Thomas Gregory Strizic

Thomas Gregory Strizic Oct. 4 1938 - Nov. 11 2024

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, Thomas Gregory Strizic, on Monday November 11, 2024 at the age of 86.

Tom will be remembered lovingly by his two sons, Tom (Helen) and Rob (Jessica); his grandchildren, Madison, Zackary and Alexandra; his brother Miran (Darryle) Strizic; brothers-in-law, Harvey (Jean) Leggat and Neil Leggat; his nieces and nephews, Jodi, Scott, Janine, Jimmy, Kevin and Karen; and great-nieces, Stephanie and Katlyn.

Tom was predeceased by the love of his life and best friend, Jean (nee Leggat); his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Nola Strizic; and his parents, Teresa and Joseph Strizic.

Tom was skilled in a number of trades. He began his career working for his uncle at Dawes Auto Body Shop as a car mechanic until he turned his interest towards the mechanical manufacturing field as a tool and die maker. He eventually decided to pass on his knowledge in the classroom, first teaching at Algonquin College in Ottawa and then at York Humber and St Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Toronto, where he taught automotive, machine shop, drafting, and eventually computer technology.

Tom’s passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom to the hockey arena at Heron Park Arena where he began coaching around the same time his youngest son started to play. While he only coached Rob for a couple seasons, Tom would continue to be involved with the West Hill Minor Hockey League for the next 50 years as a convenor, statistician, and coach. He was also actively involved in the Shamrock Hockey tournament every year, and played briefly in the Old Timers League. However, his greatest on-ice achievement was being able to coach his grandson, Zack.

Tom loved golf…and golf balls. When he retired from teaching, he took a job at Station Creek with his friend Mr. Cook, so he could “play for free”. The game took Tom and “the boys” all across the United States for a little G & G (golf and gambling). Golf also brought Tom closer to his other great love - The Toronto Maples Leafs. Dad was a regular volunteer at the Wendel Clark Tournament where he got to rub elbows with some of the greats. He loved to talk about “his friends” Bobby Hall, Dougie Gilmore and of course Wendel.

Both Tom and Jean were very proud and active members of the Kin Club of West Hill and maintained those relationships with their continued involvement in the K-40 club as Tom was an honoured lifetime member.

Tom was heartbroken when his soul mate, Jean, passed away this August. Mom and Dad were childhood sweethearts who were married for over 60 years. They demonstrated an unswerving faithfulness and commitment to each other and did very little else without the other. Knowing that they are together again is a comfort for us. May he rest in peace.