Contributions to the tribute of Thomas "Tom" William Kane

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Jan Kertesz posted a condolence

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Dear Cheryl, Jacqueline and family, I am sorry for your loss and am shocked and saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I had the good fortune of working with Tom at NDI and was even more fortunate that he agreed to be photographer at my wedding back in 2000. He certainly was a man with many talents, and it was a pleasure to have him and Cheryl attend such a special day in my life. I will always remember Tom’s fun-loving spirit and his ability to find humour in every situation. Tom was a mentor to so many and always happily shared his time and knowledge with those around him. Rest in peace, Tom. Jan Kertesz

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Lana Grodzevich posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

It took me a long time to be able to sit down and write this. Please allow me first to express my deepest condolences for your loss. I had a privilege of working directly under Tom's supervision on his sales team and even though I did not know him very long, he left a lasting impression on me and I will always remember him as one of my most inspiring managers. He was an excellent mentor, unconventional thinker and has taught me to stand my ground and to always stay positive among many other professional skills. I will never forget his infectious smile and his warm voice and ability to stay calm while solving most difficult or high-risk problems while being under any degree of pressure! No matter what I brought to his table, I always came out of his office with a new plan and feeling reassured that everything will work out and it always did! He continued to help me even after our professional ways parted. If I may say this, it is also very difficult to loose a person who truly believed in you... Tom, your legacy will live on in many hearts, and I am truly thankful for everything! Rest in Peace, boss!

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Andrea Andrade uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Kane family. You could talk to Tom about any topic, and at any time. No matter how big or how small the topic of conversation was, he loved to brainstorm, plan, learn and even loved a great debate. Always a can-do attitude, in an uplifting, positive and motivational way. Not afraid to take risks, or deal with the consequences taking every opportunity as a learning experience. From all of the constant planning, brainstorming sessions, SKO meetings, and strategy meetings we had, his end goal was always to ensure the Team was taken care of, and that Virtek was positioned in the best light possible even up to his last days. Resilience is something that Tom executed through and through, he was empowering and led this team through great and challenging times. Most recently during uncharted waters during COVID, while battling his health at the same time. He didn’t skip a beat, kept the pace, yet brought a calmness to the chaos. People needed that, people felt that, and people will never forget this. While I knew Tom professionally, he shared and exemplified true family values. Personally, during the pandemic, I got to know more about Tom@Home, as he would say “hang on a minute, I need to take the bread out of the oven, or telling me how his pasta turned out, give me a sec, my grand- daughter is walking by,” the wine choice he was going to enjoy that evening with him and Cheryl. Tom is the light that continues to ignite everyone that has had the pleasure to have crossed his path. While in spirit he continues to motivate and inspire. My deepest condolences to the Kane Family and his wee granddaughter Lorelei, know that he adored you and talked so much about you and your little adventures together. You brought him so much joy and happiness and know that he will be with you forever. Sharing one of our favorite Virtek Team adventures. Of course, an SKO (Sales Kick Off) at Blue Mountain Resort. Tom, Thank you for everything. Keep smiling and may you rest in peace. With heavy heart, Andrea Andrade ~ Virtek Team Member

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Elizabeth Newman posted a condolence

Monday, February 22, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Tom when we were both at OpenText. After he left he still kept in touch via LInkedin. Tom was always passionate about whatever he was doing and infused that spirit in those around him. His light will be missed by so many but most deeply by his family. Rest in peace good sir!

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Sebastian Santa posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Toms passing. I've had the privilege (and it was an absolute privilege) to work for Tom at a few different companies throughout my career. Tom always took the time to help, give advice and share great stories. He was a great leader, mentor and friend to so many of us and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to the family.

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Tracy Sinclair posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Every time I think of Tom, it is of him laughing. A genuinely honest and witty guy, what a loss

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Josh Horstmann posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

I met Tom when he was at OpenText and we stayed in touch over the years. So sorry to see the news about his passing. My prayers are with you and your family.

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ELIZABETH KULCZYCKI posted a condolence

Monday, February 15, 2021

Dear Kane Family, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to each of you. I have fond childhood memories of cousin Tom. Love to you all. Elizabeth Kulczycki

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Bill Butt posted a condolence

Saturday, February 13, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Kane family. I knew Tom through colleagues while working at OpenText and can say he was held in the highest esteem by way of his ongoing guidance and support to leaders in various departments. Tom always had a smile and a story to tell for everyone he met. RIP Tom. Sincerely, Bill Butt

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Peter Richter posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

To Tom’s family; My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I enjoyed meeting Tom at events around the world. He always had a welcoming smile and something positive to say. I know he will be sorely missed by the team at Virtek. May he rest in peace.

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Reneta Johnson posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues of Tom, This is such a shocking, sad news and a great loss for the aerospace community. I met Tom during an industry conference and he made a long lasting impression. His passion, optimism and care makes him very special forever. Tom, you will be missed terribly! My deepest Condolences! Reneta Johnson

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Lynn Schmidt donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

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Lynn Schmidt posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

I worked with Tom at NDI for many years, and stayed in touch after our careers each took us to new ventures. His wisdom, his candor, his keen sense of humour, his leadership - he was a delight to know. My sincerest condolences to Cheryl and the Kane family. Lynn Schmidt

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Harold Kim donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

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Dom C. posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

I met Tom during my time at OpenText and he was such a great guy to work with. We would laugh about the typical moves sales people would make only to have operations folks help them fix their issues. We would laugh about it all the time. Over the years we kept in touch, Last we talked he needed some help at his newest venture. I never knew he was sick nor did he tell me either. I will forever remember his smile, his candor and sense of humor. The picture here is exactly how I remember him. My condolences to you and your family. Dominick Conte

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Mark Davies donated to Metropolitan Community Church of Windsor

Monday, February 8, 2021

Cheryl, it is so sad that we've said goodbye to so many family recently and I can only hope that my thoughts and prayers will bring you some comfort in these trying times. Mark.

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Mark Davies posted a symbolic gesture

Monday, February 8, 2021

So sorry to hear of your loss.

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Gary Barfoot posted a condolence

Monday, February 8, 2021

I had the pleasure to work closely with Tom for 7+ years at NDI. Just a great all-around person. You will be missed.

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David Ristau donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Monday, February 8, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Cheryl and the Kane family at this time of loss for you. I worked with Tom at NDI and appreciated his can-do attitude and welcoming smile. I know he freely shared them with all the folks he met.

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Dean Catchpole posted a condolence

Monday, February 8, 2021

I have worked under Tom Kane's direction for 3 years & It is with all honesty that I say that Tom was the best leader anyone could wish for, always encouraging, engaging & supportive of his team. I always remember his Monday Motivation emails & how he would call everyone on his team regularly, simply to ask how they were doing. Tom was very approachable & I could always rely on Tom to give me advice and support me in my role which was given to me by Tom some 3.5 years ago. I have spent time with Tom on the road at sales event and internal meetings and apart from Tom being a great boss, he was also a truly nice guy who you could talk too off the record and have a beer with. I don't know anyone that has met Tom that has got anything but lovely things to say about him. Myself & the Virtek team send our thoughts and love to the Kane family and I offer my deepest condolences. I hope you find some comfort in knowing how much Tom was loved & respected by all. RIP my friend.

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Manfred Schmid posted a condolence

Monday, February 8, 2021

My name is Manfred Schmid and I'm the General Manager of NDI Europe, Germany. . Almost 20 years ago I had the opportunity to work with Tom at his time at NDI. Also we had only very limited contact at these times, I still have good memories working with him. He did a great job, supporting our just founded small NDI office in Germany. I will always remember the great person Tom. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

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Terry Fisher posted a condolence

Sunday, February 7, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends!

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Cindy Gordon posted a condolence

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Dear Tom's Family: My name is Dr. Cindy Gordon and I am the CEO of SalesChoice in Toronto Canada, and you may not know me or have heard of me. I met Tom with Garry Woods former CEO of Grand&Toy, etc, a Board Advisor of my company in 2013, when I had an idea of developing an AI Software as A Service Product that would overlay Salesforce data sets to predict future outcomes on win rates. On a cold call, Tom agreed to set up a meeting at OpenText to meet with Garry and I and with our Chief Data Scientist at the time, Dr. Yannick Lallement. We drove out together from Toronto to Waterloo to the OpenText office and Tom graciously gave us two hours of his time to learn what we were striving to build and accomplish, as we were looking for a sponsor to help innovate our R&D efforts. He immediately saw the value in what we were striving to build in our company and signed an Alpha Contract and subsequently a Beta Contract that helped us design, build and launch our first software release in his operating team acting as an R&D enabler for early stage software commercialization. Tom had incredible vision and foresight of what experience our software needed to do to bring value to sales professionals, and when he left OpenText, he continued to provide coaching and guidance and joined as a Board Advisor until his more senior role matured at Virtek. In my professional discussions with Tom, and on linked in, as my last brief chat with him was on January 27th - when he left a few words when I asked him how he was doing and that I was there if he needed any support - he simply said: " everyday is a struggle." Those were the last words I heard from Tom, subsequent to a long call we had in early November about his illness and his concerns that the outlook was grim, and he was worried he might not be with his family at Xmas. Tom left us too early, and he loved to learn, chase the rainbows, and keep healthy. When I spoke to him, usually monthly over the past 5 years, our conversations were always about business matters, but when he did speak of his family, he always raved about his grand-daughter and how wonderful it was to have her close to him and his wife. He frequently said - best thing that will happen to you Cindy in life as you have more time to spend with grandchildren than you did your own. We never do know when our time will come for us to join others before us - but I do think we all appreciate that Tom is no longer in pain and that he was frustrated in losing his mobility and his inability to read/focus/or write for very long, as his cancer advanced. I for one will miss Tom's creative brain, and his ongoing support of our company, and me professionally. If you knew Tom well, he was never afraid to challenge others, support innovation, and say how he felt, whether he was accurate or not, it did not matter, he did not care too much about politics in business and preferred to say how he felt, and was always game to take on the consequences, which did not always rest well with others. Some folks found him too prickly at times but if you knew him well - you knew there was a teddy bear inside close to his heart. I would say to everyone -Tom simply had a lot of courage as he knew who he was, who he was not, and knew who he was for -as he protected his people from what I could see during his tenure at OpenText, which takes courage as many large brands are challenged with building deep collaborate and authentic leadership practices. Tom was so excited about his new role leading the operation at Virtek International as he loves being a change agent. I am sure they will miss his can do attitude very much and his desire to improve operational efficiencies. His spark will be missed by many that much I am sure of. I know I will miss his bounce very much and his cheery views on the directions we were taking with our software product's directions. I for one am very grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Tom, and learn from him. He made a difference in my life and opened doors that few others would open for us - as Tom had a skill few leaders have and that is Tom was able to see future possibilities vs barriers. This is likely why we got along so much. I sincerely wish his family and friends much health and happiness as the circle of life continues. Sincerely, Dr. Cindy Gordon CEO and Founder SalesChoice

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David Smith posted a condolence

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Tom was an incredible manager. He had the amazing skill of understanding the big picture and mentored others in a way that summoned the most out of them. He didn't tell us necessarily what to do, but told us what we needed to hear so that we could best achieve our goals. I have been truely at aww about how he found the time to inspire so many people directly and still stay ahead of his regular job. Tom was a man I could talk to for hours on any topic and come out learning something new and inevitably having one or two books added to my reading list. My God he was well read. As I sit here and type this, I only need to turn my head a little and see the books on my bookshelf that were purchased because he recommended I read them. I'm not sure I will be able to get through them all. Tom had always already read the ones I recommend to him no matter how obscure. How? I don't know, but that was part of what made him special. He put in the work to be extraordinary, but not from what I could tell to be the gru, but because he loved it and it was the right thing to do. As a person, a manager, a friend, and someone I emulate to be like, I will always consider the "Everything that is Tom" to be like the speed of light, only approached and never surpassed.

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Ron Bowerman posted a condolence

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Condolences to Tom's family, I had the privilege of working with Tom at both Wescam and NDI, his positive and upbeat personality was indeed infectious to all around him. Ron Bowerman

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Virtek Vision International donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Tom was very supportive of community activity. We are glad to make this donation in his memory.

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Katherine Campbell posted a condolence

Saturday, February 6, 2021

While I have only known Tom for the past five years, his leadership and positive can-do approach to life, business and family, taught me a lot. He was a great help through the struggles with my Dad's situation, 100% behind family first. Even during our zoom calls, he took the time to wave to Lorelei on her walk past his house. My condolences to Tom's family through this difficult time. - Katherine Campbell

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Darian Butt posted a condolence

Saturday, February 6, 2021

I only had the pleasure to meet Tom for the first time within the last year, and mostly virtually, but I new immediately when I met him that he had a unique way of approaching work and life that I wanted to learn from. Thanks for everything.

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John Frick posted a condolence

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Tom was one of the “good guys” in the software industry and a gentleman. I will hold him in the light

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Russ Stuebing donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

I’m so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to work with Tom at OT and was inspired by his passion and positivity. He will be missed.

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April King posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

My deepest condolences to your whole family. I had the privilege to get to know and work closely with Tom at OpenText. He was a class act, super smart and was always ready to lend an ear and give great advice. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

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Kristen and Morgan donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

We cannot begin to express our deepest condolences to the whole family. Cheryl, Jacqueline, Billy, and Lorelei - you all are in our thoughts and hearts every day.

James Cleaver posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

I had the privilege of recruiting and onboarding Tom to OpenText and we stayed in contact over the years after. He was passionate and funny and cared so deeply about everyone. He wanted to succeed but wanted everyone to succeed with him. Keep smiling old friend. My sincere condolences to his family, whom he talked about every chance he got. James Cleaver

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Natalie and Kevin Salvisburg donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

Our deepest condolences to your family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

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Alex Kinsella posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

Dear Cheryl, Jacqueline, Billy and Lorelei, I had the great opportunity to work with Tom at Communitech - learned so much by working with him. My condolences. Alex Kinsella

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Diane and Steve Gulas donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

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Mark Phillips donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

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Paulette Martel posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

Dear Cheryl, Jacqueline, Billy and Lorelei, Mike and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. May your warm memories console you during this most difficult time. Paulette Martel and Mike Emmerich

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Bob Embleton posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

My sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Tom many years ago at NDI and spoke to him just recently at Virtek out of a chance reconnecting with new business. It was such a shock to hear of this news.

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Virtek Vision International uploaded photo(s)

Friday, February 5, 2021

Tom had such an impact on those of us at Virtek. His calm nature and strong leadership will be missed. We miss you Tom and we wish you peace.

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Shelley Gunn lit a candle

Friday, February 5, 2021

Tom was always there with that special smile. My deepest condolences to his family during this time; he will most definitely be missed.

Janet Lochhead-Luisser lit a candle

Friday, February 5, 2021

I am deeply saddened to lose Tom. He was such a positive person in this world, we needed more not less like him. Condolences to his wife and family. He was truly a great man. Janet Luisser (colleague and friend)

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Anthony posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

I was introduced to Tom as a part of the Communitech Academy Strong leaders training as my mentor. Tom had this magic way of providing guidance while also remaining impartial and allowing you to find your own path. I’ll always treasure the early morning coffees at the Williams formerly on Northfield with him, and the advice he was able to provide me as I embarked on my career. Tom’s passion for life and enabling others to succeed will be greatly missed and I hope to pay it forward as he did for me, he truly was a role model to many. Thank you for all that you did Tom, you will be missed.

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Marg Hutchinson posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, February 5, 2021

Our condolences to the Kane family on the passing of Tom. Although I think I met him once, I have heard many stories from his sister Brenda. The loss of a loved one is unbearable. The hurt, the aches, the loneliness will linger within forever. especially when the one you lost had such an impact on everyone he touched. My family and friends bring you comfort at this time. Our hearts mourn for Tom and the family. With our Sincere Sympathy Marg Hutchinson and Bill Carroll

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Jim Nardi posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

Very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I went to high school with Tom, and though we personally stay in touch, it was always great to chat and share our lives in recent years via social media. Such a great sense of humour. I'll miss seeing him and his reports on his epic bike rides. Our condolences to all you. Jim Nardi

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Dayna Dautner donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

Tom was a very special man.... he was a colleague, he was my mentor, and finally a great friend to me over our days at Open Text, D2L, and Igloo. An incredible man, and gone far too young. He will surely be missed, and condolences to his family, especially his wife who he spoke about daily. RIP TKO

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Pam Sutela posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

My condolences to the Kane family. I worked for Tom at OpenText many years ago and have very fond memories of Tom. He was a wonderful leader and mentor.

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Agnieszka posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

My condolences to the Kane family. Tom was an incredible, charismatic person. I worked with him and for him and OpenText and D2L. Agnieszka Piatek

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Lynn Scheffel donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Kane family. I had the pleasure of working closely with Tom at D2L, unforgettable memories.

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Mandy & Sebastian Santa donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the Kane family. Tom was a true friend.

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Lorri Scott posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

No words can describe how saddened we are to hear of the passing of Tom Jr. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow and comfort on the midst of pain. Ted and Lorri Scott

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Doris Robertson posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this very sad time. Keith & Doris (Feit) Robertson

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Susan DiDiodato donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

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Erika Bryant donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER

Friday, February 5, 2021

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Derrick Stanford posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We worked together at OpenText and stayed friends afterwards. I always enjoyed his company and sense of humor. My condolences to Tom's family and friends.

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Jeannie Barbu posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

His picture is perfect, that is exactly how I will always remember Tom...huge smile, kind word and an encouraging word. I worked with Tom at OpenText and years later if I met him at a Tech event, he never forget my name, never forgot who I was. He always made you feel like you were the most interesting person in the room. My sincere condolences to the family and close friends. He is one of those people I will never forget. Jeannie Barbu

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Sarah Nicholl posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

I'm so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I worked with him at D2L, he was a professional and engaging leader, and always so positive and helpful. He will be very missed. My deepest condolences to your family.

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Lila Walker posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

On behalf of my mother and all of us in the Cecchelli family, deepest condolences to the Kane family. Tom is fondly remembered by us all and this news was a shock to us. Our families have been friends for over 50 years. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

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Billy Eaton Posted Feb 5, 2021 at 12:51 PM

I've been around the Kane family since 2006 and have heard wonderful stories about the Cecchelli family over the years. He loved to talk about the times you spent together.

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Michael Malloy posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

I don't think I can get through a working day without thinking of or applying some sort of lesson learned from Tom. A truly inspiring leader and more importantly a great person. From our family to yours, sending condolences and positive thoughts.

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Sean Francoz posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

Sincerest condolences for this terrible loss. Tom will be greatly missed at Virtek. His positivity and vision have made a big impact on the business but more even more significant was his impact on all of the team members he worked with. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sean Francoz from Virtek

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Colleen Madsen lit a candle

Friday, February 5, 2021

I am very sorry for your loss. Tom was a fire that burned brightly in this world, and he will be dearly missed. His passion and drive will live on in his Virtek family.

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ANNA CROSBY posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful soul and we hope you take comfort in your memories. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. - Anna & Ray Crosby

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Dave Cecchelli posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

I’m so very sorry to hear this news.. Although Tom and I hadn’t seen each other in many years I often thought about our past and the great times we had together!! My condolences to you all...

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Billy Eaton posted a condolence

Friday, February 5, 2021

He loved his Granddaughter so very much. He loved making her smile and laugh

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Jacqueline uploaded photo(s)

Friday, February 5, 2021

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The family of Thomas "Tom" William Kane uploaded a photo

Friday, February 5, 2021

Thomas "Tom" William Kane

1962 - 2021