Obituary for Thomas Douglas Drew
Thomas Douglas Drew, 93, of Fort Frances, Ont passed away peacefully on October 24, 2022 with family by his side.
Tom is survived by Susan, his wife of 56 years, his daughter living in Gatineau, Debbie and his daughter and son-in-law living in Fort Frances, Sandra (Bill). He was also blessed with 7 grandchildren: Jon, Timothy, Joshua, Adam, Cameron, Colton and Hailey, 13 Great Grandchildren, and several nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.
Born in Ottawa, Illinois, Tom grew up in Kirkland Lake, Ont and after high school worked in the gold mines there. It was in Kirkland Lake that Tom met David Powell and Gilbert Frederick, lifelong friends with whom he remained very close over the years. After his time in Kirkland lake, Tom moved to Toronto and attended Ryerson Institute of Technology receiving a diploma as a Certified Engineering Technician and Technologist. After his schooling he moved to Deep River where he worked, at Atomic Energy before moving to Winnipeg. While there he and Gil operated a small electronics business. Tom then decided to become a teacher and for many years was the electronics teacher in the Technical Department of Fort Frances High School.
Tom had many interests and hobbies, in addition to stamp collecting and mining, he had a love of trains and stock trading. For most of his life, he was an active amateur radio operator, with his call sign VE3 GHD proudly displayed on his truck. He had a special love of dogs and spending time at the lake house.
He loved his family dearly and was a dedicated member of Knox United Church where he particularly loved singing in the choir. Tom wanted to help heal the world and did his part by making protection of the environment a priority, as well as supporting many charities.
As per Tom’s wishes, cremation took place and a private family gathering will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Knox United Church, Fort Frances.
Tom is survived by Susan, his wife of 56 years, his daughter living in Gatineau, Debbie and his daughter and son-in-law living in Fort Frances, Sandra (Bill). He was also blessed with 7 grandchildren: Jon, Timothy, Joshua, Adam, Cameron, Colton and Hailey, 13 Great Grandchildren, and several nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.
Born in Ottawa, Illinois, Tom grew up in Kirkland Lake, Ont and after high school worked in the gold mines there. It was in Kirkland Lake that Tom met David Powell and Gilbert Frederick, lifelong friends with whom he remained very close over the years. After his time in Kirkland lake, Tom moved to Toronto and attended Ryerson Institute of Technology receiving a diploma as a Certified Engineering Technician and Technologist. After his schooling he moved to Deep River where he worked, at Atomic Energy before moving to Winnipeg. While there he and Gil operated a small electronics business. Tom then decided to become a teacher and for many years was the electronics teacher in the Technical Department of Fort Frances High School.
Tom had many interests and hobbies, in addition to stamp collecting and mining, he had a love of trains and stock trading. For most of his life, he was an active amateur radio operator, with his call sign VE3 GHD proudly displayed on his truck. He had a special love of dogs and spending time at the lake house.
He loved his family dearly and was a dedicated member of Knox United Church where he particularly loved singing in the choir. Tom wanted to help heal the world and did his part by making protection of the environment a priority, as well as supporting many charities.
As per Tom’s wishes, cremation took place and a private family gathering will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Knox United Church, Fort Frances.