I just wanted to let everyone know that our good friend, fellow disc golfer and owner/creator of StrokeSaver Disc Golf targets, Thomas Bertrand, passed away yesterday.

Thomas was a huge part of disc golf here in South East Texas and a good friend to us all.

I don't have any real details at this time but will post more when I can.

Thomas, you will be missed.

Thomas did more to build disc golf in our area locally then anyone in the beginning the sport coming to our area. thomas was a great freestyler and moved to disc golf when the course was put in. He had time for everyone, especially new players. Thomas was responsible for Tyrrell Park being installed ( out of his own pocket) and built the baskets for our Klein Park project ( which he tried to get the city to do years ago)

Thomas was our first local to cash in a Pro Division and was our course listed as our course Pro in the PDGA. Thomas was 42.

More details can be found at http://www.gtdiscgolf.com/

Keep his family in you prayers. He had a small daughter.

I am extremely saddened to hear this news. Thomas was a truly generous person. I remember him letting me and a car load golfers from Austin crash at his house in the early 90's. Wasn't he (and others) responsible for the GIANT Basket when World's was in PA? That was really cool. I bet he is making baskets in Heaven so we have something to do in the afterlife.

oh my god!
This is a sad day....my prayers go out to his family.
I pray you find peace Thomas........

Oh my gosh, Scott, please email me with any information you may have. Thomas was an old friend of mine and I have not talked to him in a while.

I remember us talking about his new basket ideas at the Circular Skies over Victoria tournament back in 92. It was soon after that he started Stroke Saver. In fact, for 6 years, I gave away Stroke Saver targets at the Carrollton Open.

This really comes as a shock to me.

PORT NECHES - Thomas Lee Bertrand, 42, died Saturday, February 5, 2005 at Mid-Jefferson Hospital in Nederland, Texas.

He was born on September 3, 1962 in Port Arthur to Adam and Betty Sue Bertrand. He was a lifelong resident of the Groves/Port Neches area and a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, February 5, 2005 at 10:00 am at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches with Rev. Bennie Patillo officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. Visitation will be Monday, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. A Christian Vigil service will begin at 5:00 pm.

Mr. Bertrand is survived by his parents, Adam and Betty Sue Bertrand of Port Neches, Texas; one daughter, Shaye K. Bertrand of Nederland, Texas; two brothers, Ronald Bertrand and wife Denise of Orange, Texas and Roland J. Bertrand and wife Diane of Anahuac, Texas; three nephews, Clinton Bertrand, Adam Bertrand, and Shaun Bertrand; and two nieces, Sarah Bertrand and Katie Bertrand.

I can't believe this. What a loss. And what a crappy way to have to say goodbye... again. Thomas had such a good heart, such a good spirit, and such a great sense of humor. He truly was one of the good ones.

I'm pretty sure he was there the day the course opened on Pleasure Island -- if memory serves, he was new to golf and was hoping he could find someone to play freestyle with. Of course he soon became the heart and soul of disc golf in that area, and back then Tanya was usually there, too. There was a lot of interest in the early days, but when things started to slow down on the island, it was Thomas who kept it up, kept stoking the fire, always looking for ways to get more people out there.

When it seemed like players, for whatever reason, weren't crazy about driving to the island, Thomas got things going in Beaumont.

Yes, he was involved in getting the giant basket put up, and yes, his work was always selfless.

He did love freestyle, and he kept it up for years, even though he rarely had anyone to play with. Of course, he was always excited about the state overalls, but it was hard for him to find an available partner as good as he was. I was able to talk him into doing a freestyle demonstration at a fourth of July celebration in Athens one year, so he finally got to show his stuff.

He had this intense laughter just below the surface, and when it came out it was almost uncontrollable, and very infectious. I always hoped that he'd be able to find more peace and more joy... fingers crossed. TB, I'll be looking for you. You are the man.

I did not know Thomas in all of these situations, but what I did know of him it is easy to believe all the things everyone is saying. Although I didn't know Thomas as well as all of you, he had a way of making you feel like you did. I always enjoyed his company on and off the course. I noticed he was not at 2 of the last 3 TX States in Houston, and already felt like I missed him.....now this. RIP