Obituary for Tom Silvis
Passed away peacefully at Bethell House Hospice, Inglewood, on Wednesday January 13, 2021 in his 83rd year. Beloved Husband of Gerda Silvis for 60 years. Loving father of Joanne Kleine Deters (Gerry) Brenda Broekema (Albert) and Nancy Dewolde (Jeff). Cherished grandfather of Nicole (Joel), Tom, Mitchell (Caitlin), Ryan (Deandra), Michael (Laura), Cameron, Christopher (Julia) and Elise (Tom). Great-grandfather of Ben, Hayley, Zachary, Miller, Sadie, Norah, Kinsley, Alexa and Blake.
Tom was born to Leendert & Jeroentje Silvis on February 9, 1938 in the Netherlands, middle child to older brother Hans and younger sister Loes. He married Gerda “Grace” on May 3, 1960 and immigrated to Canada on the 19th of that same month. After getting settled in Canada he spent most of his working career in management in the printing business.
Tom and Grace had three daughters Joanne, Brenda and Nancy, and for the most part they raised them in Richmond Hill and Thornhill. The family had so many good times camping and then later at the cottage which Tom loved. In his later years they settled in Acton where he eventually retired from his working life only to enjoy a busy time of volunteering and spending time with his constantly expanding family. Tom and Grace were dedicated members of their church’s Disaster Response Service for fifteen years, traveling on annual trips to help rebuild homes for those devastated by natural disasters.
Tom best expressed his deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ through song. He had a lovely baritone voice and used this gift with enthusiasm as a member of the music team “Sonrise” at the Acton CRC.
Tom was a happy, friendly, outgoing man who loved to talk to people and enjoyed socializing. He enjoyed game play and loved to laugh. He was close to and very proud of his family.
He will be greatly missed.
If desired, donations the Parkinson Society of Canada or Bethell Hospice would be appreciated by the family.
Tom was born to Leendert & Jeroentje Silvis on February 9, 1938 in the Netherlands, middle child to older brother Hans and younger sister Loes. He married Gerda “Grace” on May 3, 1960 and immigrated to Canada on the 19th of that same month. After getting settled in Canada he spent most of his working career in management in the printing business.
Tom and Grace had three daughters Joanne, Brenda and Nancy, and for the most part they raised them in Richmond Hill and Thornhill. The family had so many good times camping and then later at the cottage which Tom loved. In his later years they settled in Acton where he eventually retired from his working life only to enjoy a busy time of volunteering and spending time with his constantly expanding family. Tom and Grace were dedicated members of their church’s Disaster Response Service for fifteen years, traveling on annual trips to help rebuild homes for those devastated by natural disasters.
Tom best expressed his deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ through song. He had a lovely baritone voice and used this gift with enthusiasm as a member of the music team “Sonrise” at the Acton CRC.
Tom was a happy, friendly, outgoing man who loved to talk to people and enjoyed socializing. He enjoyed game play and loved to laugh. He was close to and very proud of his family.
He will be greatly missed.
If desired, donations the Parkinson Society of Canada or Bethell Hospice would be appreciated by the family.