Tomas de la Torre

Born on December 29, 1943, in the City of Laoag, Philippines, to Valetin and Enriqueta, Tom was the third oldest of ten children. A young, bright scholar of economics at the University of Philippines in Manila, and later, an MBA graduate at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada he was a constant dreamer, learner and romantic. A black belt in karate, eloquent writer, dancer, and world traveller - a humble renaissance man.

One day he would find a beautiful, ambitious, and equally bright girl working at the market and hatched a plan to win her over by washing dishes for her mother. Having succeeded in winning approval he would marry the girl of his dreams and have their first child, Cherry. Eager to pursue higher education and a better life overseas, they soon began their lifelong adventure, residing, studying, working, and raising their daughter, Cherry, and two sons, Benjie and Anthony, in new and curious places such as Japan, Hong Kong, Kingston, Montreal and Toronto, Canada.

As a skilled economist and analyst, Tom worked diligently for companies such as CN, Royal Bank of Canada, and CIBC Mellon.

Outside of the corporate world, he enjoyed ballroom dancing and most especially, travelling around the world to countless destinations experiencing life to its fullest together with family and friends.

It seems only fitting that he spent his last days doing what he loved with the woman he most loved and cherished. A month before his 80th birthday, on November 28, 2023, on a cruise ship headed towards the Big Island, Hawaii, he took his final journey with Angelina, his supportive and caring wife and partner of almost 60 years, by his side.

Tom had an open mind and kindest heart. He encouraged and raised his children never once showing an ounce of anger or disappointment and was happy and friendly to everyone he met. Never to be forgotten, his gentle smile, quiet understanding and comforting presence will be dearly missed by his wife Angelina, daughter Cherry, son Benjie, grandchildren, Christian, Selina and Mateo, and all whose lives he touched. Tom joins his departed family and beloved Anthony.

Family and friends will be received at the Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne Street (south of Wellesley), Toronto, Canada on Thursday, December 28 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with light Filipino fare. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Parish, 131 McCaul Street (north of Dundas), Toronto, Canada on Friday, December 29 at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences can be made at www.rosar-morrison.com.

The family requests donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to St. Patrick’s Parish.