I was first introduced to Tom when I was 17, in my first semester of grade 12. Tom tutored me in advanced functions and eventually calculus when the time came. I was amazed by Tom's ability to conjure proofs for any mathematical topic and his method of explaining concepts in the most elegant way possible. He always told me how his goal was to provide a mathematical intuition rather than simply giving me additional problems to chug my way through.

At that time, I was trying my best to get into a good engineering program. I was very stressed because I knew my grades, especially in maths, had to be first-rate. Tom really cared about my goal and was always accommodating to give me extra help the night before a test. With Tom's help, I sent Queen's my midterm calculus mark of 95%. When they accepted me a few months later, Tom was one of the first to know and he gave me a big hug the next time I saw him. I truly attribute my acceptance into my prefered university program to Tom. 

I was very very saddened to hear about his passing. I am, however, slightly comforted by the fact that I kept touch with him in the following years while I was going through University. I remember calling him after I got an 89 in my second-year Ordinary Differential Eqations course final. I will always remember Tom as the best mentor I ever had and I'll never forget what he did for me. 



I met Tom as my Principal at Monsignor John Pereyma CSS many years ago.  I will always remember the tremendous support he gave to me, his gregarious personality and kindness.  Tom was so well connected in our School Board and every time I saw him at a  celebration or event, Tom was always there to greet me with a warm smile and a hug.  This past year Tom also volunteered at Continuing Education to help support vulnerable youth with their math skills.  He is a wonderful example of a Catholic Educator and   someone who has taught me a lot about the importance of community.  I will miss Tom.  He has touched the lives of so many and I am blessed to have known him.  

Tom made my transition to Monsignor John Pereyma an easy one.  Through his patience, guidance and understanding I learned so much as part of his office staff.   A big smile and "good morning" was his greeting every day.  Tom's love for education and children was apparent in everything he did.  He was a devoted family man who spoke lovingly of Karen and he was so proud of his children.  Tom will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 
My thoughts, prayers and hugs to Karen and family.

I had the good fortune to work with Tom at the DCDSB. He always found ways to make math relevant and important for his students. He was always  quick with a great joke or a wonderful story. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family. 
 

Dear Karen and Fitzsimmons’  family,
We extend our heartfelt condolences to you with the passing  of Tom. He was an extraordinary administrator in the DCDSB who cared dearly for the well being of students. We are saddened, as our family got to know Tom well over the years, and are so grateful for his friendship, passion for education and stories. Even in Tom’s retirement, he volunteered tutoring students in math  for many years. Peace and prayers to you Karen, and the family at this time of sorrow. 

I’ve known Tom for half of my life, through Rotary, and have had a warm spot in my heart for him from early on. His presence seemed to radiate a joy and camaraderie throughout any crowded room, and even outdoors … when greeting visitors to Ribfest, for instance. He often worked behind the scenes in Rotary, but he was also a standout club president several years ago.
Tom loved a good story, and I fondly recall an occasion when he arranged for a professional storyteller to entertain Rotarians and their guests, in a quiet, darkened room --- lit by candlelight, I believe. The story I recall had a moral. It was a very special evening.
On behalf of my wife (Karen) and me, our warm condolences to Karen and her family. May Tom rest in peace with our Lord Jesus.


I went through a special class in high school with Tom and Karen.  We were all in the same class for three straight years. He was a brilliant and fun guy, with a quick wit. I only saw him once after high school. He was a marshal at a golf course. We had a great reunion then. So sad to see such a talented man taken too soon.

My condolences to Karen and their family. 

My deepest condolences to the family of Tom.  I met Tom many years ago while working as a nurse at the ACS Clinic in downtown Whitby. It likely won't surprise those reading this that the reason he was there was because of a golf injury when he flipped the cart he was riding on. Despite having an intravenous in his arm and what I recall as painful injuries he was none the less discouraged from wanting to get back on the course to play! Of course I had to strongly advise against this so I do not know if he ended up playing hooked up to his IV or not. I likely only saw him a handful of times but we often talked about golf as this is one of my passions also. He was always very pleasant and a great conversationalist.  May he rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Tom enjoyed his golf. We played together for many seasons before Lynda and I moved to Alliston.

I loved the way he complimented his playing partners and was so supportive of us duffers who did not play as well as he did.

I will continue to have very positive and great memories of Tom and will think of him often as we continue with our golf.

God Bless Karen and Tom's extended family. Remember the good memories forever.

Ron and Lynda

Dear Karen:   I am sad to hear of your loss of husband and life-partner.   I want to say that my heart is with you at this time of  remembering, challenge and mourning.   I will keep you tucked in my heart.   
Love, J. Lynn Shaw-Ringham, Mac'66

Dear Karen and family,
My deepest condolences in your loss.  
Tom was my Grade 11 and 12  Math teacher at Denis O’Connor.   He certainly instilled a love of math in me.  He was always kind and patient with his students.  He always told everyone that I was one of his best math students.
He kept in touch with so many of his students over the years, always interested in the ups and downs of our lives
He definitely was a kind and gentle giant.  He will be sorely missed by all.
Cathy Hermetz   (n. Vandeloo)

My deepest condolences to the Fitzsimmons family and friends on the loss of Tom.  He had a big heart and always had an interest in each and every individual along with a story of his encounters, family, friends, or golf games.  I had the pleasure of knowing Tom through Rotary and he will be sorely missed.  

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Karen and her family.  I had the opportunity to work with Karen at St. Marguerite d'youville in Whitby.  I also taught Thomas and Lindsay, what a lovely family!  Your husband /dad was a lovely man. May God bless you and give you the courage to go through this hard time. 

Our sincere condolences to Tom’s family and friends.

Tom and I met when we both worked for the DCDSB.  We became instant friends. He had the strength of character and possessed so many human qualities that he left an indelible imprint on me such that I will never forget him! 

Rest In Peace, old friend. It’s time for your well deserved reward.

Marilyn & Joe Maher


My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Fitzsimmons' Family
I am one of the many golfers who went to South Carolina for an annual golf trip with Tom.  It originally started with myself, two  brothers and Tom @ Myrtle Beach.  We all connected immediately and continued the tradition for 15 years.  It subsequently grew to 16 individuals from NFLD to B.C.  Tom was an excellent story teller & classified as our "DON OF GOLF" .  There were five Fitzgibbon's and two Fitzsimmon's in the group can you imagine the different reactions when some yelled "Hey Fitz".  "TOM" you will be dearly missed by the entire group.

We will all miss Tom, truly a one of a kind friend and gentleman.  Many fond memories including a memorable day of golf at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland. 

Tom was often the hit of the party on our many overseas golf trips. A wonderful man. At Doonbeg in Ireland, he took the time to write a note to the parents of our caddy for raising a fine young man. 

Like so many others feeling blessed to have had Tom Fitzsimmons as part of my life. A remarkable man who always remembered and was always interested in you and what was going on in your life. Love and prayers to his family.


Mr. Fitzsimmons was  Vice Principal at DO’C in Whitby the years I was a student: every encounter I had with him or I witnessed was of his care and compassion for students. When I met him again as an adult we shared great conversations each occasion;  always remembering and sharing stories of the old days at DO’C. My prayers are with his family and friends as they journey through this great loss.
Rest In Peace Mr. Fitzsimmons: God Bless!

I originally met Tom when I was Publisher of the Whitby community newspaper. Tom, in his capacity as Principal at DOC, asked me for ways to obtain more publicity in the newspaper for DOC activities. I gladly helped and we became fast friends from that day on. Of all the people I’ve come to know in Whitby in my 66 years residing here, Tom was one of the most caring, personable, friendly, enthusiastic, giving, empathetic, humorous, dedicated, intuitive, intelligent people I’ve had the pleasure to know. He was a wonderful man and a towering presence and I will really miss him. My heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Fitzsimmons Family with the loss of their dear Husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother. 
Thank you for 'loaning' Tom to so many as teacher, vice-principal,  principal, mentor, guide and friend.
My family benefited from Tom's knowledge and kindness.  Four of my nine Forbes Family siblings attended DO'C in the late '60's though to the mid '70's, my two daughters attended Pereyma when Tom was principal there and even my Mother attended Lifelong Learning Seminars with him. If you ever wondered why he went gray, now you know.
Tom Fitzsimmons epitomized a life well lived. His memory will live on. 
Rest In Peace.

Tom, you were a presence that was larger than life!  Math, your main teaching subject, and I never saw eye to eye and in all honesty, because of that, dropping your class was the only spare I ever had during my years at DO’C. I remember the discussion we had about that back in 1972.   Despite your encouragement to stay the course, I wanted out so we sat down to make sure that I would have all the credits required to qualify for university.  The rest is history as they say. I will never forget that you still wanted me to meet with success and I did Tom, I did!  Working with you several years later as a colleague at DCDSB  completed the circle. If there was a celebration of life related to a DO’C student, one could always count on seeing your face there. Your care and concern went well beyond the classroom and we will always be grateful for that!  Your passing  will definitely leaves a void in the lives of your family and in lives of all the students you have encountered over these many years!  To Karen and members of your family, may you be comforted in knowing just how well loved Tom was and may you be at peace with the many wonderful memories of him in the days and weeks to come!

As with many of you who have already shared memories of Tom, I too have many from my high school years.
I had graduated from DO'C in 1978, and yet I still remember Tom's passion for mathematics, his love of sport (hockey), and his avid interest in the personal development of his students.
We are who we are today as a direct result of our history and the people that we have come into our lives along the way.  I can honestly say that my time at DO'C had prepared me well for my life's journey, whether to graciously accept success, or to endeavor with resolve through hard times...and Tom was a big part of that.
Several months ago, my father-in-law was hospitalized and my wife had called me from the hospital.  She then handed the phone to someone, and it was Joe Modeste who threw me on speaker and I got to speak with Tom as well.  There he was, in the hospital yet asking me how I am doing - family, work, life!  That's who he was.
I can honestly say that I am a better person for knowing him, and "Yes Tom, I'm still keeping my stick on the ice!"
Thank you for your passion, your humor, but most of all, your time!

He taught me when  I went to Denis O Conner in Whitby high School, and was the Vice Principal.  He was a very fair man. He truly cared  about his students. Rest in peace.

I first met Mr. Fitzsimmons as a grade 9 student at DO’C in 1980. My family has crossed paths with him ever since: as an educator, neighbour, parishioner, and through the Whitby men’s football league.  I’ve lived in Ottawa for almost 30 years, but often saw him during my visits, usually at St. Johns’.  He was always welcoming with a big smile and engaging and interested in what family members were doing.  A few months ago, he came to my parents house late one evening to express condolences on the loss of a family member, as he had missed seeing them at the funeral home.  A gesture that reflected his kindness of heart and his ability to connect with people.  I will fondly remember Tom as a passionate educator, an engaging conversationalist, and a community builder.  Sincere condolences to  his family and loved ones.

Tom Fitzsimmons was the VP  at Denis O'Connor High School in Whitby, in which I attended from 1974 to 1976. I remember him always being kind and caring. 
A special memory I have of Tom Fitzsimmons is on October 17 1998 at the Thunderbird Golf Club, that is what it was called back then, I had my wedding reception  in one of their banquet halls.  Surprisely, during dinner, Tom, who was golfing there that day,  took the time, walked into the room and walked up to my husband Dan and myself and shook our hands and congratulated us and gave his best wishes.  I will always treasure that moment. RIP Tom.

I was a student of Toms in the 60’s at DOC.  He taught math but I only really loved English and History. He had his work cut out for him. He had a way of teaching that made you feel like you were the only one there. He watched and listened and helped you to figure it out. I am grateful for that. 
He had a huge influence on the students, even if he didn’t know it. It was the 60’s after all and we needed and wanted some change in our lives. He was only a few years older than us and he gave us that. He was kind, friendly, smart, interesting and interested in us. That was huge. 
He was truly a good man and I am so fortunate to have known him. 
Please ac


I was privileged to be a math student of Fitzy's at DO'C in the late 70's/early 80's.  Even into recent years, we've kept in touch.  He would drop into my office to say "Hi" or to drop off a copy of an article on dynamical systems, chaos, relationships between mathematical models and biological systems... nerdy stuff that we seemed to have a common kinship for.
In recent years, he also kept in touch via email and I could count on something in my inbox from Fitzy each March 14... (Pi Day; 3.14).
Even though our paths may not have crossed often since my student days at DO'C, he continued to be a recurring, grounding presence in my life.  It was so nice to feel that someone who knew you as an awkward kid, still took an interest in your life so many years later.
He was an exceptional teacher and mentor and an extraordinary human being.
Even though his legacy will live on through countless connections and lives he impacted, his physical presence will be missed by many.
The picture I've included was taken in 2014 at the DO'C 50th anniversary ceremony.

It was with great sadness that we learned of Tom's passing.  He hired Arline in 1990 and Rob in 1991 to work at DO'C.  Both of us have stories (and we know many others do too) of him calling at odd hours of the day to interview us further, ask what we WOULD teach and in Arline's case interview her Mom as to what kind of Catholic she was!!!  These stories bind all of us whom Tom hired.  Of particular meaning for us, however, is that we met on the DO'C staff and were married in 1993.  Had Tom not hired us, we would never have met and would not have had the wonderful life together that we've enjoyed.  We will forever think fondly of him and hold him in our hearts.  Thoughts and prayers always, Rob and Arline

We have had the remarkable gift of spending a few moments in time with a lovely man and a beautiful spirit.  This tragic event has brought us together, and binds us, in a communion of spirits, not only with a strangeness of heart in our sadness and grieving, but also to celebrate and honour a spirit who has touched our lives.  I do not feel humourous, although most of the time we spent together over the last decade was in laughter, with and at each other, and the world around us.  We both recognized as we grew older that we could and must stay immature indefinitely, that the universe contains more human stupidity than hydrogen, and that we were never too old to do something stupid.  These were compassionate observations and reflections, not judgements. 

Tom has left us, and the loss is ours.  It seems that there is such an unreachable distance between us now.  But this distance does not exist.  This is the language of spirits.  It can be heard, apprehended, and felt, but not understood.  So often in our lives we find ourselves involved in moments of being which we subsequently try to express or convey to others.  One of the most difficult things to express in human relationships is the inexpressible, but that is exactly why we must try.  He recognized in his heart that timelessness exists in the moment, not in the infinities on either side.  Anyone who witnessed  Tom prepare, execute, and relish a great golf shot will have had a glimpse of this realization.

Tom was blessed to have many good people in his life, and a family who loved and cared for him without qualification or reservation.  Karen and family have an emptiness in their hearts from their loss.  I hope that this sadness will transform into memories that will bring only smiles and feelings of love.  

Tom, I raise a glass to honour your life and your spirit, which will continue to shine on in our lives and hearts.  For those who do not drink, along with those who do, have lunch with a friend.  


Apart from my good memories of Tom at DO’C,  I want to say what a wonderful, kind friend he was to my father, Ben Hamilton.  In Dad’s later years, in his retirement home, he would tell me of conversations with, and visits from Tom.
His kindness toward Dad was so appreciated. He would keep Ben up to date with school news, so dear to both of their hearts.  Rest In Peace, Tom.


I was blessed to have Tom Fitzsimmonas as a friend for 50 years.
When I began my teaching career at Denis O'Connor High School in Whitby,he was an inspiration to me as someone committed to all students and to the school community.
His selfless concern for others led him to go the extra mile ,often without peeking at the odometer.
Honesty and altruism were at his core.
In the midst of his "busy-ness",he retained his sense of humour,sharp and often self-deprecating.
His passion for students and education,particularly mathematics,was exceeded only by his love for Karen,and children,Thomas and Lyndsay(and now their families).
Volunteering was also very important to Tom ,whether with students,at a Rotary Rib-Fest,tutoring math, or assisting in a construction project with Rotary for the Grey Sisters Seniors Home in Consuelo ,D.R.( where he readily acknowledged his dearth of carpentry skills).
Tom wanted to make a difference whenever he could.
To me,he certainly did-leaving a legacy of dedicated service to others which will continue to ripple through the community.
He is a model to me and many of us left behind.
My condolences to Karen,Thomas,Lyndsay and family for your great loss.
FITZY- A BIG MAN WITH AN EVEN BIGGER HEART!
Vaya con Dios,amigo.

Joe Modeste
  


Tom was an amazing Math teacher and he calmly coached me through a subject I was not overly fond of. He was a kind and gentle man and listened intently to whatever questions or concerns were voiced. He supported me as President of the Student Council and with my many athletic adventures. 
A group of us girls would meet regularly for lunch and he was always there to share stories and amuse us. I have survived cancer twice and My Doctor called me a miracle patient. I shared this with Tom once and he replied "I thought you were a miracle in High School."
My sincere sympathies to Karen and Family. He will be greatly missed.
Helene

I have known Mr. Fitzsimmons my whole life and can't believe he's gone. Always kind with time to talk throughout the years and he was even brave enough to help me with high school math. He was at both my wedding and my sisters and visited my parents numerous times in Palm Springs and Vancouver Island throughout the past twenty years to golf with my Dad and enjoy my Mom's cooking. I always enjoyed answering the phone at my parents house when he called to catch up and will miss our chats. I hope it's nothing but hole in ones for him from now on. He will be missed by all.

So shocked by this news.  Tom took the first storytelling course I ever taught, probably 30 years ago, and I well remember the hilarious story he told with a total deadpan.  It still makes me smile. 
 It's a tribute to his skill as a storyteller that his story took such deep roots.  We saw each other at every storytelling festival since those early days, and it always gave me joy to see him walk into a room with a big smile.   Really loved that guy.  I send my condolences and my deep belief that he lives on through the 1001 stories that we will be telling about him for years to come.  

Dear Karen and Family: Tom came to teach at Doc in 1968.. and over all those years we stayed in touch. Throughout my career in community work I learned to build community and one of my first mentors was Tom. He knew how to  bring people together, how to build passion and devotion to the cause. I learned that from him, and became a community and volunteer manager. One memory I have was... just before your wedding Karen he got on the intercom and invited any Doc student to come out and see him get married! That is him happy sharing his joy, building community and including everyone. After my injury last fall he phoned and chatted for over an hour and encouraged me to get another reunion going for our Doc group, Yes we will Tom and it will be in honour of a great teacher mentor and friend - you. So many are pouring their grief out on Facebook right now. May it comfort all of you that this giant of a man who was full of energy made a difference in so many lives. I am comforted that he is in the company of deceased students like Freda Vella, Paul Farquharson and Wendy DePratto. I picture them all yelling out heh Fitzie!! RIP

I remember when Tom joined the staff at DO'C with Jim Foy.  The Mutt and Jeff of teaching.  They were green but eager, friendly and in the spirit of the school pitched in regardless of their skill sets.  

I would often see Tom at local golf courses and at the Oldtimers hockey lunches sometimes with Joe Modeste.  Tom shared a love of hockey with my Dad and they would watch the senior games and share lunches.  Here's of photo of the last lunch before my dad died with Tom in the middle -- always bigger than life.  Our condolences go out to Karen and the rest of Tom's family.
The McCormacks

My sincerest condolences to the Fitzsimmons family.
I have very fond memories of my teaching days at DO'C with Tom as my principal.  He cared deeply for his staff and students and had a huge heart. RIP.
Sincerely, Barbara Kirner

Mr. Fitzsimmons was a visible presence in the hallways of DO’C when he was VP and P. He was a gentle presence who made it his practice to greet all of us and check in on us. Meeting him as an adult working in DCDSB and in church with my children he made it a point to smile and say “didn’t you got to DO’C?”  He was one of the many reasons I went into administration and I make it a point to know everyone’s names.  I was so saddened to hear of his passing.  May he Rest In Peace. 

Tom was an outstanding educator, a terrible loss.
Gerry Noonan

I have known Tom for 50 years. He was  a boarder at my Gramma and Aunts home at 1600 Charles St with several other young DOC teachers. Tom was a dear friend and mentor. He always kept his  students  in the centre as an educator regardless of his role. He had a wonderful sense of humor and shared his gifts completely with others
My family who also knew Tom well, along with myself send our prayers and comfort to Karen . Lindsay,Thomas and families.
"Fitzy" , the world has lost a wonderful man
Rest well dear friend  
Nil sine fide et labore

I went to DO’C in the early ‘80’s and remember him well!  My mom was one of the secretaries and she treasured the friendship the whole staff had with each other.  Tom was a wonderful blend of mentor and friend to his staff and students.  His memory lives on in the many many lives he positively impacted through his long tenor in the Catholic school system.  My heart felt condolences to his wife and family <3

Dear Karen and family,
What a shock to lose Tom so suddenly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, each one. What sadness. 

Tom was a new teacher in 1968 when he first taught us Math at Denis O’Connor. He had enthusiasm for his subject, and even greater enthusiasm for us, his students. Through “active presence” he taught us: not just about the concept of infinity (I remember that lesson, and the sparkle in his eyes when he asked us to halve infinity and half it again, and then triple that). He taught us what it meant to be in community with each other— a concept many of us hold in our hearts today. He taught us to question authority (... it was 1968, after all) and to wake up to the ways we could make a difference, whether individually in our encounters with each other, or through collective  action with organizations such as Youth Corps at the time. 

Tom's life mattered. His presence in the life of so many of his students and staff helped others develop greater respect and caring. Now there is a legacy. 

Rosanne Morris
D O’C class of ‘72
Guelph, Ontario 

I met Tom through golf about ten years ago.  We played golf together in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe, often with Tom as my navigator as we travelled.  

An affable giant, Tom never met anyone who could not be his new-found friend and he went about making it happen with everyone.  He was kind, friendly, respectful and inquisitive.  Tom had thousands of stories;  he was also the cause of many more!  He constantly asked questions and was genuinely interested in the answers.  He truly loved people;  he truly loved life.

Through Tom, I realized that I had gone to Bishop's with his late brother, Richard, and that made our bond even stronger.

Farewell Tom.  We will all miss you.  

Sincere condolences to family and friends at this tragic time.

Last years at Whitby  Street party, Tom with other members of the Whitby rotary, BBQ hotdogs and hamburgers.  This was a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Basketball Team that were to go to the Provincials Games this past May. The athlete and coaches enjoyed working with him. He will be missed

Tom was a great mentor and always had time to talk. I have known him most of my life. RIP he will be missed

What a great role model, so well-loved by his family, friends and students. I just missed knowing Tom by a few months as he began teaching at DOC in September '68 and we moved from Whitby in February. To Tom's family and all of my DOC friends, please accept my condolences. Such a tragedy.

So very sorry to hear about Tom’s passing.  I worked with Tom at the DCDSB.  He was a lovely person!  He always stopped just to say hi when he was at the board office. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely

Katie Johnson

So many happy moments both Heather and I have spent over the last 48 years ,with Tom .
From frequent late night phone calls from Whitby to Vancouver Island,many wonderful journeys from Vermont,Jay Lake,Florida South Carolina and golfing,sailing on the West Coast.
Our family life has been enriched with the knowledge  and lessons told by Tom .
As Bob Hope always signed off with the saying 
Thanks for the memories,.
RIP my great friend
John, Heather,Stephanie ,Wendy 



First, my sincerest condolences to all of you. My heart is heavy with your loss. I share it with you.
I went to Denis O'Connor 1967-71. I remember Tom coming in 1968, along with Jim Foy. We called them Mr. in those days. They were both only a few years older than us at the time, and the entire school atmosphere changed. It became lighter, more fun. They fit in immediately.
It is difficult to describe our high school years, other than to say we all loved each other, we had team spirit and I know, as we all look back, it was a time that all of us hold dear. To say some of us have kept in touch to this day is an understatement, due in great part to Fitzy, who built an environment of love, caring and consideration between all of us. Although Jim moved away, Tom stayed in Whitby as did many of us. Tom also stayed in our lives, through births to weddings to reunions, to sicknesses and funerals. Although he was once our teacher, he became our lifelong friend. He made each and every one of us feel special, always. He cared, he listened, he was truly interested in our lives. 
My two fondest memories were sitting with Wendy DePratto and Tom in her driveway as she was losing her battle with cancer and to look at the doorway and see Tom arrive at My Father's celebration of life 4 years ago. He came and sat by my side and it seemed like we talked for hours. Forever grateful for that kindness.  Please know that he was dearly loved by so many. His caring, kindness and laughter shaped so many of us from DOC. He will be missed by each and every one of us. R.I.P.  He made an imprint on our hearts that we will always carry with us.

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Fitzsimmons. I remember him well as i attended Doc and he was our principal.  He was well respected and liked and will always be remembered. Thinking of his family and friends during this sad time .

I played golf with Tom on our trips to the UK and in the Muskokas. He provided us with many memories and humor over time. He was a very kind and complex person that loved live. He will be missed by all. best wishes to his friends and family.

To the family Mr. Thomas Hamilton Fitzsmmions:

Please accept my condolences for the loss of Thomas. I remember Mr. Fitzsimmions at Denis O'Connor in Whitby. I was a goofy high school student at the time. Mr. Fitzsimmons was truly loved by the students at DOC. I remember Mr. Fitzsimmions as a tall, handsome man with an obvious love of teaching. He carried a sense of warmth and joy. He obviously loved his career and build solid relationships with the students. I feel so fortunate to have known such a wonderful man and teacher. 

I will always remember Mr. Fitzsimmons as my principal at Monsignor John Pereyma high  school he was always there for us always helped us all along .we will always miss you but he will never be forgotten. You are in a great place in heaven god will take care of you always .

I have had the good fortune to call Tom my friend for over forty years.  I first got to know him when my husband John joined the amazing and united staff of (the old) D'OC which was under the very capable leadership of Sister Mildred Moyle and Tom.
Although  (fortunately for Tom)  we never golfed together we shared many other important life events.  We broke bread together in one another's homes, shared vacations, he was Ryan's Confirmation sponser and he attended  our children's weddings. However, never was his friendship more appreciated than during John's battle with cancer and in his passing.  He was there with his stories and his silence, his knowledge and his questions and his great big hugs and even bigger heart. I do believe that God leaves us messages and the fact that Tom left this world on John's birthday is another one.
Tom in part because of your physical stature you had a way of being noticed in any room you entered.. However, because of who you were inside you  were able to make everyone in that room who needed you in that moment feel that it was not you, rather them who stood out in the crowd. 
Because I know for so many Tom was just always there to celebrate accomplishments or comfort during losses,  being there for him and his is what we most want to do.  I would like to be part of any honour that is bestowed on him to keep his legacy of giving alive in this community.   Karen, Thomas, Lindsay and all your family  my heart breaks for you and know that I am there for you as you journey through your tremendous loss. 
R.I.P. Tom and in case I never did before I want to thank you for being my friend.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Fitzsimmons. He was our principal at D'OC. He was always kind, generous, and ruled over us like a champ.  My condolences to the family. I'm sure he will be missed. 

Tom was a good friend.  Our friendship with him dates back to the 1970s when he taught at Denis O’Connor High School. He was loved by his students because he was always ready to listen, open his heart and help.  Tom often dropped in with a bucket of ice cream to share and to chat. His zest for life took him all over the world to play golf.
Karen, his beloved wife, we share your grief and extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy and love.
Peace be with you dear Tom.

Tom was my math teacher in the early 70's and was a man to whom teaching was a passion - not a job. I recall him offering extra tutoring to students after class on a regular basis and I benefitted greatly from that dedication. Tom's commitment to  his students made a huge impact on how I faced my various careers. He taught me not just math, but to always try to do the best I could in whatever task I undertook. I only wish I could have had the opportunity to get in a round of golf with him some time in the last few years ! 

Fitz, I'll miss our frequent chats. The way you would look me right in the eye when talking or asking a question, showing your care and interest in whatever was said. I hope you have a good supply of pens and paper. Rest In Peace.

I knew Tom mainly through Rotary and other public events. Always kind and positive and thoughtful, Tom had the rare ability to make anyone he spoke to feel better about themselves, about our town and about our shared future. He always saw the glass of life as much more than half full and believed that, whatever challenges lay ahead,  we would find a way through them together.

Tom was a great community builder who truly understood that strength is created through support and caring for others.  We were so lucky to benefit from all he did for our community.

Absolutely the best!!! Spent some time in his office at Denis O’Connor back in the late 80’s. My deepest condolences to his family and all those who were special to him. 

Tom “Fitzy” was my Vice Principal at Dennis O’Connor when we had around 300 students. I swear he new us all by name. I spent enough time in his office that we got to know each other real good. I can honestly say this man left a huge impression on me in a very good way. We had a lot of fun when I look back.  I would bump
into him once in a while in the Durham Region and he always remembered me as “Foxy”.  He will be missed. RIP my friend.

Tom Fitzsimmons came into my life in September 1968, as my Grade 11 Math teacher - at what was then Archbishop Denis O'Connor Private High School on Gifford St., in Whitby.  It was his first teaching assignment,  I  believe, at the tender age of 23 - soon to be 24. Sister Mildred Moyle brought him and History teacher Jim Foy on board that Fall. 
I recall he was gracious, patient, caring and kind to a young student who struggled with any discipline beyond literature and the written word, in which I excelled. 
  A true gentleman, he became for me a mentor in the art of life itself, despite my woeful mathematical aptitude, because he embraced teaching at D'OC, and every student there, with the energy, boundless enthusiasm  and commitment that would come to be the hallmark of his entire career. He cared about us, beyond the books, and it showed. 
Throughout the ensuing decades, I met him at various reunions and was always greeted with that same display of genuine interest and concern - in what I had become, and where life had taken me.  In 2013, 43 years after my Grade 13 graduation, he appeared and offered comfort and condolences at my mother's funeral, in Whitby. He made me feel like no time at all had passed. That's the kind of person he was. 
Tom was one of those special people who, if you're really lucky, is sent as a rare gift into your life.
I offer my deepest sympathies to his wife, Karen, and his entire extended family, on the sadness of his untimely passing.
May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing. 

Tom hired me from Nova Scotia and was always so proud of who he hired . I loved seeing this man and I would keep him up to date on the current education foolishness at the time . He would not like to end our conversation and he would keep saying “tell me more.”Tom was such a caring man that always made you feel valued and he would always say you are doing a good job and meant it. (and you actually felt it ) I will always remember Tom for the start he gave me and the Love he showed to everyone. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten . ❤️❤️🙏🙏

Tom was a friend to everyone, always interested in our stories and families.  He actually cared about people, and always had time to be the first to make a condolence or wellness call.  Both Pete and I will miss him dearly.  Tom was just a lovely man and a great loss to his family that he was always so proud of.  Our most sincere condolences.  

if Whitby does not name a street or something after this giant of a local man that taught so many people when Whitby was not a commute of Toronto i will be very disappointed  

Tom will be sadly missed by all of us who crossed his path. He was a passionate man and always a champion for education and especially the schools he was associated with.  He was always interested in what you had to say and we all enjoyed his story telling. Please accept my deepest thoughts in this trying time. RIP.

Tom was notoriously “Fitzy”  or “Fitz” during our school years. As we all graduated to adulthood he was “Tom”.  Always showing up for anything that was organized  fun, but also there as a support during our life losses. He was a gentle giant for sure, and in our later years , he would poke fun at how he handled my rebel nature at school which included being suspended for “smoking in the wrong area”. He was Sister Maggie May’s right hand, they made quite a team. 
March on Fitz,  I know your shining on us all! Thanks for being part of my (our) youth and adulthood! 🤗 

Wonderful caring Man .  Always gave never took


Tom and Lindsay and family,  I wanted to share my deepest condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. I remember your mom and dad attending the shows at Sinclair, and I always enjoyed saying hello to them. 
I bumped into your dad a few years ago when he was having coffee at McDonald's, and he was so proud of both of you. 

Take care,

Ms. Eales

A caring educator with a big heart and huge personality.
Condolences to family and friends.

OBITUARIO

Thomas Hamilton Fitzsimmons

19 septiembre, 1944 – 22 junio, 2020

Oshawa Funeral Home

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios