Obituary of Tom Curtis

It is with profound sadness that the Curtis and Masters families announce the passing of Tom(Thomas E.)Curtis, beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.

Tom was loved by all who knew him. He was gentle, easygoing, and thoughtful, always generous of his heart, time, wisdom and life experience. He was welcoming and respectful of everyone he met. He fought bravely through a number of health issues in the past several years and made the most of every minute with his family.

Born in Galveston, Texas, Tom took a circuitous route via a backpacking trip through Europe before landing in Toronto, where he met friends who became his Canadian family. Not long after, he met Cathy and the Masters became his family as well. Tom always remained devoted to his family back in Texas, taking regular trips to visit and remaining close with all of them, whether it was never forgetting a
birthday or sending his nieces and nephews a care package.

Tom was a wonderful family man and a devoted husband and father. He was always available to his sons Michael and Phillip, whether it was to help with homework, their favourite sports, or just to hang out. Tom coached them and many others in baseball and basketball, encouraging fair play and helping youngsters realize that their contributions mattered.

Tom loved surfing in the Gulf of Mexico, swimming, listening to his favourite bands and artists, travelling, BBQ’ing, Argos games with his sons, stopping for a bite and a beer, March Madness, gardening, spicy Mexican food, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Indiana Jones marathons. He especially loved little getaways with Cathy to NOTL, Quebec City and the Caribbean.

Tom enjoyed attending and watching many sporting events with his boys, sometimes cheering for opposite teams. He was a faithful fan of the Argos, Raptors, Blue Jays and Astros, Dallas Cowboys, Texas A&M Aggies and U of H Cougars.

Tom tried to be a handyman, and sometimes he was even successful… but he never let that get in the way of building something for his family, whether it was a new deck or the third basketball net in three years because the boys wouldn’t stop trying to dunk. And he was always ready to shoot hoops after.

He met every challenge with the same determination and humour, whether it was a health issue, raising two boys, or barbecuing in his shorts and boots at -30 degrees. He was one of a kind.

Tom was predeceased by his mother Jo Ann, his father Thomas Sr., and his in-laws Shirley and Len Masters. He will be eternally missed by his wife Cathy, sons Michael (Renée) and Phillip (Emily), sister Phyllis (Mike), brothers Rob (Lisa) and Chris (Katy), the entire Curtis
and Masters families, nieces, nephews and many friends both here and in Texas.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe Rd., Bradford on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 1-3 p.m.

Please feel free to dress "Tom Casual" in his honour.

In Tom's memory, donations may be made to the Helping Hand Food Bank.