Dr. Thomas Adrian Wintermans

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Wintermans on Thursday July 26th, 2007. Tom was born in Helmond, The Netherlands on January 25th, 1944. His family immigrated to Canada in 1954 living in Vancouver and Edmonton, prior to settling in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Tom completed his undergraduate degree at St. Francis Xavier University in 1968. From there he went on to obtain a degree in Dentistry from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After practicing dentistry for sometime he decided on Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and completed his residency at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1980. It was in Baltimore that Tom developed a love for sailing and was determined to practice in an area where the wind and waters were close by. In 1980 Tom moved to Windsor, Ontario and practiced Oral Surgery. Throughout his time in Windsor he served on the Executive Board of the Essex County Dental Association, maintained his staff privileges at all four hospitals, nourished his love of sailing and developed an incredible amount of friendships. In 1993 Tom moved to Thunder Bay and established a very successful Oral Surgery Practice. Throughout his time in Thunder Bay he participated in many committees at both the McKellar Hospital Site and the Port Arthur Hospital Site including the Credentials Committee and the Medical Advisory Committee. Tom also served as Chief of Dentistry from 1997 until 2003. He was very active in both the dental community and the sailing community and did not hesitate to lend a hand when needed. His passion for sailing showed with the many accolades he and his crew had achieved throughout the years on the "Mongoose". Tom was a member of many Professional Associations and was Past President of the Port Arthur Gyro Club. He had a zest for life and it showed with the many friendships he had established and maintained throughout his life. Tom will be sadly missed by his wife Jennifer, sons Keith and Derek (Vancouver), sister Addy Doucette (Lionel)(Antigonish, Nova Scotia), brother Luke (Sydney, Nova Scotia), nieces, Sophie, Annique, Lucy, Ruby, nephew Colin, his staff and his crew (Mongoose). Predeceased by his parents Anthony John and Corry Joan (Bazelmans) his brother Frank and sister Marijke (infancy). Special thank-you to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre- Dr. K. Granberg, Dr. W. Harris, Dr. M. Scott, nurses and staff of 2B & the ICU, McMaster University Medical Centre staff and nurses of 4Z and the ICU, Dr. M. Marcaccio and his team and to all those who kept Tom in their thoughts and prayers. A Memorial Service to celebrate Tom's Life will be held in Thunder Bay on Wednesday August 15th at 11:00 am at the Valhalla Inn with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation. A tree will be planted in memory of Dr. Thomas Wintermans in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 29, 2008. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com"