Tom Wildgust
August 27, 2023
With family by his side, Tom passed peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 80. Born on December 13, 1942 to his parents Harold (1987) and Irene (née Deacon) (1965) Wildgust. Survived by his wife, Barb (née Gale), the love of his life and soulmate, who were together for 34 years and married for 25. Also proud of his son Michael Wildgust and daughter Amy (Matt) Luscombe. Loving Boompa or Boomps to Heather Wildgust, Jonah and Rowen Luscombe. Survived by his sister Julie (Sam) Dragich, and his special nephews Dr. Kevin (Tammy) Easterbrook, Tim (Christy) Easterbrook; niece, Christine (David) Easterbrook; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Loved by mother-in-law Norma Gale of London, and brother-in-law to the “GaleForce”: Debbie Aitchison, Elaine Gale (Tom Curran), Don (Kelly) Gale, Cheryl (Al) McEown, Karen (Jeff) McCoskey, who all made Tom feel welcome from day one. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his stepmom Pat (née Ironside) (2021); father-in-law Phil Gale (2008); Uncle Roy of Philadelphia (2007); and brother-in-law Ian Aitchison (2005). Tom (AKA Tommy, Gus or Bubba) was first and foremost a loving husband and father who treasured the smallest moments in life that many take for granted. He had an ability to create deep connections with people he met even momentarily. This ability made him a caring friend to many, regardless of their walks of life. Tom was valedictorian of his graduating class at Victoria Public School in 1955. His valiant character was a common thread throughout his life; at the age of only 14 in the summer of 1956, he saved a father and son from drowning at Sauble Beach. In 1961, Tom was the president of the London South Collegiate graduating class. He joined London Life working in the Health Claims department in October of 1962. The highlight of his career here occurred in 1980 – London Life had volunteered their switchboard, to accept donations for the Terry Fox ‘Marathon of Hope’. As supervisor of Office Services and responsible for the switchboard, Tom set up and staffed the nine incoming lines. He found it to be a very moving and inspirational experience. Tom was commended by the CEO of London Life and the Canadian Cancer Society for his contribution – the telethon raised over $112,000! He retired from London Life in 1997 after a rewarding 35-year career. Sports were never far from Tom’s mind. As a ranger/starter at Pine Knot Golf and Country Club for 20 years, he was often complimented on his sense of humour and courteous manner. His best round was 76 (with a hole in one, of course!). Tom started playing Eager Beaver Baseball before his teens, played hockey and football for the South Lions, and caught fastball for London Life. He then played slo pitch for several years, after which he umpired for 25. In the early eighties, he took up competitive racquetball and continued playing until his knees had to be replaced in 2002. Tom was a Cleveland Indian fan; his favourite football team being the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts from 1958. Barb and Tom loved to travel, visiting several close friends and relatives in Canada, the US and Europe. They both loved animals, mainly cats, hence the 12 they had over the years. Tom and Barb enjoyed watching the grandkids play sports including basketball, baseball, and hockey (and always with ice cream afterwards!). They joined Corvettes of Western Ontario in 2007 where they made lots of friends and went on many car cruises. Tom and Barb shared everything except the same last name, until Tom’s retirement party, when, after nine years together including buying a home, he proposed. The rest is history.
Celebration of Life will be held at The Ceeps, 671 Richmond Street, London on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Tom are asked to consider Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre or a charity of their choice.
Leave a tribute for Tom Wildgust
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Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing Barb. It’s been many years since our paths crossed but that picture is such a great reminder of the look he had each time we met. Thank you for sharing. Rest in peace Tom.
Sorry for your loss Barb. We used to have a lot of fun together. Tom was a great guy he will be missed.
Barb, so sorry for your loss! My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Thinking of you at this difficult time. He was a kind soul and I know you will miss him dearly. Sending big hugs.
A donation has been made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre. Message from the donator: Barb, Maxine and I are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a good friend for many years and he will be dearly missed. All our love, Glen and Maxine
So sorry Barb for your loss. Tom was a major player in the awesome GaleForce family. It was a joy knowing him; such a happy, loving and caring man. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Hugs, Carl and Marion
I was very sorry to learn of the passing of Tom. We enjoyed a chat together at the recent 100th Anniversary of South Collegiate where Tom and I were teammates on the football team. We also spent time as students working together at Silverwood Dairies while in the ice cream production area—we likely ate more ice cream than we produced. Tom was not only an extremely fine athlete, he was also a genuine person. My condolences to Tom’s family whch includes my dear friend, Julie the sister of Tom. Ross Spettigue, Windsor, ON
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great guy and I have many good memories both on and off the ball diamond. I know Jim always respected him as a colleague and friend. May he Rest In Peace ♥️
Barb, so very sorry for the loss of Tom, your soul mate. I knew him from umpiring the LL Baseball League games at the recgrounds... his "STRIKE" was on point and no arguments... saw him regularly pull up in the latest Vette to pick you up from work. He will be watching over you.
Barb, I was so sorry to read of Tom’s death. We had a lot of happy times together over the years. You were good for him and to him.
Tom was such a lovely, fun-loving person. I enjoyed seeing him in the hallways at London Life as he always had a friendly smile and kind words. He will be very missed. My thoughts are with you Barb and the rest of Tom's family.
So very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.
Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing Barb. He always had the brightest outlook and such a great taste in cars! Our sincerest condolences and trust you'll always remember the great times you guys had.
Tom will be remembered as always being in the spotlight. He was a lot of fun to be around. Over the years I enjoyed many laughs and good times with Tom and Barb. I know he will be missed by anyone that knew him. My thoughts go out to Barb and the rest of the family. I hope all the good memories will help you through this time of grief.
Dear Barb I was both shocked and saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. Such a kind and fun loving person. He had a personality bigger than life. He was one of a kind for sure. I am so sorry for your loss and send my sincerest sympathy.
Dear Barb and Tom's family. I worked with Tom at London Life from July 1963 until I retired in 1997 (Freedom 55 at 53)! He was so kind to all of us who started that summer. He was a real heart throb, as his photo showed. He will surely be missed. May you be comforted b the love and support of your family and friends. My condolences.
Dear Barb, I’m so sorry for your loss. Tom was a fantastic person and I will always remember his great sense of humour. My condolences to the whole family.
Tom will be missed so much by so many. I enjoyed working many years with Tom and the group of us having such good laughs at outings and Christmas parties or just coming to your home for a visit. I miss those days. Barb, our prayers and condolences are with you and your family at this most difficult of times. Mary and Tim Gibbens.
Tommy…I’ll never forget the fun and laughter we had when we were together…I am definitely going to miss my mooning buddy…love you…until we meet again..
Services for Tom Wildgust
Celebration of Life will be held at:
The Ceeps
671 Richmond Street,
London, Ontario
September 16, 2023 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
A donation has been made to Salthaven.
~ Ruth Urquhart and Dick Gallagher