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his friends called him t
Thomas J. Leonard |
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1 2 3 4 5 6 in New York 3 years ago.
Thomas explained to the audience his reason for doing a speaking tour. It seems that Thomas had, at that point, actually succeeded in doing what we coaches claim to work for. He had created his "perfect life." He did it. He had accomplished all that he'd set out to do, was living life on his terms, was at peace -- nothing was out of place.
But, as he explained it, now that the job was done, he was bored.
And so, Thomas decided that the only way to "shake things up" would be to put himself in his place greatest area of DISCOMFORT -- speaking in front of others. As most of you know, he was a very private person who rarely made appearances, even at conferences. But he walked right in the middle of his fear -- and as a result unlocked a wealth of exciting new projects.
I will never forget the lesson. And ever since, I embrace, whenever possible, the discomfort that comes up in my life. It is a gift. Because behind it lie the greatest opportunities for growth and achievement life has to offer.
Thanks, Thomas, for this and so much more!
Keith Harmeyer Success Creation ®
I was just getting to know you and to me you have become like family. I cannot believe how those who knew you personally can bear the sorrow of losing you.
My cheeks and chest is wettened by tears for loosing you. I cannot imagine how much tears will be shed mourning your loss.
FM
To the family of Thomas and to the rest of the Coaches at Coachville,
We are one with you and the coaching world in feeling the lost of a great loving person, our dear Thomas. We pray for his soul and his family in these times of sorrow. Thomas has definitely left a legacy and will forever be in our hearts as coaches.
May Soriano Coach, Philippines
How sad I was when I heard the news yesterday. You will never know what an effect you had on my life and on thousands of people across the world. Your spirit, genius, insights, marketing abilities and humanity have been an inspiration to me.
Whatever you do next when you arrive 'upstairs' I wish you the best. It is sad for us here on earth but great for heaven. In your words....how perfect!
Padraig o'Sullivan
I was very saddened by this news, he put coaching on the map, and did wonderful things for humanity by doing so...always a giver. I never knew him but surely his loss will be greatly felt.
Pam Filip
I'm an Australian coach and although I've never met nor spoken to Thomas, I feel very saddened by his passing. It goes to show what an impact he's had (and will continue to have) on the coaching industry! If we can all be half as inspirational, visionary and passionate about coaching as Thomas, imagine how the world would be.
To Thomas's family and friends, I send my heartfelt condolences and my thoughts are with you.
Kind Regards
Sam Holloway Brisbane, Australia
Thomas, your work here was tremendous. You will live on through everyone you touched. You are a shining star in the heavens tonight and every night.
Blessings, Teresa Aziam
I feel as if I knew you personally though we have never met, You gave and gave for something you believed in, and that is something that we will never forget.
You made coaching what it is today, As our teacher, our mentor, our guide, And just when we thought you couldn't top all you've done, You smiled, took a deep breath, and stepped aside.
As coaches across the world connect on this unforgettable day, We can feel you smiling down on us in such a peaceful way. You are still alive in all of our hearts, relaxing on heaven's beach, Sipping angelic margaritas because you have no more goals to reach. You will NEVER be out of mind though you are far away out of site, I now understand the profound final words of your biography...
Thomas enjoys his life.
With Love & Respect, Joan P. Plenty Personal Coach & Apprentice of the great Thomas Leonard
Thank You for the Courage you lived by and the Example you set for us to continue to follow. As you "grew" coaching you left a legacy to the world. Like a very LARGE pebble in a pond. Eternally Grateful
Rest well with you G_D Thomas. No one else has ever called me Hotsie but you!
Harriett Simon Salinger MCC,MSW WiseWoman Coaching
I regret that I I didn't meet Thomas. I always enjoyed reading the emails that he sent because they unfailingly radiated honesty and enthusiasm and creative energy. They made me think outside the lines. they were contagious in passing along ideas.
He was obviously very committed to what he was doing and it was wonderful to see his success and watch the growth he achieved through his ideas and his vision about coaching and about life.
With deepest sympathy
Geraldine Gatehouse
I am shocked at the untimely death of this brilliant man. I never met him but his vision was so bright, he brought us all under the light.
My condolences to all of you who knew and loved him.
Janet Luongo Co-President, Nat'l Speakers Assoc. NYTS Chapter President, Open Minds Open Doors, LLC
Simply stated, my decision to become a coach was influenced by Thomas Leonard's vision regarding coaching; I felt am immediate calling while reading his words, provoking inspiration, passion and vitality. Thank you Mr. Leonard.
Justine Autrey I live in total gratitude for the extraordinary good fortune of having the shadow of Thomas Leonard briefly cross my life. Thomas was a true genius and his legacy will live on as a person that changed millions of people lives.
Robert Alderman MCC
My life is forever changed for the better having been enlightened by the knowledge of Thomas. God Bless All of You! Diann S. Cannon
Although I never met you personally, you stood out as a truly great human being, dedicated to serving humanity in a very innovative yet practical way, and committed to opening space for people to co-create the future. May your spirit continue to inspire us.
Justus H Lewis, PhD Solutions that work justus@transformasia.com.au http://www.transformasia.com.au
influence on my life and work for the past 2 years. Thomas was METACOACH.
As a member of Coachville.com, I have had the privilege of witnessing the unfolding results of his authenticity, genius and generosity. His outrageous, courageous creativity will continue to inspire me - and countless others - forever. He lived as fully and completely as anyone I have known or heard of, and shared his adventures in an honest and forthright way. I love his sense of humor and humility as revealed in the title he gave himself on Coachville: "fast typist."
Thank you, Thomas, for your bigger than life example of how to make the world a better place. May your untimely death serve to remind us all of the fragility of life, and the importance of lively fully and generously. Already I miss your signature line at the end of your countless e-course lessons and messages: "I hope this was helpful."
Elizabeth Austin, RN, CPCC The Inside Out Life Design Coach
Dear Thomas, Though I am broken hearted that you are away, it is with absolute gratefulness that I acknowledge having experienced a miniscule part of you and your life. I will miss your impish grin, the self-deprecating manner that you used to refocus, the delightful sense of humor and the absolute creativity and out-there thinking that manifested your greatness in tangible Coachville, the School of Coaching et al. I met you several times and each time was more in awe of your genius, your humility, your humanness and vulnerability. You always said never when I approached you about relationship classes, but I know you considered it. Just as you examined and created distinctions and considered every other fragment of information that flitted through your awareness. I will miss the teleconversations about the future that were so progressive none of us were even sure we understood what we ourselves were saying. We will carry on in the "t" tradition knowing full well that when GOD.com creates Angelville and angels coach us in our sleep that you,Thomas, haven't left us you have just changed your environment.
Thank you, Thomas, for who you are. You gave us hope that the unused part of our brain is accessible. We love you.
Susan Sheppard Essence Coaching
Jacques Malaysia
energetic, creative young man. He had dreams and inspiration that carried him forward.
During this very sad time, especially for his family, may all the good that he did in his lifetime be a reminder of the kind of individual he was and the life that he lead. May fond memories remain in their hearts.
Sincerely,
Janice Teisch New York
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself while you were here in the flesh. Happy evolving!
Warmly, Joyce Leonard (formerly Joyce Costa) Personal and Business Coaching I' m sure he was actuated by feeling of hope in human race with a good will to change the worst in best. This is a big loss for our community of coach and I'm joining to you in your trouble. Jean Baptiste Roux, France
All my loving sympathy to Thomas's family.
Such a worldwide light as an example to follow.
Bernadette from France
I thank God for Thomas. I'm so very glad that the staff will continue to drive his work. I sincerely hope that the flavor and the tone he has placed on Coaching doesn't change unless it is something that he would have Respected!
Claudette Ward
with a coach from another part of the country. Truly, Thomas connected the lot of us up, generating a family out of a group of strangers.
Be missed? He IS missed.
Thomas, thank you for who you are for people living lives they love.
Lalita Amos
I want to express my condolences for the dead of Thomas Leonard. I´ll be grateful for all the contribution he made in my career as a professional coach. Rest in peace. Ramón Ruiz México
From my heart Marine Spring
soul level with your generosity, integrity and passion. Your light will continue forever...Rest in peace dear Thomas
Anna -- Anna S Harper
I have just read the news and although I didn't know Thomas, I felt a wave of sadness with the news. I have been a member of cochville for nearly a year and I have found it so exiting. Thomas has beeb one very inspiring indevidual to me he is right, coaches make the world a better place and I am improving everything I am allowed to around me.
Just to say that I am very sorry and that I am glad I had the opportunity to know even as little as I did.
Lets all do something he would like - Today on the day of Love 14th of Feb on his memory I will help a person see its inner beauty and potential without a return.
My deep condolances
Martina Kyriazi
I would like to send you all my love and condolences. I have never met "T", but he is my hero, and his passion for coaching and living a full life inspire me. His book the "Portable Coach" was given to me when I needed it most and helped me make some positive transitions in my life. I am very sad that T is not among us anymore. His life and his wisdom he shared with us, will stay with me forever. Thank you T, you will be missed. with loving thoughts Elke Hamel
Just receiving this breaking news and shocked I express all my "Love" for Thomas and his family I learned much from Thomas, Great man, great vision, great actions The world will miss him
Eric (France)
Eric Dullin
Thomas.......words cannot express the sense of shock that I felt when I heard about your death. I work with Hospice clients...I am surrounded by death every day....and yet the news of your death has affected me as none other. I could almost feel the punch to my gut....I truly felt that the world would not be the same....that somehow I would not be the same. I have been so affected by your incredible ability to pull together spirituality, intellect, and innovation into a beautiful manifestation called Coachville. This manifestation has affected me greatly and enhanced the vision I hold for my own life. I felt off balance and insecure at the news...how could one of the great men of our times leave during such a time of turmoil in our world? You were leading us in a direction that blended spirit and mind... and in that I found great refuge and hope! The world truly has lost a shining light...I can only imagine the pain of those most close to you...you were truly one of the great men of our times.
You opened my eyes to new possibilities...and new thought forms....and helped me evolve faster into the woman that I know I am. My life has been affected deeply by your life and your death....it has been my honor to walk a few steps of this path with you. May we all keep your spirit alive as we create in the world.....living the ideals of personal greatness and continued evolution. Thank you for pointing us in the direction of possibilities......
With great love and gratitude; Patti R. GSC member
Anytime anyone dies, many are affected--the ripples going out from the center as if a rock has been thrown into water. Death affects those left behind, those who loved and received gifts from the one who is gone. Thomas' ripples spread wider than most, though. He affected people across the world, not just those who knew him and loved him, but those who learned from his ideas, who were inspired by his endless creativity, those who read his book, but most importantly, there are many, many people who will never know Thomas' impact on their lives. These are the people who are being coached by those whom Thomas taught and inspired. The organizations and families being led by these people are deeply affected as well. If a man's greatness is measured by his impact on the world, then Thomas Leonard was a truly great man. I will miss his energy and creativity, but I will try to pass it on.
Jo McDermott Catalyst for Change Consulting
Thomas was an amazing man with astonishing energy and commitment to his life's work. I am so pleased to have experienced his tremendous insight and guidance at the London training. His passing extends not only a deep scar on the coaching community but also deep gratitude for a life well lived and dharma fulfilled. It also presents us with a great challenge to continue his work and continue to raise the bar.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Harold Whitman
Thomas, you were truly alive.
With love, thanks and blessings Sue Lickorish
Bottom line: Thank you Thomas for (in my opinion) building a foundation of integrity for us, and offering your talent and energy so freely and generously. Thank you for (once again, my opinion) creating the profession of coach. That is what I always wanted to be when I grew up, I just never knew there was such a thing until I encountered you. Kerry
t was one of those rare beings who come for a brief while to grace us with their gifts and reflections of our own abilities. he held a mirror for us all. as we move on, we carry the mirror of his accomplishments by moving forward and holding it up so that others may see who they really are and what they are capable of.
one last thing about t, he had an impeccable sense of humor. so, in honor of that, i say, "go t! you finally accomplished the ultimate 'absence of you!'"
in love and respect, lisa micklin
Today is 2-13-2003 and you have left this old earth. We met once. I didn't know who you were, except, the only person in a big room full of coaches who noticed me and spoke to me. I'll never forget that. I learned who you are later that evening because you were the speaker. It wasn't until a process later that I put the pieces together to learn what you were doing, what you had done, and what you were planning to do. I wasn't a 'coach', I was looking into it. You were the one who gave me the vision to be me, and then a coach. It's been about 5 years and I've found me, love and respect me and am flying in the direction I am designed to go. Thank you for being you and doing that so well. You're no longer here in this earth plain physically, you'll always be in my heart. You stopped, shared yourself and listened to me, finding out who I am... and that truly is the blessing of life, connections. Thanks 'T' Linda Woodend Life & Career Coach, Group Facilitator & Popular Speaker
I still cannot believe the sad sad news. It was only a few months ago that you delivered a fantastic two days to us here in London and we were so looking forward to your return. So much energy, enthusiasm, creativity and genius, the coaching community will so miss you and your dynamic vision.
Heather
Heather Waring WaringWell
just one minute before I read the unbeliavable I opened the book of Daily Wisdom from His Holiness the Dalai Lama , on the page February 13 (today). It sais:
"Some people, sweet and attractive, and strong and healthy, happen to die young. They are masters in disguise teaching us about impermanence".
What else to add to above but "Thank you, Thomas, you changed my life for the best".
In grateful memory,
Katalin Halom Austria
Many of us are coaches because of Thomas. And, whether we followed his model (and it was sometimes hard to keep up with him) or went our own way, he was a teacher for all of us in various ways. I am remembering the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, my Buddhist Zen Master, when asked what would happen when he dies. He replied "I'm not going to die, because I will live on in you, my students." And so will Thomas.
Hannah S. Wilder, PhD, PCC
President, The Wiseheart Executive Group, Inc
February 12, 2003
As the founder of a comprehensive ADD Coach Training that has its feet firmly planted in ground that Thomas prepared for planting, nurturing my own garden now with skills acquired in his, and caring for flowers that were grafted from plants he cultivated . . . it comforts me and saddens me in equal measure to know that Thomas leaves behind a legacy so much greater than he knew.
He touched so many lives - who touched so many more - sharing so generously with ALL of us who were with him during the start up days as well as with those who came to coaching after us -- right up until the time for him to leave us.
The text below was to have been part of the acknowledgment in my upcoming ADD Coaching book. It comes directly from a mission statement he shared to model the VMP technique. It is now ten years old. As he explained at the time, "Play a huge game with your life -- and plan to set your sights on an even bigger one when your original vision, mission and purpose become "obsolete" because they are no longer big ENOUGH."
We were all blessed to have been touched by Thomas. Those of us who were close enough to watch the speed with which his visions became obsolete were inspired to play bigger games of our own. As you read the following I hope you will be inspired, as I was, to reach farther than you think you can grasp, and extend your reach as you grow.
From the writings of Thomas J. Leonard:
"My VISION is a world where people are able to spend their lives knowing and using the real gifts they have been given."
"My PURPOSE is to be a demonstration that one can re-orient one's life to share those gifts."
"My MISSION is to help 20,000 people discover their true gifts, re-orient their lives around them and thank me for it."
Thank you, Thomas
May we who love you honor you by continuing to manifest the intent of this vision in this world. I'm sure when it is our time to go where you have gone we will find an even greater game to play -- and you will have created the content to pave our paths with flowers.
We will miss you here until that time.
Madelyn Griffith-Haynie
I undebted to Thomas for all I learned, not just CoachU & Coachville training but in particular who he was, how he loved people and how he approached the world and his life from an ABUNDANCE point of view. It is so easy to be driven by fear and hide behind boundaries. Living fully from abundance requires courage.
Now that Thomas is not here to challenge us with his daily emails, Let's keep his spirit, vision and courage alive in our mind and follow his example. His too early disappearance is going to stretch each of us if we want to continue to explore the path he opened for us.
What can we (r&d team, Coachville members) and what can I do to help you so that Coachville continue to be the spearhead of coaching in the world?
Warmest sympathy to each of you Catherine Maréchal Life Coach Italy \What if you slept? And what if, In your sleep You dreamed? And what if, In your dream, You went to heaven And there plucked A strange and Beautiful flower? And what if, When you awoke, You had the flower In your hand?
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Thomas, thank you for teaching us all how to wake up with flowers.
Always your student,
Dave Stachowiak Tustin, California Thomas profoundly touched my life in many ways. In 1995 or 1996, the Associated Press picked up an article about him, coaching and the fact that he was working out of his RV. At the time I had been out of work for more than a year, due to a car accident. I couldn’t go back to the 14 hour a day on Wall Street, and I was contemplating what was next. I had just passed that point where I was looking at what I could do with myself vs. what I could no longer do. The article about Thomas or "T" as he liked being called, popped out of the newspaper and "I knew" the path I was to be on next – Coach U and coaching.
I have had the honor of working for T, as a consultant, since I formally started my business in 1999. It’s been so much fun to be in the background watching his speedy process of taking a thought in his mind, adding some research, and then watching all he created with the information. T also loved technical and computer jokes.
Last year, I submitted an article about a book that had a profound affect on my life as a published author. Actually the book, Working Wisdom signed by T – a book of top ten lists, was something I won in a Coach U contest. The short version of the story was that while I had always enjoyed instructional and emotional writing, doing it for "the public", well, was an entirely different story. I lacked the confidence to let anyone see anything I wrote, so I didn’t write. Once I received the book, I said to myself, "I can write like that, too". Well, I don’t have that problem any longer. 100 articles, a few e-books, may e-report later, I’ ve been published on 3 continents and write a monthly column for The Seattle New Times. It all started with a book. I sent the book reveiw to T after it was published and his note back to me was typical T - short, to the point, funny and complimentary.
Thank you T… you are already missed. May I be able to affect the lives of others, and be as generous as you have been to me. I know you've been a great role model that I can continue to follow, as you'll always hold a very special place in my heart.
Maria Marsala
www.ElevatingYou.com
Here's a man I never knew yet who had a positive influence on my life. I will miss his enthusiasm, support, and high energy.
May God love and guide him, his family and friends during this difficult time.
Lynette Ohlson Thomas!
It is a colder and much less interesting world without you! I will miss you very much indeed!
Søren Holm Utvecklingskonsult & Coach Ramsö 185 99 Vaxholm
Dear Thomas,
Thanks for a new career, a new vision and a new life. Kind regards, John Niland …Coaching in South Africa is in the pioneering stages and I am eternally grateful to Thomas for his inspiring leadership and for the amazing Coachville resource and example he has set to us all. I am relieved to hear that you are planning on continuing the work that Thomas has begun and wish you all strength and onging inspiration. Many thanks to you all at Coachville
Gail Davidson South Africa
To Thomas' family and his team at coachville I wish to convene my condolences.
Although I have never met Thomas, I have immensely admired his drive, his ideas and all the work his put into building up coachville and making it so successful.
The message of his sudden death makes me very sad and - I guess - the whole coachville community is totally shocked to have lost their leader.
I wish his family and the coachville team much strength to overcome this sad and difficult time in your live.
All the best from Maya Kitchen, Zurich, Switzerland
I'm thousands of miles away and I have not even met Thomas in person, and yet, his sudden departure strikes me like a lightning. Only God knows how many more people's lives have been and will be affected by his departure and by his deeds. If we're in this world to leave some sort of footsteps, I know Thomas' footsteps will last for a long time to come. I sincerely hope his bereaved family and close friends will find some consolation from knowing that his name and memory will live on.
Thank you and may you go in peace, Thomas.
Isabelle DS Min Director AIG International Services Inc./Korea
Thomas,
I did not get the chance to meet you but even from far away in Ireland through the technology I felt the your personal power. I felt you were a friend.
You have enriched my personal life as well as my professional life, with Coachville and your continuing words of wisdom, in a way that THANKS seems barely enough. You will continue to impact my life forever more.
Until our paths cross again....may you continue your good work wherever you are now!
Linda O'Neill Business and Life Coach and Consultant Ireland
I have never known such generosity within business. Long may such ideologies remain along with memories of Thomas.
Doug Harvey
I have never met Thomas but his coaching wisdom and foresight was certainly very inspiring to me. What a huge loss he will be to the coaching industry. With this message go my condolences to his family and friends. Kind regards, Robin Nitschke Certified Career, Business and Life Coach New Zealand
I joined the Coachville and knew Thomas J. Leonard less than one month, but his effort to promote coaching always inspired me to move forward. I got a lot of ideas from his articles. His pass away was a big loss of the world. Patrick from HK
Disculpen que escribo esto en mi idioma, pero las palabas de sorpresa me salen en español. Hace poco me inscribi en el website y era sentir, de alguna forma, la presencia de Thomas detras de cada email de Andrea o de sus palabras.
Se sentia la tremenda energia que habia atras de este proyecto. Ojala que todos ustedes que estaban con continuen con la misma vitalidad.
Andrea Gregoris |
