The Greater Lansing community lost a good friend on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Activist, peacemaker, and community organizer Tom Schneider, age 69, died unexpectedly.
The loss leaves the peace community in mourning.
Tom was a steadfast presence in peace actions in mid-Michigan and served as current board member and Treasurer of the Peace Education Center (PEC) of Greater Lansing. He leaves behind a legacy of working for peace and social justice locally and around the globe.
The mood at the weekly peace vigil on Friday in front of the Michigan State Capitol Building was somber, to say the least. In frigid, 23-degree weather, only the heart-warming stories of Tom’s life’s works helped bring smiles to people’s faces. The stories were many and varied — and each story depended on when or where the person knew Tom. The Peace Corps, VISTA, and his worldwide travels were mentioned. Also mentioned was his co-founding of the Abrahamic Community in East Lansing, as well as a local homeless shelter and soup kitchen decades ago. Others talked about Haven House and his work reading books for the WKAR’s Talking Book program. He was known as a farmer, environmentalist, and caregiver. As the current Bath Township Supervisor, Tom was a local elected official. His life’s works are beautifully described in his obituary here.
News of Tom’s passing was still not widely known by noon on Friday. Members of the peace community received the sad news sometime in the morning or for the first time at the vigil. Tears and comforting hugs were shared. Activists and board members of the PEC were still in shock and sadness. Tom was a dedicated member of the PEC.
He spent many summer and fall days talking to the public about peace issues while volunteering at the PEC’s outreach tents at various community festivals. He was sure handy in helping with special events like the Alternative Holiday Sale and Art Auction. See photos of a few of Tom’s activities at the PEC here.
Tom was known to be frugal with money, but he was also frugal with time. As the unofficial parliamentarian of PEC board meetings, he was notorious for having the ability — in a friendly, gentle manner and with a glint in his eye — to bring wayward discussions back to the agenda. As Treasurer, Tom’s oversight of the organization finances were trusted; his reputation and integrity were beyond reproach.
Tom’s loss to the peace community is immeasurable. He will be deeply missed. There is comfort, however, in the lessons we learned from his dedication to peace and justice — and his example of relentlessly acting on his beliefs through community action. His good works and positive energy will propel us forward as a peace community.
Here are the funeral arrangements for Tom Schneider:
Visitation on Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Scripture Service at 7 p.m.)
at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home
1720 E. Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, MI
Funeral on Monday
Monday, Dec. 12, 2011
2 p.m.
(Visitation at church 1p.m. - 2 p.m.)
at St. Johns Church and Student Center
327 MAC
East Lansing, MI
