I hung his picture on my bedroom door, and he tells me every day that I can change the world, and that I too can make a difference.
Ken Kirk, Edmonton

I can't tell you how truly impressed I was with your husband. A religious Jew myself, he exemplifies for me the highest ideal in Judaism - Tikkun Olam - a striving to improve/perfect the world. His passion, his courage, and his idealism are a tremendous inspiration to me... I can't escape a terrible sense of emptiness, knowing that we have lost a truly great soldier in the fight against apathy and careless destructiveness. He was a true hero, in a world where heroes are increasingly hard to find... Few people will ever achieve the stature or have the impact that your husband did. He made a real difference in the world. A great man. A great loss. He will be sorely missed.
Barbara Silbert, Halifax

The world was not quite ready
for you-
your vision shining through
for all to see

I for one was moved
by your courage and
unshakable integrity
committed to principle

One that spells: Earth first!
your unquenchable thirst
for green solutions
inspired many to revolution

You were - you are - a beacon of hope
your dream will not die
your nerve helps me to cope
against outrageous odds
my job is simple -
to follow in your footsteps
toward that temple

A sacred place
which honours the noblest
of our human race
I hope to meet you there
my friend and mentor
Tooker!
Nigel Wolf, Toronto

Tooker defined environmental activism in Canada! One of the things that I wish that I had more time for is getting to know people like Tooker. I never met him personally, but he contacted me by email during the 2000 municipal election. We were both candidates in our respective municipalities. In what I have since learned was his characteristic generosity, he wrote to me because he'd heard we had similar ideas and wanted to share his expertise. I had no idea then how heavy a toll he paid for that generosity! Tooker stood on deck and showed us his shiny, bright soul. The world is a dimmer place with his passing.
Suzanne Elston, Courtice, Ontario

What an exciting life and legacy he left.
Steve Grundy, Ottawa

I always felt a bit of hope knowing that he was out in the world, spreading the message and his enthusiasm.
Jay Walljasper, U.S.

I didn't know Tooker but was impressed and inspired by his great contributions to make this world a healthier place.
Ava-Lee Kotler, Toronto

Tooker was an environmentalist's environmentalist. He was a vegetarian long before it became fashionable, he did so much to make our city bike friendly and he brought us closer to universal composting and recycling! Some feel that working with the establishment gets the most results while others can't wait that long. Tooker did both but never held back on telling authorities what they didn't want to hear, if it affected Mother Earth. There are few who live their principles to the extent that Tooker did, and he will always remain a source of great inspiration, or perhaps it should be Greenspiration.
David Parker, Edmonton

And the soul knows its time, of coming into flesh
And its going.
We may know now, or perhaps later.
And it is glorious
The time of soul-in-flesh
And we celebrate its changes,
Seeking to know continuing soul.
Skye Faris, Killaloe, ON

I write with tears. Even though I only met you and Tooker once in Burlington Vermont, I've appreciated you from a distance.
Ron Manganiello, Burlington, Vermont

What a tragedy for all of us, what a warrior he was and what an inspiration.
Rosie Emery, Montreal

Road Warrior

If friends are the sunshine of life
their death is a dark cloud
full of rain and tears

He left no empire
but his heart
pounded well
and cycled hard
never taking time to coast

And he proved to premiers
ministers and mayors
the soft path is the hardest
for the gentle heart to follow

Rest well, road warrior
We will remember you.
Phil Thompson

Tooker Gomberg, an inspiration to us all for his dedication to saving the environment and for his love of all living creatures.
Janet Jackson, Edmonton

The example of persons like Tooker, to not accept the status quo and to engage in a meaningful struggle to change the world, continues to be an inspiration to many, and I hope, teaches all would-be activists to seek balance of what is best for them.
Manuela Campbell

...but one of the positive memories was meeting this individual who had taken up bicycle activism and other green causes and made a big difference by representing the concerns of many people in Edmonton who had been effectively voiceless... an important message for all of us that individual people, especially when they gain the support of others of like mind, always make a difference.
Tom Perry, Vancouver

He was an inspiration!
Elizabeth Ingram

Tooker was such an incredible inspiration to so many people... your work together and apart was a real source of strength and empowerment for those of us fighting the good fight.
Donna Roberts, Sanibel Island

Clearly the life of an activist revolutionary agitator extra-parliamentary politician is very stressful, and takes its psychological toll. So long good friend, many will remember you.
Alex Jablanczy

 

Other condolences have been received from:

* Carol Bell
* Dorothy Hodson, Toronto
* Leon and Marcia Friedman, Michigan