Thomas Edwards

     Thomas Leighton Edwards, Jr., 79, of Peoria, passed away at 8:49 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2010, in Tazewell County.

     Tom was born in Flint, MI on September 6, 1930, a son of Thomas Leighton Sr. and Monica (McGovern) Edwards. He was preceded in death by his fourth child, son Tasha Edwards, his parents and two sisters, Barbara Jean Fields and Susan Marie Edwards. He was formerly married to Judith Varian (Michael D.) Peyton and Kathe L. Carrigan.

     He is survived by his children, Taurawa Jori Edwards (Kevin S. Hall), Roth Thomas Edwards, Shalon Varian (Ryan M. Smith) Edwards and Rosha Leighton Edwards; grandchildren, Kieran Ryan Edwards-Smith, Shay Leighton Edwards-Smith and Nalia Varian Edwards-Smith; and brothers, David Lawrence Edwards and John Sanford (Cindy) Edwards.

     Tom was a shining light and a powerful force. He was a warrior for the environment and a protector of pristine wilderness. He saw nature's beauty everywhere, from roadside ditches, to the shores of the great lakes, to the skies above, and heaven beyond.

     His motives and intentions were pure and he was never swayed by money or pride. His results were tangible and can be seen throughout central Illinois and the Midwest. He was, in a word, effective.

     Tom spent his childhood summers with his grandparents at the Edwards' centennial farm in Northern Michigan overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. It was there that he realized his connection with nature. He walked the timber and fields seeing details others missed. He developed an understanding of cause and effect regarding the environment, and intuitively knew grave mistakes were being made.

     He went on to graduate the University of Michigan studying history and forestry. Both his beloved father and grandfather also attended U of M and his grandfather was captain of the first ever Wolverine football team. Tom's father was All-American for the 1925 team, one of their best ever.

     Tom began his journalism career for Paddock Publications Northwest of Chicago. In 1966 he was hired by the Journal Star as a reporter and moved his family to Peoria. He later became the first environmental columnist for the Journal Star.

     In 1972, Tom left the Journal Star and became a freelance writer, working as a carpenter to support himself. It was at this time that he dove into his life calling, activism for our environment. He worked relentlessly to decrease herbicide and pesticide use and increase the production of organically grown crops and vegetables.

     He was an early proponent of foraging for wild foods and expert on their use. He worked hard to preserve and protect prairie and open space, floodplains and wetlands along the Illinois River, native and introduced species. He believed them all to be equal. He was opposed to the channelization of streams and rivers and originated the river draw-down and silt removal technique, "Operation Dunkirk", currently employed on major rivers as the Mississippi.

     Later, he led opposition to the proposed Pekin Incinerator, which would have put toxic molecules into our air and water. He spent six years relentlessly working to stop permit renewal and expansion of Peoria's toxic waste landfill, which culminated in the biggest public hearing in Peoria’s history.

     His work was expansive: It saved Peoria Lake and Banner Marsh, and preserved innumerable trees, including the ancient Mulberry on Forrest Hill Road. Also, Tom helped his son Roth save one of the last remaining uncultivated, public lake frontages on Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay.

     He died pursuing the latest chapter of his lifelong project of protecting the Illinois River from mistakes such as the current islands being built north of the McClugage Bridge.

     He was relentless with his ideas and energy. His determination and work ethic are legendary. Intent on saving the world, he awoke every day, beginning with nourishing himself with "A Course In Miracles", his friends and community and, most importantly, his beloved children and family.

     He is and will always be our "ever-loving Dad". We are here. We are present. We love you, Dad, and that's forever.

     Services to celebrate Tom’s life will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010, at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria, with the Rev. Michel W. Brown officiating. The family will greet friends during a potluck dinner at the church, following services.

     Family, friends and community are invited to a Celebration of Life for Thomas L. Edwards at noon on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at the lower Detweiller Park Picnic Playground area.

     Correspondence can also be sent to Roth Edwards at 213 W. 6th St., Washburn, WI 54891.

     Memorial contributions to continue Tom's environmental work can be made to the Tom Edwards Memorial Fund in care of Associated Bank, 4242 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, 61614.

     Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria.