HUDSON FALLS – Thomas “TR” Remsen, 31, of Spruce Street, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on July 27, 1984, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Thomas and Mary (Maille) Remsen.
TR was a 2003 graduate of Hudson Falls High School, where he played sports. He was also on a traveling bowling team, a sport he loved and was very talented in. Following high school, he attended Adirondack Community College, graduating in 2005 with his degree in telecommunications. Following ACC, he furthered his education at SUNY I.T. in Utica and graduated from there with his Bachelor degree in Telecommunications and Media Arts.
While attending school, he worked summers at Lake George Steamboat Company. After graduation, TR fulfilled a lifelong dream and love of the railroad, by being a conductor with the Upper Hudson River Railroad. He was especially proud of conducting on the Polar Express and piloting Thomas the Tank Engine. His last job was working at Subway until 2015.
TR was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, where he served as an altar server and for 20 years, a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 574.
TR was a unique person with many, many talents and interests. His music was his life. TR could play and owned multiple instruments, he had 36 harmonicas, a keyboard, violin, guitar and bass, drums, shakers, tambourines and bongo drums. TR also wrote music and loved performing for his fans. He enjoyed playing at the Hudson River Music Hall, Rock Hill Bake House and many open mikes at various venues throughout this area and in Pennsylvania.
He also had a knack for computers, where he got his degree. TR had no problem finding his way around a keyboard or programing a computer.
TR was also a people person, who was interested in everyone’s story. He was a kind, warm and thoughtful person, who was always looking out for his family and friends. He was big brother to his sister and his friends. One of TR’s missions in life was looking out for the underdog. Even while fighting cancer, he fought as hard as he could, not just for himself, but for his family that he loved.
TR was known for his wonderful sense of humor and even being as sick as he was, he was always there with his jokes and a wonderful smile. When signing his DNR, he commented that he didn’t want to be a vegetable, but if he was, he would want to be broccoli.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Thomas and Carol Maille and Thomas and Elizabeth Remsen.
TR is survived by his loving parents, Thomas and Mary Remsen of Hudson Falls ; his sister, Kimberly Remsen of Hudson Falls; his aunts and uncles, Deborah Rourke and her husband, William of Hudson Falls, Paul Maille of Shushan, Thomas Maille and his wife, Rita of Omaha, NE and Nancy Powhida of Queensbury; and several cousins.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Thursday, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.
The family would like to thank the Glens Falls Hospital Tower 2, CR Wood Cancer Center, the Renal Center on Broadway, Dr. Gillani, Dr. Yun, Dr. Mihindu and all his friends, for the loving care and compassion given to TR and his family during his illness.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Hudson River Music Hall, 10 Maple St, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church Restoration Fund, 11 Wall Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574, 72 Pearl Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
I’m so sorry Mary. Prayers to you and your family.
I was so shocked to hear of TR’s passing. He was such a great kid. So smart and talented. Always a kind word and a great sense of humor. I’m so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Tom, Mary and Kim, I am so very sorry for your loss. I had no idea TR was so ill. My condolences to your family, and TR’s many friends. May your angel rest in peace and may your many fond memories of him get you through this most difficult time.
We are so sorry for the loss of your son Mary (and family). We will forever cherish the memories we have with him, and the collection of harmonicas and lesson books TR has given Carmine throughout time. We will miss our lunch dates with you and him, eating the best pizza around (talk of the town) and hearing the most positive inspiring stories come from you both. Mary you did outstanding with TR, he made an impact on everyone he met. TR is positively relentless and determined- if there’s a crack in the matrix he will find it, and you will see him everywhere- birds, songs, little life jokes, he will be with you every step of the way. Please, Mary, if you need anything let us know-our thoughts and prayers are with you <3
Tom and Mary,
I am very sorry for your loss.The few times I met your son was without a doubt a joy–always the positive young man.
My sincerest condolences to the Remsen Family, especially Kim, Mary & Tom. TR was a very nice young man when I knew him. May your memories of him help you to find peace.
I was so saddened to see the news today that TR had passed. TR and I have been in touch for many years now and he would send me the sweetest messages asking for my advice for his music career. He was such a sweet, funny and kind soul. I was so shocked by the news because I was sure with his outlook on life and attitude he would conquer his illness. I couldn’t help but cry today when I found out.
My deepest condolences and sympathies to the Remsen family.
To the family ..our thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you …Mary and Debbie I love you both and am so sorry…I know TR was the jewel of your lives…Know he is resting in God’s Loving arms and I pray for Peace for you and the Family…All our Love Bob and Toni
Mary and family,
I was so very sorry to see that your very dear son had passed.
I cannot imagine your sorrow in losing an amazing son.
Thinking of you with love and sympathy. Karen Gray
Mary, Tom, and Kim,
I am so very sorry to hear about TR’s passing. He was always so nice when I first started going to the legion and we would see him at Subway, always with a smile. May your hearts remember good times with him and help get you through this sad time. Thinking of you all.
Tom and Mary we are so sorry for your loss. Our girls were in school with your son. Our prayers will be with you during this time.
MARY,TOM,KIM
I’M so sorry to hear bout TR passing
EMMA
I am sorry for your loss.TR was a great person with one of the biggest hearts I knew.Prayers for you and your family.
Mary and Tom,
My heart is breaking for you on the loss of TR. Please know you are all in my prayers.
Thom and Mary : my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time, TR will be leading Angels in music, He is at peace in Heaven no more pain
I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of TR. He was a consummate musician and a bright light in a sometimes dim world. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed greatly.
Tom, Mary and Kim,
I wish I could be there with you and please know that I am with you in spirit. TR was an outgoing, energetic ray of sunshine that I had the honor of calling my cousin. TR will remain in our hearts and be forever missed by all who knew him.
With all my love,
Becca
My deepest condolences to TR’s family and friends. He was such a special guy, a true inspiration. He was always positive and supportive of others and I will never forget his sweet heart!
Dear Remsen family,
I would like to start by saying how deeply saddened to hear of TR passing. We were classmates teamates and even though not extremely close all ways exchanged pleasantries when are paths crossed. He all ways had a sincere smile and all ways asked how I was doing. I remember the crowd cheering in jv basketball as TR would enter the game and hit a jumper. He was a fighter he was a lover and he never gave up on anything! He was an insipration to hard work and being a friend classmate and teamate. The class of 2003 was better for having TR a part of it. I hope he is jamming with the angels in heaven! Again sorry for your loss and it was a pleasure to know TR. gone to soon ! Rip TR
Ryan Winters
Tom, Mary and Kim,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Roger and Kathy Fuss
Mary and Tom…I have been away from work for a few weeks and often check the obits, because of where I work and I was so saddened to see your precious son had passed. I am so very, very sorry for your loss, such a loss. For the short time I knew your son I quickly grew very fond of him as anyone who met him did. So accomplished, so special for all he endured, so missed by all that knew him. My warmest thoughts are with you….so very sorry. Lynelle
Tom, Mary and Kim I am so sorry for your loss! My heart goes out to you during this time. Sending love and prayers for peace and healing!! The heavens have gained another sweet angel.
Love, Penny from the bank.
My deepest condolences go out to all of TR’s family. Some of my greatest memories growing up in Hudson Falls were from having the opportunity to go to school with and play basketball with TR. I will never forget the tenacity that TR had while on the court. I know he fought his cancer with that same tenacity while also keeping a positive attitude. TR was truly a wonderful human being and although he may be gone I know he will not be forgotten by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
My deepest sympathies,
Tom Mahan
Dear Mary and Family,
So sorry for your loss. We have not seen you, Kim, in a few years and I had no idea how life was for you all. Sending prayers of support.
My sincere condolences to you all he was always so pleasant when my kids and I would go to Subway he will be with you always and forever
I was saddened by the news of TR’s passing. There are some students whose presence stays with you forever. TR is one of those people. He had a thirst for knowledge that set him on fire. I enjoyed his time in class and school. He entered with excitement, a smile and a contribution to make. I will forever remember the enjoyment TR had for the music of the eras of history. When we arrived at the 60’s and I did not have an 8 track tape trust TR to search your home and find one. The laughs we got picturing them in a car dashboard.
While TR’s life was not as long as any of us would wish it was lived to the fullest. He loved life and he loved his family and friends. I will miss meeting him out and hearing his latest discoveries and adventures. He shared his new findings in history and trains whenever our paths crossed.
He fought the good fight all his life and did it was grace and humor. I am sure that is something that he learned in your family.
My thought and prayers are with you at this time.
To the Remsen family, so sorry for your loss. Charles worked with TR at Subway and I had the pleasure of meeting him and following him on Facebook. He will be missed. Thinking of your family at this emotional time.
Kim,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Heather
Mary,Kim and Tom we are so sorry for all of you.T R was a fine young man.May God give you strength during this time of loss and fill your hearts with happy memories of T R forever. Tim,Jane,Tim Jr. and David Havens
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. It was astounding all that he accomplished in his young life.What phenomenal parents you must have been.!May God bless you
I am so so sorry for you loss, TR was a wonderful guy. I’ll always remember him in his conductor’s uniform coming in between trains to say hello and chat, sometimes grabbing a cup of popcorn. He was a truly wonderful person and I’m glad to have known him.
So sorry to read about your loss.Bless you and your family. You will be in our prayers.
Tom, Mary and Kim—
Thankyou for sharing TR with everyone on the Upper Hudson Railroad. He was special to know, will never be forgotten, and was universally loved. He finally got his ticket on the “westbound”. When my turn comes I will see him at the station.
Cliff Welz, Pat Connor, and the the rest of the UHRR
So sad to hear of TR’s passing. Loved his personality. He truly had a huge heart. I will remember him fondly. My condolences.
We’ve known TR for a long time . He was the most up beat strong willed person I’ve known throughout the years of knowing him and a fighter every step of the way, and proudly considered him one of the many true, caring , loyal friends from Hudson falls. I’ll miss seeing his positive posts and updates on his treatments and of his life. I’m still shocked and I am so , so sorry to hear of his passing. We wished we could have been able to make it from Florida to New York , to be able to give him and your family our blessings, but that wasn’t possible. He has touched so many people and our hearts . We are so very sorry for your loss.
TR’s life truly reflected God’s love, compassion, and hope. We were honored for these encounters and saw them as “God moments”.
Please know our prayers and thoughts are with and for you all.
Mary and family,
I will always remember TR as a boy, running back and forth between our house and yours, playing and swimming with our Matthew. His time here was too short. May you find some peace in this time of loss.
Tom and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember working with T.R. at the railroad and the smile he brought to the passengers and the staff. He was a truly gifted young man and brought joy to all those he came into contact with. Please know that you now have a very special guardian angel watching over you that is bringing music to your soul each and every day. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILY’S LOSS. T.R. WAS VERY SPECIAL. HE WAS A FIGHTER AND HIS CONTINUED SPIRIT WILL LIVE IN ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HE TOUCHED, HIS WILL TO FIGHT ALL THE CHALLEGES HE FACED WITH SUCH GRACE IS REMARKABLE. THERE WERE MANY THINGS THAT I LEARNED ABOUT HIM IN HIS OBIT THAT WOWED ME. HE DEFINATELY LEFT HIS MARK IN THIS WORLD. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
it was an honor to be his mom. Inew he was a cancer warrior from the start. I had been a nurse for over 40 years and I never meant any person with such strength to beat such an aggressive disease. He tried everything the doctor ordered even with the terrible side effects. He told some of his nurses he wanted to help his family and he was going to beat it. It was pneumonia he could not. I want to thank everyone for their support during his illness it was quite amazing. God bless you all and keep you safe. Mom (MARY ) REMSEN
Remsens,
Chris and I just heard tonight about TR. I am on FB with him and had not seen a post in a while but didn’t know he passed until tonight. I cannot tell you how sorry we are. We always loved seeing you guys and talking with you. Like they say TR made you a friend right away and he got that from his parents. He was a fantastic person taken too soon. I followed his fight and last I heard he was doing better, that is why we were both shocked by his passing. The world has lost another great person. We ask ourselves why, but one day when we pass those same gates and he is waiting for us, we will know. I am so sorry and hope some day we will see you guys again. We both miss those days at Nancy’s. We always loved talking with all of you. Please know we are very sorry.
I am honored to be the Aunt of TR who touched so many people’s lives with his music, humor, kindness, optimism and strength. I am so sorry he was taken to heaven so early in life.