Obituary for Thomas Claude Gronert
Tom passed away on May 19, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Kirkland Lake to Frederick Marshall (Charlie) and Laura Gronert. At age 10, Tom’s family moved to Cardiff, Ontario.
Tom followed in his father’s footsteps and became a hard rock miner. He arrived in Manitouwadge in 1964 to work at Geco Mines, and it was there that he met his wife Evelyn (nee Basford).
After a long career working underground (which he loved), Tom transitioned to the Mine Safety Department. Following the closure of Geco, Tom worked as a Safety Consultant at mines across Canada, Scandinavia, and Asia. Tom and Evelyn moved to Thunder Bay in 2001 and Tom began working at Lac Des Iles mine.
Tom retired in 2009. He enjoyed his retirement, helping his dear late mother-in-law Sylvia and socializing with his life-long friend, the late Mike O’Shaughnessy. Tom was an active member at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church where he was always eager to help. During Tom’s illness, he looked forward to his weekly “senior calls” with his good friend Al Fugelsang. They shared many stories, and these calls were uplifting for Tom.
Tom is survived by his wife Evelyn, son Mark and daughter Rhonda, siblings Marshall (Anne) and Kathy Bath, sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Don Kerby, niece Lynn and nephews Bob (Cathy) and Ken (Lilly) Bednarek. Tom will be missed by his grandchildren Sage, Tanner and Mika.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Laura and Charlie, his in-laws, Frank and Sylvia Basford, granddaughter Rain, brother-in-law Richard Bath and niece LeeAnna Bednarek.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church or a charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Sargent & Sons Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
Tom followed in his father’s footsteps and became a hard rock miner. He arrived in Manitouwadge in 1964 to work at Geco Mines, and it was there that he met his wife Evelyn (nee Basford).
After a long career working underground (which he loved), Tom transitioned to the Mine Safety Department. Following the closure of Geco, Tom worked as a Safety Consultant at mines across Canada, Scandinavia, and Asia. Tom and Evelyn moved to Thunder Bay in 2001 and Tom began working at Lac Des Iles mine.
Tom retired in 2009. He enjoyed his retirement, helping his dear late mother-in-law Sylvia and socializing with his life-long friend, the late Mike O’Shaughnessy. Tom was an active member at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church where he was always eager to help. During Tom’s illness, he looked forward to his weekly “senior calls” with his good friend Al Fugelsang. They shared many stories, and these calls were uplifting for Tom.
Tom is survived by his wife Evelyn, son Mark and daughter Rhonda, siblings Marshall (Anne) and Kathy Bath, sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Don Kerby, niece Lynn and nephews Bob (Cathy) and Ken (Lilly) Bednarek. Tom will be missed by his grandchildren Sage, Tanner and Mika.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Laura and Charlie, his in-laws, Frank and Sylvia Basford, granddaughter Rain, brother-in-law Richard Bath and niece LeeAnna Bednarek.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church or a charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Sargent & Sons Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.