Gerald Thomas Davis

GERALD THOMAS DAVIS January 23, 1943 - December 21, 2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Gerald Thomas Davis. After a difficult struggle with diabetes, Tom, surrounded by family, passed peacefully on December 21st, only one month before his 69th birthday. Tom was best known for his ability to gather people together and celebrate life in whatever way possible. Through parties, family events, community gatherings or organized get togethers, he was the storyteller at the center of many casual conversations sharing his personal passions or unique experiences with those around him. An inventor, musician, businessman and author, Tom continually surprised himself with the opportunities life gave him to explore his dreams and follow his inspirations. He was forever thinking of new possibilities to the resolution of so many critical challenges people face in their everyday lives and he held steadfast to his vision for hope that one day, things would change. Things did change through his efforts: we learned to laugh more than we cried when faced with troubles, we were challenged to sing through our pain and he taught us to love unconditionally, despite our quirks and frustrations. Tom's genuine compassion would see potential in people that were down on their luck and he was forever offering his generous helping hand to help others find their way. He took in strangers, funded community arts and supported friends whenever he could. Dad was an inspirational man who valued family above all things and he demonstrated this each time he presented one of us with a random yard sale purchase, passed along a joke or a forwarded email or surprised us with a visit and a bottle of homemade wine on a Sunday evening. He delighted in giving gifts to everyone, no matter what the occasion or event, or even how well he knew them and was always thinking of others when he stumbled across unique and unusual treasures. By far the greatest gift was knowing and loving him. Tom leaves behind to grieve his children Matt (Robyn), Theresa and Will as well as three granddaughters: Sydney, Naanyuni and Tula. He also leaves his wife, Patti (nee Halford) and his brother Gary (Jan) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We will celebrate the life of this amazing man in a remembrance gathering in the summer of 2012. Please email the family at inmemoryoftom@gmail.com if you would like to be informed about this event or to share your memories of Tom. In lieu of flowers, the Davis family encourages people to make a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca).