Obituary of Thomas Frederick Coleman
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On April 20th, 2021, Thomas Frederick Coleman, 70, died peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Thomas Coleman was born in Montreal, Quebec to Frederick Thomas Coleman and Elsie Coleman on November 21st, 1950. He attended high school at Riverdale Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario. Tom went on to obtain higher education in Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, eventually earning his PhD in Mathematics in 1979. He was a professor in the Department of Computer Science at Cornell University for 25 years, and the Director of the Cornell Theory Center. Tom returned to the University of Waterloo in 2005 to be the Dean of the Faculty of the Mathematics, and remained an active professor through the fall of 2020. Tom established Cayuga Research Inc, alongside his son Conrad, a consulting company focused on applied optimization methods.
Tom was hardworking, innovative, and determined throughout his career, inspired by his close work with students and colleagues across the globe. Alongside his work, Tom fostered an enthusiasm for athletic pursuits and outdoor activities. He found great satisfaction in his solo cycling ventures, playing sports and games with his family, and canoeing peacefully in the lake at his family’s beloved cottage.
Tom was a strong pillar in his family, beloved husband to Yuying Li, father to Conrad, Danny (Mary Kate), and Lena. He is survived by his siblings, Diane (Brian), Peter (Jeab), Ted, Stan, and his first wife, Marianne. Tom is forever remembered by his nieces and nephews, Michelle (Steve), Andrew, Valerie, Chris, Jonathon, and Justin.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, to attend the visitation for Thomas, personal face coverings are required, and relatives and friends must RSVP by signing up here or by calling the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445. Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. A private family funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. EST. Family and friends are invited to view the livestream and recording of the service at www.erbgood.com, top of Tom’s obituary page. Interment will follow at Minden Cemetery, Minden, Ontario.
Condolences for the family and donations to Grand River Hospital Foundation - Cancer Centre may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.