Thomas Van Brock
Published 8:26 am Thursday, April 23, 2020
Born in Fort Wayne, Ind., December 22, 1946, Thomas Van Brock was the son of Robert E. Brock and Patricia A. Green. We all knew him well as Thom, Christmas Tree farmer of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; Owner of Brock and Sons Landscaping in Linville, N.C.; and Siesta Exotica nurseryman from Sarasota, Fla. He passed on April 9, 2020, at the age of 73. Father to surviving children, Robert James Alva Brock and Veronica Toys Brock, he assumed roles of veterinarian assistant, school teacher, and Euchre player. Struggling health-wise for the past few years, take solace that he is now finally able to rest in peace.
In addition to Veronica and son-in-law, Damon Steele of Cosby, Tenn., as well as Robert, and partner, Lynsey Powell, of Kingsport, Tenn., and his granddaughters Sydnie, Raygen and Evelyn, Thom Brock is also survived by his sister, Dee, of Spruce Pine, N.C., and his brother, Mike, of Nokomis, Fla. Thom has gone to meet his maker along with his parents and the mother of his children, Jo Brock of Roan Mountain.
As much of Thom’s life was devoted to landscaping, any consideration for flowers would be most appreciated in the form of live plants, rather than cut arrangements. For family gifting, evergreen trees, such as Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) or Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) are ideal. To honor Thom at your home, please learn about, and plant Christmas trees best suited for your hardiness zone. If you would like suggestions for donation, we offer the following: Plant charities (Wild Ones: Native Plants – Natural Landscapes, or your local Agricultural Extension / USDA office); Pet charities (Humane Society, ASPCA, North Shore Animal League, or your local animal sanctuary). We feel that he would want us all to consider him not bereft of life, rather as forever elevating the evergreens, and helping save every puppy. Thom often remarked, “I don’t like dogs,” but we always knew better.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date, at the Rhododendron Gardens. For remembrances online: gatheringus.com/memorial/thomas-van-brock/3040 .
Manes Funeral Home, 363 East Main St., Newport, Tenn., is handling final arrangements and accepting donations for expenses. The family would like to express its deepest appreciation for all considerations, condolences, and concerns. As Thom enjoyed his movies and humor, it’s timely to say he is “off the twig,” and “I’d say you’ve had enough.”
“After all, damn it, you owe it to him – and to us.” ~ The Loved One (1965)
