Obituary of Thomas Ignatius Hishon

Passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener at the age of 65. 

Predeceased by his son Tommy in 1999, his parents Thomas and Beatrice Hishon and his father and mother-in-law Cyril and Marguerite Barber.

Survived by his wife Deborah and son Jim, his grandchildren Fionna and Harvey, his brothers Donny and Terry (Anne), sisters Sharon Kay (Jerry), Maureen Morrison (Paul), Mary Anne Durbin (Dave) and Juli Watson (James), brother-in-law Don Barber (Marilyn), sister-in-law Betty Ann Martin (James), and many nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Tom”.

We asked the family to describe Tom in their own words, and this is what they came up with; Tom was ambitious, analytical, and authentic, in other words a true artist. He was calm, cool and always in control, he was always willing to listen and even though he was a man of few words, he would give good advice, he had a willingness to help with whatever was needed. He would never judge anybody else, was incredibly kind and you could always go to Tom with any problem. Some people would call him Mr. fix-it, Mr. Gadget and he was always on the leading edge of technology. Tom was incredibly supportive of his siblings and shared a unique bond with each and every one of them. Tom was always the first one to encourage his family with a yes you can attitude. Multiple family members’ first words when describing Tom would be either ‘witty’ or ‘clever’ which is very fitting considering Tom had a very dry and witty sense of humour, he was always quick with a zinger. Tom always had a good fashion sense and would never be seen in anything less than his best. Tom was an incredible drummer and it has been said that “Tom made mediocre bass players be great and great bass players be amazing”. Tom loved music but Drumming was always his passion and played with several bands throughout the years. He was a uniquely talented musician. Tom and Deb took a trip to Ireland last year and when the plane landed the first thing Tom said was “I feel like I’m home”. Tom loved his family very much, was a doting Grandfather to his loves Fionna and Harvey. Tom didn’t show his true smile to the camera often but when his grandchildren were with him he didn’t have a choice. He was a proud Father who loved his sons and will be dearly missed by his wife Deb and each and every person who was lucky enough to know him.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Thomas with his family during memorial visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Sunday, March 18, 2018 from 2-5 p.m.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018 in the chapel of the funeral home, with Rev. Alex Mazur officiating. Reception to follow in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Canadian Blood Services may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. A donation of your blood in memory of Tom to the Canadian Blood Services would be most welcome.