Obituary of Thomas Joseph Pearce

Retired Funeral Director

Thomas (Tom) Joseph Pearce, age 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 due to an aggressive form of lung cancer.  He was born August 9, 1950 in Toronto to his parents the late Robert and Beatrice Pearce.

During Tom's lifetime he acquired many skills not least of which was how to build a cottage, and repair and do most all the things a plumber, carpenter and electrician could do.

Tom was a keen observer of human nature and would always extend a helping hand to those nearest and dearest to him.

His professional life was a Funeral Director and he worked many years with the Murray E. Newbigging Funeral Home on Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto retiring from the business in 2016.

An example of Tom's generous spirit was seen when he played bingo. He was always winning sometimes hundreds of dollars and always insisted on splitting his winnings with his friends. Tom was an expert billiards player and when playing on a local Toronto team often walked away with prize money as a top player in his league. He became a member of a men's social club called Spearhead Toronto in 1996 and volunteered many times for different fund-raising activities the club held during the year. He worked as Director of Membership for 2 years and this year received the coveted Brotherhood Award voted by the membership and given to that person most deserving for his dedication and service to Spearhead.

Tom's surviving family are spread widely from one side of our great country to the other. Tom's oldest brother Bobby and his wife Brenda (Squamish, B.C,), Leonard and his wife Susan McNish, Toronto, Jeannie and her husband Raymond Thornton, NFLD, and Steven, Edmonton, Alberta.

Tom was predeceased by his parents Robert and Beatrice, brother Ron and his surviving wife Laurie, sister Carol Nicholls and her surviving son David and his wife Amy, and Russell and his surviving partner Tom Hanson.

May I conclude by saying my 30-year friendship with Tom was both an honour and privilege to have known this wonderful human being.

A private cremation service will be held at St. John Norway Cemetery and Crematorium with interment in St. John Cemetery. Due to Covid-19, a Celebration of Tom's Life will be held when all can travel and gather safely.

If desired, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.