TOM FOX 1928-2021
The Fox family is saddened to announce the passing of Tom Fox on Friday June 25th, 2021. Tom died peacefully in his 94th year at Hospice Georgian Triangle in Collingwood, and he also was a resident of Raglan Village, whom both provided him with fabulous loving care. Also thanks to compassionate staff at CGMH.
Tom is predeceased by wife Lorraine and will be greatly missed by children Paul (Darlene), Laura (Joey Gdanski, Nancy (Tony Ciccocioppo) and grandchildren Tina (James Stacey), Tara (Steven), Gavin, and Elliott (Erin Smith).
Tom was born in May of 1928 in Montreal. When Tom was 16, the Fox family moved to the Ottawa area where Tom attended technical school and trained in tool and die design and production. Tom met his future wife Lorraine while working at Cockshutt Farm Implements in Renfrew. They married in November 1954 and spent their honeymoon on a road trip to Vancouver. They then moved to Toronto, as Tom was employed at various production projects that included working on the belly armaments package of the Avro Arrow. In 1959, he got together with two other designers, and founded their own tool and die company, T and D Designs. This company kept Tom very busy for 11 years. In 1970, he became one of the founding owners and directors of Astley-Gilbert Reproductions starting with just one blueprinting machine and a VW delivery car.
All the while Tom’s businesses were prospering, Tom was very active winter and summer outside of work. Tom spent the best $200 of his life and joined Craigleith Ski Club for the 1959-60 ski season. In the clubs’ early days Tom became a “hands on” director in various capacities, but is best remembered as the driving force behind Craigleith’s racing program as Racing Director in 1969-71. At that time, he was instrumental in fundraising for the first electronic finish gate timer and the acquisition of portable video equipment which allowed racers to watch themselves. Tom also coached Christmas Camps, organized races, hired coaches and at the same time, he raced on the senior circuit representing Craigleith.
Toms’ summers were spent with the family at the cottage, at Catchacomma Narrows in the Kawarthas, where he built the inside of the family cottage working in plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. He also made time for waterskiing with his family.
Does that seem too busy? For Tom Fox it was normal. He thought he was working on a 28-hour day. And all this while he was a dedicated father, mentor, motivator and good friend. Tom lived his life from an incredible stand point of integrity. He did what he said he was going to do, when he said he was going to do it. Anyone who had the good fortune of being with him, always felt that he could be depended on to complete what he promised.
Once he retired, Tom and Lorraine, travelled the globe. They visited every continent except for Antarctica. When they were not travelling, they were busy socializing, volunteering, and getting together with their children and grandchildren. Tom was dedicated to fitness and was very popular in the workout room at the Collingwood YMCA. In his much later years, he would bike to Sunset point for a swim in the chilly Georgian Bay waters before the July heat hit. When asked why he was doing these activities when he was 92, he answered that he always liked to test himself to make sure he was being the best he could be and go past his limits. Can we say the word “inspiring” now? That was just a little bit of “Tom Fox” awesomeness, and there was so much more than just that brief conversation. Wow, we will all miss him greatly.
His cremation has taken place, and there will be a private family service later in the year. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Tom to Hospice Georgian Triangle.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tom Fox Friday June 25th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Collingwood, Province: Ontario