Obituary

After an incredible 90 years of living life to its fullest, Tom passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on October 2. He was the beloved son of James Sylvester Synnott (1969) and Loretto Mary Beechinor (2001). Tom will be deeply missed by his surviving siblings Denice Samson, Frederick and wife Helen, sister-in-law Margaret all of Guelph and brother-in-law Robert Mandzen of Byron, IL. Predeceased by his siblings William (2021), Leo and his wife Lucy (2018), Mary Mandzen (2020), Barry (1967) and brother-in-law Henry Samson (1999). Tom was the middle child in this large loving family; he remained a bachelor but lived with and cared for both of his parents and then shared residences with his sister Denice over the last 25 years enjoying their friendship. Uncle Tom will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews. He attended all family weddings, birthdays and celebrations, no party was complete without him. He became “Great Uncle Tom” to the next 2 generations and lovingly “UT” to so many of us. Tom grew up in the farming communities of Eramosa and Erin Townships. After graduating from Fergus District High School, he moved to Guelph. For over 40 years he was a Medical Laboratory Senior Technologist in Virology on the campus of the Ontario Veterinary College. Tom was proud of the work he accomplished most notably under the direction of his mentor and lifelong friend Dr. Andre Gagnon. Prior to his retirement in 1996 Tom had been responsible for preparing student labs and assisted many Master and PhD students in their research in isolating and identifying avian influenza viruses and the canine parvo virus. Even though Tom never attained a drivers license it didn’t prevent him from getting around or seeing the world. He spent many years travelling by buses, taxis, trains and planes (not to mention family “Taxi Service”). Tom began travelling at a young age and continued through his entire life. He particularly enjoyed cruising the Rhine, his trips to Italy, the Mediterranean, The Holy Land, North Africa, the Caribbean, South America, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. He also enjoyed travelling in his later years with his siblings, visiting the Canadian West Coast, Alaska and Washington State as well as many other trips to Canada’s East Coast. Tom was the family historian; he belonged to many genealogical societies and had a passion for finding family connections. He connected with people throughout North America and Ireland sharing his photographs and research. Since his mother, Loretto lived to be 97 she was the source of a multitude of information. After 3 visits to Ireland, he found the Synnott family ancestors originated in Atateemore, County Kilkenny. When Tom wasn’t busy doing family research he could be found in his yard and flower gardens. He established friendships with so many of his neighbours. Tom took on his Mother’s farm traditions of preserving pickles, jams and jellies; that he shared with friends and family. Tom had a love of art and music as well as collecting antiques, especially if they had family history. Tom was a member of St. Joseph’s Church for over 70 years. He was past president of the Holy Name Society and a member of the Knights of Columbus. One of his favourite volunteer roles was that he was known as “KAA” to many young boys in Cubs and Scouts, as a founding leader he helped start the group in the parish. Tom had many fond memories of campouts especially at CYO Camp Brébeuf and Barber Scout Camp. On behalf of the family, Randy and Lori Samson and Nancy and Doug Evans, would like to thank the Doctors, NP, nurses and support staff at Guelph General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph Lake Commons, The Nottingham / Elliott and Hospice Wellington for the support received over the past few months. Tom will be greatly missed by family and friends, but his memories shall always be with us. Services have taken place. Cremation and burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oustic will follow later. Tom will be buried in the family plot, alongside his ancestors dating back six generations. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: St. Peter’s Church – Cemetery Fund Guelph General Hospital Building Fund, Hospice Wellington. Donations may be made and condolences left at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com