Thomas B. Menard

Thomas Bryce Menard, the third child of Bryce and Florence Menard, was born in Mpls., MN, and grew up in Crystal and Plymouth, MN.  Tom graduated from Armstrong High School and then went on to the University of Minnesota for his BA. Loving son, brother, and uncle, he is survived by mother, Florence; sisters, Sue (Jeff) Pilon, Connie (Dan Marsh) Menard and Marcy (Mike) Gellerstedt; brother, Steven (Ann) Menard, and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was a passionate musician, playing tuba throughout his high school and college years.  While at the U of M, Tom played in the Marching Band for all four years.  After graduating, he moved to Boston for the summer to take advanced classes in Video Production.  When he returned, he pursued a career in video, being the videographer for several news channels and sporting events.  He was busy most weekends doing freelance work including NBC and CBS Sports, filming many Vikings games, the All-Star Games, and the World Series.

Tom loved to travel both for fun and when he went on tour with the many community bands he joined.  His travels took him around the US, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Australia.  He got his pilot’s license so he could expand his adventures.

Tom’s other passions in life were downhill skiing, woodworking, stained glass, camping and boating, especially up in Hibbing at Beauty Lake.  He loved going to auctions and estate sales to buy antiques and “bargains” for his homes.

In 1990, Tom got his dream job at Taunton Press in Newtown, CT, where he was the Videographer for Fine Woodworking and helped produce their woodworking videos and books.   He packed everything he owned and moved to Waterbury, CT, where he eventually bought a house and made New England his new home.  Tom was the wonderful host and tour guide to his many family members who came to visit the East Coast, especially to see the beautiful Fall colors. Since he had also worked freelance jobs in New York and Boston, he was the tour guide for his mom, sisters, and niece who would come each year to shop and sightsee in the big cities.

Tom moved back to Minnesota in 2002, and besides his full-time work, he purchased a “fixer upper” house in Golden Valley.  His house project was the perfect chance for him to use his design and woodworking skills, and a great reason to go to even more auctions and sales.  He cared about every detail that he put into his house and really enjoyed the entire remodeling process.
Tom was a loving son, brother, and uncle to his many nieces and nephews.  We will always remember his kind heart and great laugh.

Tom will be greatly missed by those who were blessed to know him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 29, at St. Joseph's Historic Little Church, 13015 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441, with visitation after 10:00 AM at the Church.

Tom was an avid musician and memorials are preferred to the Hopkins Westwind Concert Band or the charity of your choice.