Mike Pearson noticed his absence first. Tom, a familiar figure in Vancouver’s West End, wasn’t at his usual spot – a carefully arranged collection of grocery carts, meticulously covered with tarps, representing everything he owned. It was a quiet disruption, a missing piece in the neighborhood’s daily rhythm.
Pearson and his wife, Lorna Seifried, shared a growing unease. Tom wasn’t the type to wander. He valued his small domain, a testament to years spent navigating life on the streets. They, along with a small circle of neighbors, had been quietly supporting him for years, offering warm meals – McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets were a particular favorite – and practical necessities like socks and groceries.
Concern turned to fear when Seifried filed a missing person’s report. The news from police was stark: Tom had been brutally assaulted and hospitalized. A month has passed, and the community hasn’t been able to see him since.
Police confirmed the attack, stating a 56-year-old man living in the park was targeted by two individuals, suffering serious injuries. The investigation, led by the major crime section, is ongoing, hampered by the victim’s condition and a frustrating lack of leads.
The community is desperate for information, for a chance to offer support. Pearson and others are trying to locate Tom in the hospital, hoping to offer a friendly face and a reassuring word. His belongings, carefully stored by park rangers, await his return.
Tom, sometimes known as Jimmy, had lived on the streets for at least fifteen years, a silent observer of the city’s changing landscape. He rarely asked for help, preferring to offer simple advice on health and well-being in return for a meal or groceries. It was a quiet, unspoken exchange of kindness.
Merrell Gerber, another concerned neighbor, remembers Tom fondly. He recalls a time when Tom would sound a gong from his cart, a gesture Gerber described as a “blessing.” Tom, he says, was a gentle soul, always fearful of attack, even sleeping with a helmet for protection.
Years ago, Tom had a pit bull for companionship and security, but the dog was removed due to its aggressive behavior. He fiercely guarded his privacy, becoming visibly upset when people took his photograph without asking. He was, above all, a cherished member of the community.
Local community policing volunteers had occasionally performed “wellness checks,” offering blankets and safety kits, describing Tom as quiet and non-confrontational. He was a regular presence among a small group of unhoused individuals, a familiar face in the neighborhood.
The lack of progress in the investigation has left the community feeling vulnerable. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those living on the streets, and the urgent need for safety and support. While police maintain there’s no immediate threat to others, the fear lingers.
