Photo courtesy of Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston
Clarkston, Michigan
Aug 24, 1939 – Aug 26, 2022
GERNACK, Thomas Gerald; of Clarkston; passed unexpectedly on August 26, 2022 at the age of 83. Beloved husband of Shirley Gernack for over 42 years; loving father of Andrea Gernack, Heather (Bud Caron) Gernack, Tanya Hopkins, Mark Beall, and Brett Beall; proud grandpa of Brandy Beall, Shanin (David Barrett) Beall, Dustin (Sam) Otto, Patrick Bogoje, Lane Hopkins, Faith Hopkins, and Adrianne Mallozzi; great grandpa of Emma Morse and Mason Snyder. Thomas is preceded in death by his siblings Nancy Thomas, Lloyd Gernack, and Gloria Denis.
Captain Tom Gernack was a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1963-1973; as well as an original member of the First Squadron of the Canadian Snowbirds, from 1971-1973. Upon his honorable discharge, he continued to fly as a professional pilot for Air Canada, until his retirement at the age of 60 years. Tom had a profound passion for his career as a pilot, and after his retirement from Air Canada he continued to take flight in the private sector of the industry, until age 80 when he finally hung up his wings. He will be greatly missed by many loving family, friends, and colleagues.
A private family celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date. In honor of Tom’s final wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service held. Arrangements entrusted to the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Tom’s name, to a charity of your choice. Please leave a memory or condolence with Tom’s family on his online guestbook below.
Read MoreTom and I were friends over several decades ( we flew together in the RCAF) and kept in telephone touch after that. Tom was a great friend and I will miss our chats and mutual memories. One of the very good people and a fine and loyal comrade.
Mike Morin
August 30, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Friend
Oh my Tom, we will all certainly miss you. Always with a smile and a story. I don't think he ever met a stranger. I will miss trading jokes and stories with him. He was always a delight.
Jane and Tom Boyer
September 16, 2022 | Clarkston, MI | Friend
So so sorry 2 find out. He was really a great person
Earle Kneale
September 08, 2022 | Friend
Remembered By
Earle Kneale
September 08, 2022 | TX | Friend
Tom was the best of cousins anyone could ever have. In a small town on the prairies in Saskatchewan, families were there for each other in times of happiness and sorrow. We all knew each other well and shared so many years showered with caring. One day Tom gave me a ride home from school in his red/white convertible. A passenger plane flew overhead, very high as there were no airports near town. He looked up and said, "One day I'm going to fly one of those." "Really?" I replied. "Yes!"...
Dolores Duncan
September 07, 2022 | Calgary, AB | Family
Very sad to hear the news of Mr. Gernack's passing. He was one of my very favorite patients who always came into the office with many jokes to tell! He really did lightened up our long, stressful days there every time he came in.
His family is in my thoughts.
Emily Ballard
September 06, 2022 | Holly
Your will always be in our hearts; prayers as you rest in peace.
Lynn & Kathy Hopper
September 05, 2022 | Friend
Our deepest, deepest condolences to you Shirley, Andrea and Heather. We were all proud of Uncle Tom on his accomplishment on his flying career. We will miss our chats once in a while with him.
Joanne and russell Hope
September 05, 2022 | Calgary, AB | Family
I could always rely on Tom to provide a welcome break when he would drive by as I worked on my deck or bushes. He would stop and we would talk about flying, restoring cars, where we were going on winter vacation, and grandkids. He was an interesting guy and I will miss those conversations.
Vic Hill
September 02, 2022 | Clarkston, MI | Friend
