a a r o n t o l s o n.c o m

TRIBUTE

Aaron's father, whom he was named after, passed away Sunday, August 22, 2004. This page is dedicated to his memory.

From Aaron A. Tolson [Manchester, NH]
     I don't really know how to write this. I just want to put down something for the world to see. On August 22nd, 2004, the greatest man I have ever known left my life. I need to say some things about him, but I know I could never summarize it all into words. Not now or ever.
     My dad was the only man I ever tried to be like. I don't know a more caring, loving or more proud man. I have to say that over the past years he had become one of my very best friends. Any little thing I did I would call him and tell him. He would always listen and tell me things like, "Neat!" In the past five years I have been around the world, dad was my anchor. I came home and stayed with him. I would be in Australia, and call him. I would get hurt and call him. I would be tremendously happy and call him. And if I was sad, I would call him.
     Just two months before his passing, he was in Baltimore with me. He came to see me dance and spend time with me. I look back now and see him in his suits on those hot, hot days in June. He wanted to show how proud he was of me to the world by showing all kinds of respect to the show I was in and the art I was performing.
     I have changed a lot over the past years, and a lot more this summer losing him. But one thing my dad said to me, guides me to hold the values I have been. In his words he told me, "Aaron, you are such and inspiration to my life." I can't tell you how awesome it was to hear that out of my father’s mouth. In his last few weeks he kept telling me I was such a "good kid." The week before he passed he was sleeping in bed. He never looked up and said to me he was waiting for me. I asked him how did he know it was me without looking. He told me he knew my footsteps. I was amazed at this. But he has seen and heard me dance so many times, he just knew.
     The day before he passed he told me one special thing. He looked up to, reached up and pulled me down to him. He hugged me so that my head was resting on his. I told him that it was great being his son, but even better being his friend. And he said yes it has.
     My whole life my dad has told me he wanted me to be better than him. He is from a poor upbringing, and wants me to be successful, but what is success? My tattoo says it is happiness, love and health. So I told my dad just days before he passed, that I don't want to be better than him. I said, "Dad, I want to be just like you."
     Once, my dad drove from Manchester, New Hampshire to Syracuse, New York to see me run for six seconds. The catch to that story is he didn't tell me he was coming. He just came and surprised me. I was so happy to see him. It was one of those great surprises he did for me.
     I wanted to come home from college. I called home and said I would be on the earliest bus out of New York and be in New Hampshire early afternoon. Well, there was a snowstorm. Highways were closed. I took a train to Boston. I accepted rides from strangers so I could get to Manchester. When I got to Boston around 1 a.m. I was walking down the platform negotiating my ride home (this is pre cell phone). When I walked into my dad. I hugged him so tight. He had waited all day in Boston for me. He had the patience of a saint. I was never so happy to see him.
     I remember him and my big brother moving me to New York City for college. Just seeing his youngest son leave was so hurtful for him. But he still managed to tell me a story of inspiration. He told me that when I was ten, I told him I was going to move to NYC and dance. He said he knew I would.
     One of the most personal things that he did that touched me so much was so simple. Every time I would leave, whether it be for a few hours or a few months, he would do the same thing. He would come outside, and watch me drive away, get on the plane, or get on the bus, or get on the train. He would watch me until he couldn't see me anymore. He never knew, but I would always look for him to see if he was watching. As they took my father away from me for the last time, I found myself watching him, then just looking at the street until.......
     Dad, I miss you terribly and always will. You have given me so very much. I admire all the things you ever achieved. You were the best father a kid could ever ask for. I will always cherish the relationship we had. You asked me to wear red tap shoes for you and I am. I know you are with me at all times. I just want you and the world to know one thing. If I can be half the man you were, I will be twice the man I ever thought I could be. I love and miss you so much.

From Michelle Tolson [Sherman Oaks, CA]
     What can you write about a man who was your everything? I was so blessed to have a father that always believed in me and helped me to reach my goals. Losing my father has been the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my life. Yes, I know that we all lose our parents, but if you knew my father, you would know how hard this is.
     My father was a dedicated man. Dedicated to his family, his friends, his work and his values. This dedication was passed along to the four of us. I can remember when I was in my early teens, wanting to take extra dance classes but we didn't have the money. No, we weren't poor, but dad was putting us through private school, paying for a house and two cars. My father knew how much I loved to dance. He struck a deal with my dance teacher. He cleaned her studios every week so that I could have extra dance lessons. That is dedication.
     Growing up my father would get up with us every morning to get us off to school. He worked the 3-11 shift, so this was his time with us. He did this until I graduated from college. He was also the only lunch dad at our grammar school. Anything to spend more time with his kids.
     I started teaching dance at an early age, about 15. My students starting doing dance competitions about a year later. Dad would show up for every dance that I did as well as for every dance my students performed. Mr. T was always there and always proud whether we won a silver medal or high score of the day.
     I only wanted to make my father proud of me. Seeing me compete at Miss America was one of the highlights of my life as well as his. The day I became a Radio City Rockette he just about burst with pride and I was so nervous the first time he saw me perform at Radio City. I wanted him to love the show and know that his years of driving us all across the US had paid off. I found him and my mother in the audience and saw the pride on his face.
     I cannot believe that he is gone. Every day I think of him. Many times I want to pick up the phone and call him to tell him what I am doing. Spending the last few days of his life with him was difficult yet wonderful. Even with death upon him he was strong and thinking about his loved ones. He never complained of pain and never wanted to burden us. I hope to be like him, loyal, strong and loving. His legacy will live on though all the lives that he has touched and all the love that he left behind. He will never be forgotten.

From Imma Rosano [Manchester, NH]
     I miss you.

From Steven D. Morehouse [Manchester, NH]
     I met Aaron and his family in 1983. At the supple age of twelve, at about a foot or two shorter than I am now, my first memory of Aaron’s father was a giant oak of a man. Tall, straight, and unbreakable. Strong as anyone an impressionable young man had ever seen...I was impressed. There was a pageant, there were many actually, I remember Big Aaron picking up a sizeable television with ease and all I could think was, “Wow, Aaron’s dad is so much stronger than mine!” To me he wasn’t far from a super-hero.
     Later that same night I heard a melody. Coming from the room where the pageant was held. The hotel ballroom was empty with the exception of a piano and manipulating the keys like I’d never seen before was Big Aaron. I can’t express how I felt at that moment. To say the least I was amazed. I never knew with strength, there sometimes came talent...and wisdom. A bunch of kids gathered around him, at my behest or not I cannot remember. When he finished I applauded. Just try picking at those keys and you’ll know why I clapped until my hands ached red.
     To say the man had character would be an understatement. Every time I saw Big Aaron he was supporting his children. He was constantly supporting his kids behind the lens of a camera, whether it be at a pageant or a track meet. In fact, he became a beacon to me whenever I went to a track meet. I wanted to be near his family as they cheered Aaron on. Sure enough, I’d look around and see that tall frame with camera in hand. It didn't take long.
     It’s not enough to say I’ll miss Big Aaron. Whatever I write will be disproportionate to how sad I feel at his passing. I will say this though, if a man’s character is measured through his children, he will always be remembered as a great man.

We are encouraging anyone who wants to jot down some memories of Aaron’s father to do so. Any submissions will be posted as soon as possible. Please send what you can. There will always be enough room for your writings and pictures on this page. Send me your contribution here sdmorehouse@yahoo.com. Thanks. -sdm

O B I T U A R Y

Aaron Tolson
1933 - 2004

Aaron Tolson, 70, of Manchester, NH, died August, 22, 2004, at his residence, after a period of failing health.

Born in Demopolis, Alabama on October 20, 1933, he was the son of George and Ellen (McCree) Tolson.

Mr. Tolson was educated in Demopolis, Alabama. He resided in Dunbarton and Concord, NH for many years before moving to Manchester, in 1972.

Until his retirement in 1999, he worked in the shipping and receiving department at Anheuser-Busch Company for twenty-six years.

He was a communicant of Saint Francis of Assisi Church.

Mr. Tolson will be remembered as a loving and devoted father and grandfather whose family was the center of his life.

Family members include two sons, Frank A. Rosano of Manchester, NH and Aaron A. Tolson of Manchester, NH; two daughters, Imma Rosano of Manchester and Michelle Tolson of Manchester; six grandchildren and one great grandson; three sisters; three brothers; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services: Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM at the Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, corner of Concord Street, Manchester, NH.

The funeral will be held Tuesday evening at 7PM in the funeral home.

O N L I N E  G U E S T  B O O K

August 23, 2004
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your Dad will be in our thoughts and prayers,

God bless,
The Provosts
Mr. and Mrs. Provost (Litchfield, NH)

August 23, 2004
Papa Tolson will be greatly missed. He always had a smile and hug for me and always was happy to hear how things were going. I am sure glad that I had the chance to have been blessed with him touching my life. Rest in Peace......

Lisa Moran (Dedham, MA)
Lisa_Moran@Spauldslye.com

August 23, 2004
Michelle, I'm sorry for the loss of your father. My sincerest sympathies are with you at this difficult time.

Deirdre Perry (Leominster, MA)
deepinma@aol.com

August 23, 2004
Rosano and Tolson Family:
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. He will be in our prayers.

Karen, Paul, Jenn, and Danielle
Karen and Paul O'Neil (Manchester, NH)

August 23, 2004
My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Colleen Bellemare
Colleen Bellemare (Concord, NH)

August 23, 2004
In all our lives, we have never met a gentleman that was more sincere than "Mr.T". Always standing in the background, but always available when needed. He is and will always be in our hearts! We're gonna miss you Papa Tolson.

May the angels carry you to a peaceful place and the Lord keep your family strong!

With all our love...
Kevin, Susan, Katie and Paul
Watts (High Point, NC)

August 23, 2004
Big Aaron has always been a model of a true man. He will be dearly missed.

Steven D. Morehouse (Manchester, NH)
sdmorehouse@yahoo.com

August 24, 2004
Thank you dad. You told me I am an inspiration to your life. Now you will be mine and forever be my guiding light and my driving force to succeed. Every time I dance on any stage, it's for you.

Aaron A Tolson (Manchester, NH)
realtapdancer@aol.com

August 24, 2004 
Growing up, the Tolson's were like a second family to me. You all welcomed me into your home and provided extra love and support that I needed and for that I am truly thankful. Throughout those years I was able to witness what a great connection, bound by love, you had for one another. I admire that. I aspire to have that when I have a family of my own someday.

Big Aaron was a great man, one that I always looked up to. And when I looked up (and I mean way up) I saw a man of devotion, patience, generosity, respect, honor, and trust. He was truly self-sacrificing.

To Aaron, Michelle, Frank, Imma, and Josie, I am very sorry for your loss. I believe that tears can be healing and with time your hearts will find peace. He will be missed.

I love you Papa Tolson!

With sympathy,
Candy

Candace Morehouse (Manchester, NH) 
CandygirlUNH@aol.com

August 24, 2004
Michelle and family, I am sorry for your loss. Cherish the wonderful memories you have of your father. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Susan Pugh (Derry, NH)

August 24, 2004
Dad,

I never would have become the person that I am without you in my life. You supported me through every endeavor and believed in me. I can still see the smile on your face as I performed. Thank you for teaching me to be a good and loving person like you. Forever I will miss you. I love you dearly.

Michelle Tolson (Manchester, NH)
michdance4u@aol.com

August 24, 2004
While we could rarely comprehend each other, Mr. Tolson and I each understood the other just fine.

In a recent discussion with some friends we got to talking about heroes and who we were inspired by. Responses ranged from Ghandi to Bill Gates to Mother Theresa to Jesus.

Myself? If I could hope to be like anyone, I'd be proud to be able to say I tried to be like my Father and Mr. Tolson. It is an honor and a privilege to know him and I thank you all for sharing one of the world's few Gentlemen with me.

Wim Prest (Salem, MA)

August 24, 2004
Before I got to know Aaron I was struck by how many people would greet him with a warm embrace, a kiss, a long handshake. It seemed everyone who knew him loved him.

After having had the pleasure of knowing him myself these past four years I understand.

I'll miss your dignity, strength and kindness. I'll miss you, Mr. Tolson.

Love,
Shawn

Shawn Perine (Sherman Oaks, CA)
shawn@ironage.us

August 24, 2004 
Josie, Michelle and Aaron,

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Tolson. It brings me great sadness that I hadn't seen him for so long--though thought of him often (as well as all of you).

My memories of him are of his kindness, gentle strength, his heart-warming smile, the heart-to-heart talks we had at your house, and the very long trip to Alabama!

In my eyes, he displayed humility, strength, nobility and kindness--those qualities of which I admired and helped me define how a man ought to be.

I thank him for all of this and thank you for sharing him with me.

I will surely miss him.

Love, Erin

Erin Jones (Alexandria, VA)
erin.jones@themills.com

August 24, 2004
Michelle and Aaron

Lee and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Big Aaron had a heart of an angel, he will be greatly missed. Our prayers will be with you and your family.

God bless you! Nancy and Lee
Nancy Sevigny (Manchester, NH)

August 25, 2004
Michelle, Aaron, Tolson Family,

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Tolson's untimely passing. 70 is too young for anyone to go, but especially a man as wonderful as "Mr. T".

I have fond memories of 35 first graders swinging off of him, using him as a human jungle-gym in the school yard at St. Francis. All the kids at St. Francis loved it when he came and was a "lunch father". I also remember going to Nashua to watch Mr. T play on the Anheuser-Busch basketball team against a team made of New England Patriots players.

Mr. Tolson will truly be missed but has left the world a better place by his existence.

My deepest condolences to you all.

Sincerely,
Amy

Amy Fontaine Gakopoulos (Hampton, NH)
amyjfont@yahoo.com

August 25, 2004
Dear Aaron, my Dad,

Your love was immeasurable, your patience enormous, your quiet selflessness so humble, your compassion infinite. I hope that I can follow in your footsteps. You taught me so many wonderful virtues.

I have so many memories of you - I was so lucky that you were my father. I know that many envied me.

Now there is an enormous void in my heart; the pain of losing you is tangible - I can almost see it, I can almost touch it. I know that if I reach out for you, I can still feel your hand. But still, my heart is broken.

Please know how much I love you. Thank you for your last & best gift to me - a hug. I will never forget.

You are always in my heart. I miss you.

Love,
Imma (Puddin)
08/25/04

Imma Rosano (Manchester, NH)
cinnamonecho@aol.com

August 25, 2004
Michelle and Aaron

Our hearts were sadden when the news of your father's death rang through the small town of Demopolis...A gentle giant has transformed into a beautiful Angel...his memory will be forever etched in our minds and hearts.

The Barley Family
LyKeyshia Barley (Demopolis, AL)
methodic26@yahoo.com

August 26, 2004
To Mama Josie, Michelle, Aaron and Family, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you during this very difficult time. We were so blessed to have known this warm hearted, beautiful man for so many years. There was never a shortage of hugs, kisses and great conversation when Papa Tolson was around. He was respected and loved by all of us, and we will forever keep his memory alive in our hearts.

We Love You All,
Lisa, Bobbi, Sammy, Lisa and the Staff of Lida Productions

Lisa Clark (Warren, OH)
LIDABOSS@aol.com

August 29, 2004

"God called and He Answered"

A quiet spirit has gone home to be with his heavenly father. I will miss talking to you every week and I will treasure all the advice that you gave to me. Most of all I will remember that you all ways told me how YOU LOVED ALL OF US. It's so hard to say goodbye, so I'll just say, "I Love You" as we always said at the end of our conversations.

Lenette Tolson-Morgan (NIECE) (Birmingham, AL)
Rubysbaby@yahoo.com

August 30, 2004
To Aaron and Family

Our family hopes that the kind concern of those who care help bring your hearts comfort, peace and strength. Extending sincere condolences in this difficult time.
With Sympathy
Love Always
Elijah, Mercedes Bernard & Family

Mercedes Bernard (Bronx, NY)
mbernard66@hotmail.com

August 30, 2004
Uncle Aaron a great man who will be missed, but not forgotten. I enjoyed you at the family reunion giving your good advice and being happy through it all. I'll miss you Uncle Aaron. God has smiled on you he has set you free. Watch over the family, be our little angel like you have always been.

Toussant Jackson (Atlanta, GA)
toussant.jackson@agg.com

August 30, 2004
Dearest Michelle & Aaron,

May both of you and all your family hold tightly to the values and love that your father has taught you. I will pray for your peace.
Love Deneille

Deneille Loprete (New York, NY)

August 31, 2004
With our deepest sympathy.

Love,

Matt & Na'imah

Matt & Na'imah Daniel (Detroit, MI)
mstodee@aol.com

August 31, 2004
Aaron and Frankie:

Thank you for allowing me to see my Uncle Aaron before his passing. I regret that my wife and I could not be with you at the funeral services. However, our thought and prayer were with you. Looking forward to seeing you at the next reunion.

Cousin Matt Daniel, Detroit, MI
Matt Daniel (Detroit, MI)

September 1, 2004
Our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to all of our family members and friends in this time of bereavement . We miss you all and think of you often, you are in our thoughts and prayers, all our love, Johnnie Smith, Valerie, Montie and Marty Tolson

Johnnie Smith and Valerie, Monty and Marty Tolson (Detroit, MI)

December 21, 2004
I'm so sorry for your lost. No words cannot express how we truly feel. As always, Asia and I keep you, Michele and your family in our hearts and our prayers.

Tonni and Asia Young (Patterson, NY)
tonnihoo@aol.com

March 7, 2005
Words can not show the way I truly feel inside. The only thing I can say is how deeply sorry we are for the of someone so GREAT in our family. We LOVE you and will always miss you. LOVE ALWAYS, Mark, Antonio, and DeAngelo Walker

Mark Walker (Detroit, MI)
mwalker1129@yahoo.com

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