It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Tom Fry, age 76, on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances after succumbing to illness. He left surrounded by his loving family.
Tom is survived by his wife Diane; sons Darren (Brandy) and Steve (Brandy); stepchildren Melanie Reed (Chris), Kevin (Adrienne) Lake, and Krista Lake (Steve); grandchildren Karlee and Callie Fry, Bella and Leni Fry, Trenton and Blake Reed, Sammy Stone, Lorelei and Parker Lake; brothers-in-law Guy (Kim) Beaudry and Marc Beaudry; sister-in-law Monique (Kevin) Penney; nephew Cameron Penney; nieces Lauren Penney, Katja Sutherland, Anika Beaudry, Hailey and Victoria Beaudry; in-laws Lorraine and Red Beaudry; and extended family.
Tom was born in Fort William, Ontario, on March 12,1946, to Tom and Jean Fry. He was an only child, raised by his parents, grandmother and aunt. This is why he always said he had three mothers. Tom attended high school at Fort William Collegiate Institute and played football. From there he went on to Lakehead University, where he studied business. He worked a few years for Texaco after he graduated then returned to Lakehead to get his Bachelor of Education. He had a teaching placement in Fort Frances and was loved so much, he was offered a job with the Fort Frances – Rainy River District School Board. He spent the later years of his teaching career as a curriculum consultant.
In addition to education, Tom loved sports. He was an avid Blue Jays fan and liked golfing, curling and fishing. He spent hours golfing at Kitchen Creek Golf Course, one of his favourite places. He had some unforgettable golfing experiences over the years. Hole 4 holds special memories. As hard as he tried, the hole-in-one always eluded him.
Tom enjoyed curling. He was a life-time member of the Fort Frances Curling Club. He was instrumental in the building of the new rink on 8th Street by being part of the Organizational and Building Committee of the Fort Frances Curling Club (1991 to 1993), which recently was inducted into the Fort Frances Sports Hall of Fame. He shared his love of curling with the younger generation by coaching the Fort Frances High School Muskie Curling team. He was also president of the Curling Club from 1985 to 1987. Tom was awarded National Curling Club Volunteer of the Year in 2005-2006 by the Canadian Curling Association.
Volunteering was a large part of Tom’s life. He was also very involved in the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship since it began in 1995. He chaired this popular district event for a number of years. When he finally decided to step down, he advocated by encouraging others to step up because he knew how important it was to the community.
Tom had an extensive network of friends from across the district and his travels. He spent a few winters in Texas and Florida. Everyone who knew him had their own relationship and story. He made a life of what he gave and will be known for his generosity; giving freely of his time, his cooking, and conversation. P.S: His sous chefs will tell you that he could dirty every dish in the kitchen. Tom will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Fort Frances Curling Club in his memory.
A service will be held on Friday, October 14, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Fort Frances Curling
Club.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. Emo, Ont.
