Louie Tams
1962 - 2024
With heavy hearts, the family of Lawrence Gregory Tams, announce that the Lord called him home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the age of 62 years. He was loved and will be mourned as a husband, father, grandpa, son and brother to both the Tams and Bourassa families and friend to many.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, August 12, 2024 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
A private burial service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden, 7600 - 50 Street, Taber on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
The Funeral Service was held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.
To view a recording of the service, click on the 'livestream link' on this page.
Louie was welcomed by John and Dorothy Tams in Taber on May 10, 1962. The third of nine children, he was a kind and generous big brother to six and actually not a pesky little brother to two. He spent those good old days biking around Taber and learning to fish at the ‘old Trout Pond’ with marshmallows and canned corn. Lou was an amazing helper to his mother – every summer he was in charge of jig sawing into one vehicle luggage for eleven PLUS boxes of canning jars for the annual trek to grandparents in British Columbia, to visit and can fruit – leaving just enough space for the family.
Lou met the love of his life during high school at W.R. Myers. Already an independent thinker, he chose to pursue Sharon Bourassa instead of further education. They married Jan. 26, 1980 and set up home in an apartment above Macs. (His younger siblings thought that the best life ever, as you could just go downstairs for a slurpee anytime you wanted!) He and Sher grew up together, making life and homes, growing a family, smiling and laughing and playing games together and facing many of life’s challenges and storms hand in hand. If Lou could write this, he would thank his Sharon for quietly standing behind him these forty four years with strength, patience, grace and a love bar none.
Lou’s life was filled with so many joys – the most precious being his son Chris (Emalea) and children Dayton, Adian and Ryley (Taylor), son Brandon (Lauren) and children Haven, Ryder, Parker and Wynter, daughter Amanda (Brandon) and children Blair and Kali, Kashtyn and Kylan, and son Matthew. He spent countless hours pursuing their hobbies and passions, especially enjoying fishing and fun with them in the cabin years. If Lou could write this, he would tell them how immensely proud of them he was and how much he loved them.
Lou spent many years in the family business, working with determination from sweeper to partsman to General Manager. Along the way, Lou loved fishing, building things, cards and making a home, yard or cabin that was clean, orderly and welcoming to all. He was kind and generous to many. He had a heart for people, Taber, family and God – often the first to volunteer or lend a hand, serving as a town councillor, many roles in his church, showing up for family and friends in so many ways. He always made time to talk with and care about anyone, about their challenges or joys. He could talk with any, convince most, and usually would be the manager of it all before you knew it. His laugh still rings in the ears of many.
Although Lou lived with many struggles through the years, he kept these words from Psalm 121 close to his heart: “I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The LORD will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” We are thankful that the Lord’s grace has led him home, totally free from all earthly struggles.
Louie was predeceased by his parents-in-law Henry and Betty Bourassa. Besides his wife and family and parents, he is survived by his siblings Mickey (Jake) Van Seters, Harvey (Angela), Gord (Ina), Mike (Corinna), Rick (Tasha), Sid (Marilyn), Jessica (Kent) Van Bostelen, and Rob (Catherine). He is also survived by his siblings-in-law Gay (Ken) Jensen and Kim Bourassa. There are also so many nieces and nephews who loved and mourn Uncle Lou but we’d need a whole extra column.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Louie’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice.