Thomas Joseph Misener

In September 1974, a young Tom Misener offered two history courses at Grimsby & District Secondary School, one on Canadian and the other on American history. Being a history keener, I enrolled in both. One year later, he had transformed an interest into a passion, one that won me that year´s Grade 13 History Award and propelled me into a history degree at McMaster.
That was a wonderful gift from him, but as always with Tom, there was more. Through his Outers Club he also ignited a life-long interest in things and spaces natural. The hikes along Niagara´s Bruce Trail, whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River and camping on the Bruce Peninsula introduced me to new friends, taught me new skills and helped build my growing sense of self-reliance. But there was still more.
After a disappointing conclusion to my university experience, he encouraged me to travel, and that runed into a 14-month sojourn in the South Pacific not dissimilar to a trip he himself had taken years earlier. That time set the path for my future, for when the dust settled a few years on, I to was teacher, I had also married a wonderful Australian and I was now inculcating a whole new generation of students with a love for history and the outdoors. Even today in retirement, I am still supply teach, still working with students in nature and am still very happily married to my dear Australian wife - though with the departure of Joh Bjelke-Petersen it is safer to live in Queensland again.
While Tom would be the first to say we chart our own path in life, the encouragement, guidance, and direction he offered me were significant factors in determining my success in both career and in life - something I am ever so grateful for. I am truly saddened to learn of his passing, but I am proud to have been one of the many lucky students who knew and loved him. As I raise a glass in his memory, I will recall that hearty laugh and beaming, wide smile and that will warm my heart.
Our Condolences to Caroline, Clayton, Katie, and their families.
Gary & Phyllis King
Brisbane, Australia