm THANK YOU for the

great inspiration he was for me. He was a GREAT LEADER!!!!

Georgios Sgouridis

Dearest Thomas -

I pray that you are at peace, smiling as you look at your life and your

contributions. You gave so much not only to the coaching profession, but to

the world. We are a better place because of you; you have shown us what is

possible.

You are missed already.

I will see you on the other side.

Love,

Helen

Helen Dutton, Coach

Not only am I shocked but so very sad to see such a visionary pass so early from this earth. I miss him already. I am holding on to the comfort, that just maybe the communities at Coachville, GSC, R&D, and all the other wonderful and exciting projects he worked on will continue in his memory.

My condolences to his family, friends, and coach community. We have lost a great man.

Peace,

Kim

Los Angeles, CA

I am dumb struck!

Thomas was the inspiration behind the growing of our successful international business, he will be greatly missed by everyone, especially myself.

The thoughts from all my partners both states side and in Europe are very much with Thomas, his family and closest friends

Yours sincerely

Robert A Parson

Senior Partner

Please send my condolences to the family of THOMAS J LEONARD. Though he is not physically with us anymore, but his teaching and wisdom are with us always.

Thomas Kuan

Dearest coaching community,

It is with great sadness that I learned of Thomas' passing.  Thomas was a

great human being who devoted so much time and energy to changing peoples'

lives for the better.  As the founder of the modern coaching profession, a

forward thinker, and leader extraordinaire, his influence on the world today

and in years to come is inestimable.  I will miss him dearly, as will many

thousands of others.  He was a great example of the paradigm: What you do

profoundly makes a difference.  In that way, Thomas will always live in our

hearts and minds in the coming years.

Best regards,

Lea Belair, Change Agent

I never met Thomas personally but can tell you that when

emailing with Thomas he gave you the sense that you

knew him intimately - his energy, vibrancy and positive outlook

were apparent in all that he did and communicated.  He took

risks and gave much in his short tenure with us.  Right now he

would want everyone to continue on and move forward with the

idea that we are all here to help and support each other.  May

peace be truly with him.  Thank you Thomas for all that you

have done.

With the greatest of sympathies.

Kim Roman

Yes a loss, and a shock and a surprise, and for me, a questioning...? Why

now? But no immediate satifactory answer.

I know we (the coaching community) will survive, and we will also remember,

each in our own ways, the motivationd and challenged we encountered by

being, from whatever distance, associated with Thomas Leonard.

Hugs to all

Kerry


 

Condolences to the family and friends of Thomas on this sad occasion.

I had the pleasure of attending his Coaching Intensive Workshop in Sydney

last year. He is an inspiration to all who have chosen Coaching as their new

life's journey.

More power and God bless to the staff and members of Coachville, may we

continue to spread the light as Thomas did.

God bless.

Donn Tantengco

Darwin, Australia

Thomas, thanks for bringing your creativity to my life. It has and will continue to make a difference to me and my clients. You'll be sorely missed.

Desiree Bauer

it feels like the loss of a friend.  I simply cannot believe it.  The one thing I take comfort in is that he lived his dream.  What more can a human being be asked to do?

Love,

Trudy Arthurs in Belfast, Northern Ireland

 I'm so glad I had the opportunity to attend one of Thomas' events (Toronto last fall). I love his energy and enthusiasm and honesty. My condolences for your sense of loss. Healing blessings to you all his friends and family.

Teri Johnson, C.P.C., Business and Executive Coach

Thank you SO much for keeping us so well informed during this difficult

time. Every question has been answered before I even had a chance to

send an email.  Best wishes to everyone who has worked so closely with

Thomas to create Coachville and the various schools. I'm sure it's a

very difficult time for you all on both personal and professional levels

- my prayers are with you.  I have all the confidence that you'll keep

Coachville going and growing with integrity, creativity, and quality!

Goodbye Thomas,

I have only one thing to say: You are the reason I am a coach.

Val Williams

Condolences from coaches in The Bahamas.

We are truly sorry. He helped us so much.

Our prayers are with the family.

Lee B. Callender

What a positive influence one short life can have on the world. Today

we need to be reminded of that more than ever. Thanks, Thomas, you

have left a proud legacy.

To the family and friends of Thomas - may God's healing love shine

upon you & may you all be comforted at this time !

Coachville web site has been an incredible site for me personally,

and for the people who carry it forward I wish you all the support

and best wishes for the furture.

Thomas was an inspirational man who will be sadly missed.

To Thomas (wherever you are):

What a powerful force and abundant thinker!.  May your legacy match

your devotion.

Mes sinceres sympathies,

Marie-Claude Lapalme, Montreal

My thoughts are with Thomas and his family.  A sad loss for those he

left behind.... I know he is with God.

Lark

First time I'd read Thomas , I understand what kind of professional

work he did.

He's an excellent example of well organized thoughts and I specially

admire he shared all his knowledge and work with us, people who is

just starting the dream.

I want to thank him for that. i'm a woman from Mexico who want to

learn about coaching and  visited lots of sites but not with the

quality of this.

this is really a big lose

thanks

ABB

I never spoke with you

I never met you

I never saw you

And yet your impact on my life and thousands of others

has been so profound.

This world would be a far lesser place if it wasn't for one of the

things you espoused the most - leaving a legacy.

Your legacy will send powerful, positive ripples around our world for

many generations to come.

Wherever you are - may you always be in peace.

Thank you

Darrell Watson

I am very sorry to hear of this sad news.  I haven't been a member

for long but have found coachville to be very professional and

interesting to read, just a great newsletter and great way to

communicate to the world, bringing people together.  That's what

Thomas did.

With my deepest sympathy,

My heart has been breaking for those of you so close to Thomas the daily workings of the SOC.

I will continue to think of you and am proud to continue on with you.

Sincerely,

I only experienced Thomas once in the flesh-he was speaking at an

event in New York City, and, true to his wonderful nature, he raved

about the wonders of Liberty State Park, which is this wonderful

place in New Jersey where you can see all of the NYC skyline.  He had

his RV parked there, and he actually encouraged some New York snobs

to check it out.  He always had a different view, and he was a great,