Thomas Richard James GLEESON Dr. T.R. Gleeson (born December 21, 1939) was a much loved Family Physician who had a longstanding medical practice in Hamilton. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, in his 79th year, at his home in Gravenhurst, Ontario, in the early hours of November 3rd, 2018. Tom came from humble beginnings. He was born and raised in Hamilton and attended Cathedral High School. He graduated from Queen's University Medical School in Kingston, Class President, in 1966. Upon graduation, he received training at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and was a Captain in the Canadian Army. He then returned to Hamilton to serve his community. Dr. Gleeson worked around the clock to support the needs of his patients. ""Doc"" had a magnetic personality. He was a gifted clinician. He had unlimited compassion for those suffering from injustice and acted as a fierce advocate for marginalized individuals. He treated people of all backgrounds without judgment and as a result his patients adored him. Doc exhibited a genuine warmth to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a fine wordsmith, had a sharp wit, revelled in discourse and had a brilliant mind. He was devoted to the families in his Hamilton practice. As a father, Dr. Gleeson was an incredibly loving, funny and enthusiastic Dad. He impressed upon his children the importance of lifelong education. He modelled the virtue of love thy neighbour. He was tolerant, supportive and generous through the adolescent years. He made great efforts to attend sporting events. He encouraged his children in their respective career endeavours. In his retirement years, Dr. Gleeson moved to Muskoka and savoured every moment with each of his fifteen grandchildren. Dr. Gleeson was the beloved husband of Lynn (nee Rabkin), devoted father to Joseph Thomas (Sandra), Thomas Richard Jr., Marcia Eugenia (JD), Oliver Jonas (Elaine), Brendon John, and Julia Dawn (David). He was a proud grandfather to grandsons Liam, Oliver Bram, Rio, Xander, Cyrus, Thomas Richard III, Lachlann, Ronan and Callum and granddaughters Sophie, Kiara, Grace, Stella, Alice and Cailin. Tom was the dear son of the late Gerald and Iris Gleeson, wonderful brother to Patrick (deceased) (Carol), Kit McGreal and Mary MacDonald. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, patients, colleagues, friends, and especially his dog, Boise Mack. Special thanks to the CCAC palliative care team and Hospice Muskoka for their support, Oxygen Joe at Vitalaire and his personal physician and friend, Dr. Allen Greenspoon. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life for Dr. Gleeson will occur in the Spring 2019. Date and details will be posted in the near future on:
www.facebook.com/thomaslynngleeson BE JUST AND FEAR NOT!
Published by The Hamilton Spectator from Nov. 3 to Nov. 10, 2018.