(Thomas Cosmades’in eşi Leila’nın bu haberle ilgili ingilizce yazdığı ayrıntılı mektuptur).

Dear friends far and near, dear family,

That which he longed for took place yesterday morning, September 20, 2010, when Tom’s earthly tent was vacated for his transition to heaven.

On Sunday evening at about 7 o’clock, Tom suffered a massive stroke in our kitchen. The ambulance rushed to our home, along with our family doctor, where immediate measures were taken to try to stabilize him. I called our Debbie and Heather that we were on our way to the hospital. They both soon got in their cars for the hour + trip to join me at their father’s side. From the very outset it was clear that Tom was not going to survive this.

He never regained consciousness. Throughout the night Debbie, Heather and I were with him, talking to him, loving him, praying for him and reading the Word together. Yesterday morning at a little after ten, the breathing tube was removed and within a few brief moments he went peacefully into the presence of the Lord.

We still do not know when and where his memorial service will take place. The urn with his ashes will be buried under a tree in a forest set apart for this purpose. A small plaque will be placed on the tree with his name, date of birth and death.

He was an unusual man, totally given to his Lord and His service to the very end. On the last day of his life here on earth he said, “I feel that every breath is my last. I want to go to my Lord.” The Lord gave him the desire of his heart.

Please pray for our girls, their husbands and me, and for our grandchildren who were profoundly influenced by their grandfather. Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely, Lila Cosmades and immediate family