Edward William Tomes
May 10, 1936 - November 10, 2018
Funeral Details: Saturday, November 17, 2018 St. Mary's Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St, Barrie, ON L4M 1M8
TOMES, Edward William May 10, 1936 – November 10, 2018
Proudly born and bred in Windsor, Ontario. Son of Martin Tomes and Annie Vajdik. Grew up on Cadillac Street. Attended Assumption High School and played in their band and for their hockey team. A natural to music, he started playing drums and trombone at an early age. Later, with his father, brother Joe, and other friends, Ed recorded several albums of Czech music with their band. His father once commented that he sat young Ed down at the drums and he just started playing.
Athletic and tall, Ed was a hockey fan and enrolled his sons in hockey. He coached their teams, often coaching two different age groups at the same time. He was involved with the Bobby Orr-Mike Walton Sports Hockey Camp in Orillia.
For much of his working life, he was employed by major paper producing companies and was instrumental in introducing recycled paper into Canada from the USA. Simultaneously, Ed played regularly in a band, often up to six times a week. Living in Windsor at the time, he and his wife, Diane (Magerka) raised a family of four: Edward, Christopher, Karel, and Mary Genevieve. Married in Toronto in 1961, Ed and Diane met through family functions at 6 and 3 years of age, didn’t encounter one another again until ages 20 and 17 years old; respectively.
In the 1970s, they moved to Barrie. When he retired from his career, Ed enjoyed working at Georgian Downs Casino. His easy manner and conviviality made him popular in all settings. Later, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but it never diminished his sense of humour and fondness for dumb jokes. Right until the end, Ed liked to answer the phone with “Joe’s Pool Room, shoot.”
Ed is survived by his wife, his children, and his grandchildren who lovingly called him “Zippy” and Papa : Walker, Leo, and Lauren. His sister Elaine (and Lance Stuart, of Whitby) and brother Joe (and Betty of Michigan) also survive, as do many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at RVH in Barrie where Ed spent his last days. Their care and compassion were extraordinary.
A memorial service is being held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 10am at St. Mary’s Church, 65 Amelia Street, Barrie, Ontario. Afterwards, a Celebration of Ed’s life to be held at Lion' s Gate Banquet Centre, 386 Blake St, Barrie, Ontario.
Catherine Davis
Posted on: Wednesday, November 14, 2018How lucky I was to have met Ed just 8 short months ago. A truly special man, I loved him the moment we met. We celebrated my birthday on September 10th and had a wonderful visit with him, Diane and Christopher. My thoughts are with the entire Tomes family at this difficult time.
Cath
Barbara Westendorp
Posted on: Thursday, November 15, 2018Our thoughts go to all of the Tomes family . In growing up I frequently went to Windsor with my parents Paul and Toni Gregus just to hear the Tomes Band at the Teutonia Club , and oh, so many memories spending time at his parent’s house . We are saddened of Ed’s passing , he was always so jovial and spunky . Rest in peace my cousin .
With warmth, sincerety and love….Harry and Barb ( Gregus ) Westendorp
Mary Maclean
Posted on: Wednesday, November 14, 2018My heart is broken for the Tomes family. I had the absolute pleasure of spending several lovely dinners with Ed, Diane and Christopher. Ed and I hit it off immediately. His love of music was surely a kindred spirit. We enjoyed looking at old Big Band record albums together and even sang a few oldies together. He was such a kind person.
Thank you Ed for blessing me with your friendship, although for far to short a time.
God Bless, Mary Maclean
Marlene Samms
Posted on: Wednesday, November 14, 2018Diane, Christopher and the entire Tomes family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Ed. I connected immediately with Ed. I loved his personality. I can say that it truly is possible to make a new friend no matter what age or the length of time. His sense of humour was infectious. Although I only new Ed for a short time, I loved baking his favorite cheesecake. I will miss you Ed.
Love to all
Marlene
Ida and Bill Totten
Posted on: Thursday, November 15, 2018Diane
We are sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
The Lawrence Family
Posted on: Thursday, November 15, 2018So sorry to learn about Ed’s passing. He was a second Dad to us growing up. Our thoughts and prayers to the Tomes family. Much love and sympathies,
Olga, Rob, Sharyn and Rick
Sherine Mansour
Posted on: Thursday, November 15, 2018My sincere condolences to my childhood friend Genny, her brother Karel and the entire Tomes family. Mr. Tomes was a giant of a man – in stature and in heart and integrity. His fun-loving spirit transferred easily to the beautiful children he raised and I remember spending many days at their beautiful home where there was always laughter and a welcoming atmosphere who everyone who visited. My heart is with you.
Laurie Whitman
Posted on: Thursday, November 15, 2018So very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. My late husband Bob and I were neighbors for several years on Baldwin Lane. My sincere condolences to the family! RIP
Derek and Helen Mackesy
Posted on: Friday, November 16, 2018Diane and family,
Every journey begins with a farewell.
Along the avenue , trails and on the playing fields of our lives there are many heroes and heroines; people who have made important contributions to our existence. The big hometown boy from Windsor touched many along the way.
His loss is deeply felt by many. It was an honour to have him as a friend.
Derek and Helen
George Taylor
Posted on: Saturday, November 17, 2018Dianne condolences. I would have come to the memorial but just learned of it. In my years in politics I was always pleased to have Ed on my side working and keeping all entertained at the same time. Such a large presence in the community he will be missed. RIP Ed..
Tom Vajdik
Posted on: Sunday, November 18, 2018Dear Diane and Kids (Ed, Christopher, Karel, and Jenny:
Marilyn and I send our sympathy to you and the whole family. I used to love listening to Ed on the drums and the rest of the orchestra playing those Czech tunes. May you all find peace in this time of sorrow.
Tom and Marilyn Vajdik