Tom Stewart

It is with broken hearts that we said goodbye to our Tom, who left us suddenly late Monday January 5th at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, ON after a brief illness.

He had his sweetheart and devoted partner, Nina, by his side in his final days alongside his daughter Nichole (Peter), step-daughters Samantha (Patrick), Lauren (Zack), mother Norma, and sisters Penny (Larry) and Jill (Jim). He is survived by his son Payne, grandsons Brayden, and Charlie, his nieces and nephews Danielle, Stewart, Cody, Brandon, Shelby, Amber, Lee, Kevin, and his many aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly throughout the years.

Tom is predeceased by his father, business partner, and best friend Lyle, who we lost a short time ago in late 2024. We find peace in knowing his dad welcomed him home and they are once again sharing libations and complaining about their beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tom was a man who lived his life boldly and in full technicolor, bringing warmth, humour, charisma and comedic relief to the many spaces and communities he occupied in his lifetime. Born in 1961 in a small suburb of Montreal to Lyle and Norma Stewart, Tom and his sisters and brother would eventually relocate to Oro Medonte ON where he attended Guthrie Elementary and later Eastview Secondary in Barrie, spending his childhood and teenage years playing hockey and enjoying family vacations in Bermuda.

He moved to Sebring Florida in 1982 where he had his two beautiful children and would continue his work in sales with his Dad’s USA based company, Security Lock and Safe. Tom moved back to Canada in 1993 where he settled in Barrie and continued working at Lyle’s first company Adanac Security and Specialty Services. He excelled at sales because he was a consummate people person, finding connection and nurturing relationships with his clients and coworkers with ease— and always doing so in a dapper, usually pastel or neon hued, ensemble. From the beach to the boardroom, Tom expressed himself through his signature style and prided himself on being the best dressed. Tom later joined the Moffat Mazda team where he worked most recently.

Tom was happiest when he was on a golf course (he would want it mentioned here how exceptional of a golfer he was), beside an ocean soaking up some rays, on the rink taking slap shots, in front of a BBQ cooking up something undoubtedly delicious for friends and family and most recently: on his boat.

Tom met the love of his life, Nina, and while the two began as amicable friends their connection was undeniable and once they entered a relationship he began his most vibrant chapter yet. Nina introduced him to boating life, purchasing many fixer uppers over the years, she would add her designer touch to these floating sanctuaries where they could relax, cook, set out onto Lake Simcoe, and dance the nights away on J Dock with their cherished Barrie Marina crew. Tom and Nina could often be spotted on a patio to watch the sunset paired with an ice cold beer and wings. They made incredible memories visiting their favourite tropical place, St Maarten, where they were spending their days only a few short weeks ago, going on sunset cruises with Allan and Bev. Tom and Nina loved spending time with their grandsons Brayden and Charlie. Known affectionately as Papa, he took his role seriously, from standing on the sidelines cheering them on at soccer games to cozy cuddles on the couch.

A celebration in honour of Tom’s enormous spirit and well-lived life will be held when the chill of winter begins to recede, and we can feel the warm sun on our faces again.

Until that day, we urge you to reminisce and share your favourite memories of Tom. Preferably, the ones that evoke a wide grin or deep belly laugh. He was truly happiest when he felt the satisfaction of nailing a well planned gag that resulted in giggles. Tom was a generous, entertaining, fun-loving man who will remain deeply embedded within the hearts of those who were lucky enough to be ensnared by his magnetic charms— if only for a fleeting moment, decade, or lifetime.

Thank you to the dedicated ICU team at RVH for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s name to one of the following organizations:

Golf Canada Foundation (any of the foundation options i.e., youth, collegiate, high performance are acceptable), or to Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Fond memories, stories, and messages of comfort may be left below.