Thomas Markus Schindlmayr

Although I had seen many times Thomas in UN DESA, where we both worked, it was only last year in Ghent, Belgium, that I got to know him at the ACUNS Summer Workshop. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet Thomas because he seemed to be so strong and independent, with a good sense of humour and very committed to his work.  He was an inspiration for all of us. I remember him fondly and want to send my condolences to his family.  I hope the fond memories will help overcome the great pain his family and friends feel for such a terrible loss.

I was saddened to hear about Thomas' passing. I met him within the first month of starting work at the United Nations and as a fellow Aussie (I only thought of him as an Aussie) we shared many stories about home. I will never forget he once asked me how I felt being an indigenous person working in an indigenous area of the UN because he was in a wheel chair working in disabilities. We shared the same thoughts about the fusion between ourselves and our work and how we felt we were working 24/7. We also shared some laughs about how I was going to bring in a treat for my colleagues and it woud be vegemite sandwiches.

I believe when we pass on we have a journey to complete, so travel well my friend.

My thoughts are with Thomas' family, especially Julia.

Soniaxxxx

Dr Tom. Since knowing you.

I have never looked at the width of a door way in the same way, counted stairs, or looked for ramps. 

You see the difference you make to peoples lives! 

You have a beautiful smile, a warm heart, great humour and a fantastic choice of wife.

Dear Julia, our love and hugs are with you.

Francine, Greg, Sasha and Jupiter

We send out thoughts of love to Julia, Wulf, Edith, Inge and Wulfi on the loss of your partner, son and brother.

Unfortunately we are unable to be with you on 18th May.

I am very saddened to learn about Thomas's passing. My thoughts are with his family. Please accept my condolences.

Auf diesem Wege senden wir Euch unsere aufrichtige Anteilnahme.

Wir waren die letzten Wochen immer in Gedanken bei Euch. Bleibt stark.

Thomas war ein sehr aussergewoehnlicher und faszinierender junger Mann,

der als Beispiel fuer viele gelten sollte... Wir werden ihn immer in Erinnerung behalten.

Liebe Gruesse an Euch alle!

Thomas, I was greatly saddened to learn recently of your situation, and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to those closest to you on your passing. I always had the greatest admiration for the way you dealt with the adversity life brought you, and it sounds as though you continued to display that courage to the end. I respected your friendliness, your intellect, and the determination with which you pursued your goals, and I thank you for introducing me, a technological pedant, to googling those years ago. I regret it will not be possible for me to attend the memorial service in Canberra, but I shall be there in spirit.

Rest in peace

In the "Highlight of the Noon Briefing, Monday, 28 April, 2008", the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, United Nations, made the following announcement:

Disability Body mourns Death of Expert:

It is with deep sadness that the Secretariat for the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities announces the death of the UN disability expert Thomas

Schindlmayr, who passed away on Saturday after a long illness. He battled this illness with great strength, a quality that he brought to everything he did and accomplished.