Dominica News Online has received information that cricket commentator and former national cricketer, Tom Lafond, has died.
Reports indicate that he died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday.
Lafond was former manager of the Windward’s and Combined Islands Cricket team.
He was also a member of the Dominica Cricket Association.
He is the father of well-known Barbados based Dr. Geoffrey Lafond.
DNO will provide more information as it becomes available.
he was my dads father my dad is Craig lafond, im his 12 year old daughter madaynn lafond
on the behalf of me and my family we say condolences to doctor geoffrey lafond family ,may the good lord be with you all in the time of grief.
claudette miller -skinner
on the behalf of me and my family we say condolences to doctor geoffrey land family ,may the good lord be with you all in the time of grief.
claudette miller -skinner
rest in peace, last time i tlk to you was in december 2011. this is a real shock.my condolences to his entire family. be strong love ull.
Rest in peace my friend Tom, and to members
of his family please accept my sympathies. I
was shocked to hear such sad news.I played
cricket for Somerset; but missed the glory days
of cricket in Dominica since I traveled at a young
age. My most memorable time with Tom was at the
San Juan airport where we got stuck on our way
to Dominica from the US because of volcanic ash
in the air over Dominica. Many of us had to
share hotel rooms in San Juan, and I shared a
room with Tom (double bed,just a laugh)He was
a people person, I felt like we were friends
for a long time, since then we have seen each
other yearly.I had the pleasure of meeting him
for the last time in Florida at Tony’s Carnival
party like we did for many years; but this time
he had pains, and came up to see a Doctor we went on to talk about his brother who was in the
hospital,and subsequently died. I also missed
him,and Dense at Coke’s yearly carnival after party this year, since they are usually the life of the party. Tom brought a joy to life, and
living which was infectious,there was not a
negative word said,very plesant to people
he came in contact with. If there is one legacy
he has left is that of brotherly love.I think
the young people that are growing up in
Dominica surely need to learn these aspects of
his life, and I do think that Dominica will
be better for it.
With deepest sympathy
Jethro Vidal
Mr. Lafond had 12 kids people- Geoffery, Cee-Ann, Steve, Glenda, Kevin, Gregory, ,Tamara, Shaunelle, Sherwyn, Anderson (Craig), Kessler, Michelle, and a stepson Lucel.
Wow what a loss! To the Lafond family and in particular Mrs. Jennifer Lafond, sincere condolences to you. Be strong and keep on trusting in God!
Mrs. jennifer is my grandma and Tom was my grandpa, my dad told me he used to make a wine named after our last name, im Craig lafonds daughter aka Toms son, im his 12 year old daughter
Tom Lafond…..where do I begin. There is too much to say. It would be remiss (one of his favorite words) of me not to say a few here. Adjectives to describe would require an android or Google app to assist in continuing the description of Tom, the person and his aura. Those of us who were privileged to know him personally have felt a tremendous loss. Thomas was man of simple frank words and strong conviction who had an unwavering faith in God. Also, he was and had the ability to be the ultimate prankster. It was a joy to be in his company. His aura affected everyone he came into contact with. For example, one time several years ago after an afternoon Cavalier cricket practice in Macouherie en- route to Roseau, I said to him “Do you know you are a politician”. He asked why and I said I have never been with you anywhere and you have not been waving, smiling and greeting someone. This phenomenon happened after every practice, after every cricket march or even when just liming, from Portsmouth to Scotts Head and La Plain to Marigot. And people always reciprocated with gusto. Sometimes as we passed someone would shout, Lafond or Tom, and he would say “ Who is dat again noh” or “ That voice sound like my partner so and so…..! Everyone he met was his partner or his girl or boy. You always felt important.
Sometimes, we ascribe contributions to our lives in monetary terms but in his case his contributions were more than gold. They have and will transcend time. He was a good listener and had an intuitive answer for most problems and would always engage in discuss. Additionally, he would always have a strategy to solve a problem and would seek to bring out the best in you. For example, in 1998, we were on a cricket tour in St Maarten and Tom was the captain. We were struggling because our opening bowlers were being hammered by the opposition. I was brought in to bowl and I too was hammered in my first over. After that over, Tom came to me and said “Boss, what you trying, you know you responsible for the rest of your eight overs”. To that, I replied that I was not gripping on the matting (mat which is used a cricket strip) because I was not wearing my bowling boots (bowling spikes destroys the matting). Hence, when the water break came I proceeded to the locker room and changed into my bowling spikes. That weekend I returned maybe my by best bowling figures ever of 11 for 46 (approx.). This example exemplifies his inner need to make everyone around him better.
Tom affected my life personally and as such this is debt I cannot repay to him but can only pay it forward. Tom, to you I say ”My Partner…..the void in my heart is huge today but I have found solace in knowing you have gone to be better place……never to hurt again…..and as you would say” Garcon, let’s have a drink on that”.
To Jen, my prayers are with you.
“Unto us Christ the Son was born to take us from darkness through eternal light, through Him may we find eternal salvation”
Kervin Daniel
My condoloences to Jennifer, Hang in there girl.
I was so happy to read for the first time such possitive words said about our fellow friend he was a well liked person.
And by the way I thought that Slappy had a wife by the name of Irene who lived a few doors away who was also friend is she still around?
Love you Tom RIP
ok Paps… really gonna Miss you… you looked so much forward to walking me down that aisle….i know u will be there in spirit. love you paps…
well my girl sorry for the loss of ur pops..u will have to start looking for another pops eh
well (weh weh weh) you not easy… lol look lyrics.you are too funny
well sorry for the loss of your paps my girl, you will have to start tooking for another paps eh lol
Please disregard the above comments.
Rest in peace my bro,God saw you were not fit to be in this corrupt world,so he took mu away,bye my friend,my pal,my bro
My condolences to the Lafond family. What a shocker! You have touched everyone who had the opportunity to know you with your charming personality. I will never forget our days on and off the cricket field. Dominica and the caribbean have lost an icon. R.I.P..
Sincere Condolences to Mrs Jennifer Wallace-Lafond, Dr Geoffrey Lafond, Cavaliers Cricket Club and the other family members and friends of the Late Tom Lafond.
I first met Mr Lafond when I started playing cricket for Cavaliers Cricket Club as teenager. He was a very respectful, jovial and friendly gentleman. He and the other members of the Cavaliers family helped to instill ethical values in me, on and off the cricket field. In 2011, I interviewed Mr Lafond while writing a cricket article on Eusfield John for the Salisbury Reunion Magazine and He had a wealth of knowledge on the game of cricket at every level. The Dominican Cricket Family has loss a great son.
Farewell Tom, Farewell..
you always treated me like the son you never had, always advised me and was a good listener. When you and my teacher,mother and good friend got together i was very happpy. you both are very good people who serious impacted the lives of so so so many dominicans. RIP Tommy boy as i normally called you…
Mum be strong… love you always
My condolenses to the entire family. This came as a shock.Rest in peace.
My Condolenses goes out to the entire family during the process of grieving,may god protect you with comfort.
May Tom Rest in Peace…a true gentleman and friend. My Condolences to his wife (Ms. Wallace), his kids and the entire family. The grace of God will see you through.
Tom was a perfect example of a complete gifted human being.When he steps in,everyone gets healed. Isn’t that something? This is one of the gifts the good lord had bestowed upon him and it was very visible in all aspects.
The lord shall secure his people in so many different ways; and Tom, you are not dead.
The lord has used you to heal the world.
YOU WILL NOT BE WASTED. AMEN!
My prayers are with you C Ann – May you be strong at this time. Also to Tammy – i remembered you in at Convent
I am in total shock. I know Tom from childhood and whenever I ran into him, he always looked in such fine form. Condolences to my cousin Geoffrey and the rest of the family.
to the entire family deepest sympathy to u .just want u to know that while u walk in the shadow of death that lord is with u all.and he will never for sake u all
Dominica has lost a popular son. Sincere condolences to the Lafond family, friends, colleagues and cricket lovers. RIP Sir, you have gone home; may your contribution to the Nature Island be recognised and preserved. VMJ
Respect john looking forward to the sewo jan friday,don’t drink,but will have one for my uncle
My condloences go out to the family, friends and cricket associates of Mr Lafond. A member of his Club who I know very well was almost on the verge of tears on Tuesday afternoon.
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh/
MY BODY WITH ALWAYS A SMILE. A GOOD MAN. A DECENT MAN.A MAN FULL OF PASSION AND LOVE FOR EVERYONE. MAN LIKE TOM, IS REAL MAN. HE’LL BE MISSED. MAY THE LORD COMFORTS AND CONSOLE ALL WHO MOURN HIS PASSING.
This is truly sad news. Jennifer and the rest of the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Condolences to his family and friends: May God comfort you all during this time.
Rest in peace!
USA
Tom was an all round good guy and a well know. He will me miss. Heartfelt sympathy to his wife, family and all his children
May his soul rest in peace
condolences to mrs lafond on the passing of her husband, may you find strength in the Lord, please don’t feel like He has failed you because He has not. The good book says in times of difficulties I carried you that’s why there was only one ste of footprints in the sand
My heart felt condolences to his family he was a real gentleman,I play cricket with him in the V I and back home.A real down to earth person may his soul rest in peace.
tom totototo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! like de advertisement……r.i.p tom
So Sorry, Ms Wallace!! Please know we will be strong for you
R.I.P Tom you’ll be surely missed
R.I.P. Condolences to his entire family,A gentle giant has pass on. He was a humble servant in several ways always stood up for the poor and under previlage. God knows best so lets celebrate his life.
Rest in peace mr lafond you was a great motivator to me ill always be grateful my deepest sympathy goes out to his wife what a wonderful family.
Deepest condolences to the family of a true legend. In Tom’s memory, all cricket lovers in the sub-region will continue to keep his dreams for the development of cricket alive, ensuring that more local talent makes it to the international level and that insularity and prejudice that once dominated West Indies cricket shall never again be allowed to creep back into WI selection policy. This was Tom’s last cry on behalf of Shane.
RIP. R.I.P
Respectfully
Roseau valley
I am so sad. This was my very good friend. Tom i will truly miss you. Never realized the last time I saw you in Dominica was the last. You were truly a good person. May you rest in perfect peace.
My deepest condolences to his family especially Andy and Tammy
Tom Lafond was a friend of mine.Tom could not call me BogoRoy like many other Dominicans,as far as he was concerned, my name was De Bird.When ever Tom would meet me he would always remind me of the famous goal I saved during a football match between Saints and Spartans, the team he played for. He once said to me,Bird, when I short that ball, I had absolutely no doubt it was a goal.It was like Nobert Phillip bowling a ball outside the off stamps,the batsman edged the ball to third slips and the wicketkeeper taking the catch.I will miss you my friend.May God have mercy on your soul.
Great man of character and principal ! He will be missed.
My heart hurts on hearing on your passing Mr. La Fond. A friend I knew from my days at Auto Trade many years ago. We would always have a chat and catch up whenever I visit home. May you find eternal rest in the arms of the Almighty. My condolences goes out to your family and friends in this difficult times. May they be strong in the Lord and May his abundant strength comfort them always. Sleep tight my brother. Rest in Peace. Brad
May he rest in peace my condolences to his family and friend. It appears that December is the time for cricketers passing if I recall correctly it is almost 3 years to the day of Grayson Shillingford’s passing… LaFond you are in great company.
It was a blessing interacting with you Tom,on Lindo park,with stevedore company, tropical shippings and up to this day.
This is one GOOD MAN that pass To-day.May His Soul Rest In Peace.My Condolences go out to his Wife and Family.
Our Sincerest sympathy to Jennifer and her family, Tom was a very nice pleasant friendly guy.
RIP Tom
deapest condolences from pepsi and family to the Lafond and toxi family Tom will be miss by all in st croix. rest in peace.
Rest in peace brother your mum was my nene and we played dominoes and criket together,we in stcroix will miss you dearly.once again rest in peace.
2012 has claimed yet another… R.I.P Tom. Condolences to the family and frenz.
Condolences, may his soul RIP.
Tom ,rest in peace .Cee Ann my friend ,hold on tight .All is not lost .I know you loved your dad.To his wife and other children I say accept my sympathy ,God will take care of all of you .
Condolescences to Mrs Lafond and Family. God will keep you in his gentle arms lean there. To all his children accept my sincerest condolescences and as I told Mrs Lafond .. Lean on the Everlasting arms. Strength will come from above.
If this is the gentleman at Tropical Shipping then I am very sorry to hear this sad news. Rest In Peace my friend. You were a great cricket enthusiast and i remembered you in St. Croix, USVi in the 80s/90s with the Dominica Association there…May your family have much strength at this time of bereavement…
R.I.P
Uncle Tom was a great man. The epitome of a gentle man and he will be truly missed.
Tom was a champion,will miss u old chap
May the God of all comfort his family. So sad to hear.
SL FOEVER………RIP
Our Condolances to Jennifer,Goffery & Shonnel La Fond and the other members of the La Fond family during this difficult time. May you find strength & courage.RIP TOM
RIP Mr. LaFond. My condolences to Jennifer, your wonderful kids and the rest of the family.
Jennifer condolences to you all the kids. Tom was like a big brother to me. Always at home with Dense and the cavaliers. I am deeply saddened by his passing. I cried at the news. Herrie and I are praying for you and Tom’s soul. May he rest in Peace.
I feel your pain Claire, I limed with Clem John, Evans John, Dense and the rest of the crew..he had a love for life,enjoyed his Carnival…he was loved and will be missed. May he rest in peace. May God give his family strength, especially his wife, my friend, Jennifer. Chabay fort…you are in our prayers.
condolences to the family i would like my former principal to be strong From class of 1989 St Joseph Secondary
My condolences go to his wife, children, friends like Dense, Erica Gerald, Slappie , in fact the members of the Cavaliers club also his cousinsToxi and his wife, Tim and others. And the many lady friends he had. I must say that Tom was an o.k. dude.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends especially Dr.Jeoffry Lafond -Former classmate and cricket team member at SMA (Smartest Men Around). Tom was and will remain one of the greatest Dcans ever know. May his soul RIP.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Tom lafonde isindeed one of the best manager a good person as well he will surely be missed by many of who knew him R.I.P mr lafonde.
Rest in Peace Mr Lafond from me and by extention the Ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs, Trade Division, it was a pleasure sitting with you on the National Trade Facilitation Task Force (NTFTF), your contributions were always reasoned and well thought through. May your soul and that of the faithfully departed rest in peace!! To my friend and comrade Mr. Geof Lafond… be strong in this time; I pray that you find strength in the knowledge that he is in a better painless and more peaceful place… To his gracious wife Mrs. Lafong I wish you God’s comfort in this time of grief.
I am very sadden to hear about Tom. Our condolences to the family. He was a wonderful person and longtime friend.
Rest in peace my dear friend. I will miss you dearly especially the next time I come home.
RIP…Mr Lafond u will be greatly missed particularly by the cricket and domino fraternity
…Geoffrey accept my deepest sympathies.. 
Sincere condolences to the Family of Tom Lafond. Indeed he was a great guy and friend and will surely be missed.From The Management and Staff of The Sign Man
RIP La fond. I had a great time with you in Laplaine during the Goat festival. What a shocker!!
RIP Tom. My sincere condolensces to Jennifer and the rest of the family, especially Geoffrey(my former #1 student–Prep). My sympathies also to the cricketing, broadcasting and domino communities.
my deepest and sincerest condolences to the familly of this very fine gentleman. may you find solace in your time of bereavement. i am deeply saddened.
RIP tom, thanks for being a friend. Remember the tough matches we played against Swansea. We will miss you dearly. May your wife and kids find strength in thius time of grief
Souse, please accept my sympathy. N.O.T.T.Y.
yeah souse accept my sympathies
well souse you know we here for yuh bro. real sad to hear this man… we go miss him.
Condolences to the family, friends and associates of a legend, unsound hero and national Icon of Dominica and west Indies Cricket. I was blessed to have been managed by this man and I am sure many young men would say the same. “he advised like he was your dad”. He managed the 1988 secendary schools cricket team at the Windward Islands Sec. School tournament held in St. Lucia and he never forgot me. He was gentle but firm. RIP Manage.
JAMES, I KNOW YOU MEANT “UNSUNG HERO” AND I AGREE WITH THAT. MAY HIS REMAINS REST IN PEACE, AND HIS SOUL RACE TO THE LIGHT OF HIS CREATOR.
i got to know this man for the about ten years. he is a gentle and a catholic at heart. he humble and respectful. loved his DOMMINOES, just a me. Swansea Domino Club will miss. RIP, TOM, we will miss you dearly. May your wife and kids find strength in this time of sorrow.
Condolences to Jennifer. Did they have any children? My condolences to them too.
RIP Tom, and my deepest sympathy to Mrs Lafond and Dr. Lafond.
de man body still in icu and that reach on dno already? where is the privacy?
DEATH HAS NO PRIVACY… WE ARE ALL SAD!!
My dear diamond girl, have you forgotten that a parrot adorns our flag?
kudos to DNO
May the good Lord lead you to Paradise, friend and confidante.
My sympathies to his immediate family, I being a distant relative as well. This is a sad time; May the good Lord give them strength at this time of bereavement.
Jenno and Geoffrey, my family mourns the loss of a friend and confidante. May the ANGELS lead him to PARADISE.
WOW! That is sad news… You will be missed… Condolences to his loved ones here and abroad especially Antigua
RIP Mr lafond and Craig and geffeory you are in my prayers
R.I.P my friend, still cant believe it… God knows best, spoke to you only yesterday. your memory will live on
Jennifer, my condolences on the passing of your husband.
Tom, RIP partner.
Lord i will miss him.
R.I.P. Tom. My Condolences to your family.
My fiend may ur soul rest in perfect peace, Dominica has lost a great man.
you will surely be missed
My deepest sympathies goes out to Jennifer and the rest of his family. He was truly a great man of the soil
May his soul rest in peace.. Condolences to his family and friends..
May his soul rest in peace. This is a sad day for the Goodwill community.
a gentleman in every way. R.I.P Tom..
What??????????????????????????
Our sympathies go out to Ma Lafond…hold on tight…you did your best.
Rest in peace Mr.Lafond.
Your best friends will truely miss you. May the souls of the faithful deprted through the mercy of God rest in peace
my deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends and not forgetting the Windward and Combined Islands Cricket Team
R.I.P Mr Lafond,my condolence goes out the Lafond family and to the staff of Tropical Shipping.
Sad News. May you RIP Mr. Lafond. Condolences to your family and close friends.
RIP my brother
so sad, may his soul rest in peace
THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS IN DISBELIEF BY THE PASSING OF A WELL KNOWN MAN. OUR CONDOLENCIES…THE FAMILY IS IN OUIR PRAYER.WE ARE TRULEY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST…
May Your soul rest in Peace
REST IN PEACE BRO .WE WERE TOGETHER NOT TOO LONG. THIS IS REALLY A SHOCK.
man may your soul reat in peace
Tom was an all round good guy. Heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family. May his soul rest in peace
R.I.P Mr. Lafond and may Mrs. Lafond and son find strength and peace from those they may come in contact with. This is very hard. To those who are affiliated in one way or another be it through cricket, stadium board, tropical shipping or whatever keep strong.
R.I.P Tom.
Wow… RIP BROTHER!
rest in peace
RIP Tom…You were a wonderful person and I will always remember your hearty laugh over a Windies cricket match…you lived a good life…To Ma Lafond, Jeffery and the rest of the family I pray the Lord will give you the strength you need at this trying time….
My condolences to his entire family, Such a nice man. I never knew he was ill. Quite Shocked. May his soul rest in peace.