Thomas William Koger (Tommy Grimes)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Thomas William Koger (Tommy Grimes), of Vancouver BC, on June 14, 2023 at the age of 33.

Thom was born in Edson, Alberta on April 15, 1990.  He spent his childhood & teen years in Edson before moving to Edmonton to pursue his artistic dreams.  He graduated from the Eveline Charles Academy and began his career in Edmonton, where he most recently worked at Ponytails & Horseshoes.  

Thom’s other great passion was music. He had a remarkable collection of hundreds of records. Thom started out DJ’ing at The Starlite Room in Edmonton before joining countless bands.  He played the guitar but was always the lead singer and frontman of the bands he was in.  He also performed solo with his backup dancers.  When Thom wasn’t performing, he loved spending his weekends at shows supporting other bands, or jamming with friends. 

Thom moved to Vancouver in 2021 with his very close friends, Jill & James.  They lived together in downtown Vancouver, a long-time dream of Thom’s.  He also worked in downtown Vancouver but had recently decided to work for himself.  Thom set up a chair in his apartment and proudly started his own home based salon.

Thom was also very involved in the fashion scene.  He was recognized by Avenue Magazine as one of Edmonton’s Best Dressed in 2020.  He loved vintage pieces, band t-shirts, leather, and over the top stage outfits! 

Thom will be greatly missed by his parents, Debbie & Ken Koger, sisters Kerri Quinlan (Robert) & Kaylie DeYoung (Brad) and his “niblings”, as he lovingly called them, Max, Ellie, Harper, Hunter and Avery.  Also left to mourn are numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends from all over the globe.

Thom is predeceased by his Granny, Mary Cebuliak, Grandpa & Grandma, Tom & Barb Brown and his Uncle Bill Simon. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CreArt Edmonton, so children and youth can share in his love of Music & Art.