Thomas Martin Christ
November 24, 1965 ~ May 19, 2020
Thomas Martin Christ died Tuesday, May 19, 2020, in Gainesville, Florida. His wife Leila of 28 years was at his side along with his very close friends, Robin Barry and Vickie Ford. He is also survived by his brother Dirk Christ, his sister-in-law Birgit Christ and his nephew David Christ.
Born in Andernach, Germany, on November 24, 1965, he was the son of Erich and Karin Christ. He was a long resident of Germany and moved to Florida in 1992.
On November 19, 1992, Thom married Leila who he met while on vacation in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Thom was an accomplished chef and in his early years worked at various Michelin Star restaurants in Europe. He later turned his hobbies into a business of buying and selling what he loves: antiques, Steiff teddy bears, art, cameras and watches.Thom was a fun-loving character with a great sense of humor. He loved music, art and photography.His passion was Scottish Deerhounds. He became an avid fancier traveling across the country to shows, lure coursing trials, open field coursing and other Deerhound related gatherings. He was an integral part of several clubs and in 2012 became a much sought after allbreed judge for both the AKC and the American Sighthound Field Association. He was a gifted lure operator at field trials and a patient teacher for those starting out in this sport. He loved sharing his passion for the hounds with others.
Thom grasped life enthusiastically, finding joy in the uncomplicated pleasures of each day and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.
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My heartfelt love and kindness to all who admired and loved Thomas. May my first deerhound, Dunul, greet you on your journey. I’m so very very sorry; a great loss to the deerhound family.
Thomas,
My dear friend, You have left a gap in my heart- the stars and heaven have gained a Great person …. when I hear a storm brewing and the thunder going I will know all the dogs will be coursing under your guidance…….Gods Speed my dear friend….
I never had the pleasure of meeting Thomas in person, I did have many interactions with him via "deerhound items for sale". As a result, I now own 3 more Mick Cawstons; I love this artist of deerhounds. He was always responsive to my inquiries as strange as they be. He even posted for me alone a Cawston that he owned to determine whether I was interested. In fact I was in the process of framing the last Cawston that I purchased from him when I learned of his death. My interactions with him were always pleasant and encouraging. My prayers go out to his family.
I met Thomas several years ago, coursing Deerhounds in Georgia. We became friends and ran our dogs together often. Thomas was always ready to lend a hand with anything needed. He will be missed. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Thank you for talking to me about dogs and food at the fast cats. You were an amazing friend to have Thanks for being there we send you off with all the love in the world.
Thomas, you have left a huge void in our GREYT sport. You will be missed by the club and hounds alike.
Your kindness, patience and willingness to help was a beacon in dog sports that lights the way for others.
It was a shock, Thomas when I heard you had left us; I remembered the great times we had coursing our dogs all about, working together with the Meet the Breeds and all. And even though we had our differences you wee in my thoughts thus the shock when I heard the news. Now I hope you are there over the Rainbow Bridge with your beloved Murph and Taz running the celestial bunnies. And my condolences to Leila in this sad time, may you be well.
My time knowing you, Thomas, was brief. Thank you for always taking a special interest in my Gayleward boy and for the kindness you bestowed on all.
You will be so missed.
Thomas was a wonderful addition to our Deerhound community. His clear love of the breed and its function was a pleasure to witness. We shared emails over art objects and his expertise and enthusiasm will be missed. My condolences to his family and best wishes ♥♥
My heart broke when I heard of Thomas passing. We met 5 or 6 years ago on the coursing fields and struck up a fast friendship over our love of dogs, watches and GOOD Scotch. GANG had Thomas up to judge for us a few times and it was always a good time. He was always quick to help wherever he was needed and willing to help teach newcomers to the sport. I will miss our conversations and sharing a drink at the end of the day. Rest In Peace my friend and I’ll raise a glass to you soon.
There will be an huge, empty hole in our dog show road trips! Thomas was always such fun time, full of humorous jokes on his travels and escapades. He was full of knowledge and enthusiasm for our shared love of the sighthounds and will be sorely missed. Hugs to Leila…
Carole King
Thomas was a joy to be around. He loved his family and his dogs. My last time with Thomas was a judging assignment in Hanover, PA. He will be missed and remembered by many. We will see one another on the other side. RIP
Thomas, I remember the first time I met you and Leila. It was at your 1st coursing event and I helped Leila release one of your dogs. I knew then it would be a passion of yours. You will be missed. My heart shrank a little when I heard of your passing. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
I am so saddened by the loss of my good friend Thomas. We shared our love of Deerhounds and the joy of life. I would like to believe that Thomas was met by my deerhounds who knew him and recognized his gentle spirit. My heart and prayers are with Leila and family this time of grief and pain.
Thomas … that was a shocker … I will miss your straightforwardness and honesty.. May your eternal star shine brightly on your family, blood and other … the deerhounds will miss you … I’m blessed to have called you a friend ..
I was only a FB friend but I am very sorry he is no more on this hearth, my condolences to family, rest in peace <3
Thomas, it was a pleasure knowing you ☺! The coursing world has lost a gentle, kind soul and the heavens have gained a bright and shinning star☺. Until we all meet again……..
Thomas, I am blessed to have been able to share so many lure coursing trials with you and share a friendship. You were an amazing man, one that the sport will never forget. Rest in peace, my friend….
How can someone so full of life be gone? Setting up the field, running the lure, judging our hounds and cooking up gourmet treats for humans and hounds alike, you will always be in our hearts and minds. Godspeed, Thomas. Until we meet again.
I missed you yesterday
I miss you today
I'll miss you tommorow
And I'll miss you all the rest of my days….
I was never ready for you to leave….
Thomas you will be missed by many.