It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Walton Mercer, a long-time resident of Cambridge, Ontario. He was in his 99th year.
Tom was born in Albion Park (Weston), Ontario, in 1924 to parents George and Annie. During his early years, the family moved to Galt. At the age of 18, Tom enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he served as a Leading Aircraftman from 1942-1945. He later joined the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 121, Cambridge), and was a member for over 50 years.
Following the end of World War II, he returned to Cambridge and married Audrey (nee: Ashton) in 1947, and they had one son, Donald. Tom and Audrey were inseparable during their marriage, sharing 68 happy years together. Even after Audrey passed away in 2015, she remained the love of Tom’s life. Tom joined the Galt Fire Department in 1949 and was employed there for 35 years before retiring at the rank of Captain in 1984. Retirement did not slow Tom down, however. He had a love of life and an easy-going manner, which inspired him to spend his time engaging in volunteer work. As a founding member of St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Tom acted as a treasurer and sat on the Board of Managers. St. Giles later joined with St. Andrew’s Church to form Westside Presbyterian Church, where Tom continued to worship.
Tom was an active member of the David Durward Centre, volunteering in many capacities on a regular basis. It was through the Centre that he discovered a love for crafting stained glass artwork, and he was always pleased to create something beautiful for those around him. He often donated his work to charity events and fundraisers. More important than anything to Tom was his family. He was a loving father and was patient in the way that only the parent of an engineer could be. He was always happy to spend time with his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, sharing his love of gardening, birds, and carpentry. Tom was always willing to play board games, build wooden boats, or explore the great outdoors while holding tiny hands. He was patient and kind, always willing to help those around him.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. Tom was pre-deceased by his parents, George and Annie; his wife, Audrey; and his sisters, Joan Costall and Jessie Beechey. Tom is survived by his son Donald (Jane), of Spencerville, Ontario; his grandchildren Darren (Karren) of Gatineau, Quebec; Geoffrey (Maren) of Prince George, British Columbia; Andrea of Gatineau, Quebec; and Destiny of Spencerville, Ontario; and by his great-grandchildren Ethan, Mataya, Keeleigh, Arison, and Elliott. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of Riverbend Place, Cambridge for the kindness and loving care they provided to Tom during the past eight months. They would also like to thank the staff of Cambridge Memorial Hospital for their compassion and support.
Please join us in celebrating his life on Monday, September 26, at T. Little Funeral Home, 223 Main St., Cambridge. Visitation from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Service at 3:00pm with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to T. Little Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
