Verstraten, Tom

Remembering Tom Verstraten
January 3, 1966 – July 20, 2025

With broken hearts and deep love, we share the sudden and tragic loss of Tom Verstraten, who passed away on July 20, 2025, as the result of a car accident.

Tom was the kind of person who made life better just by being around — a loving husband, proud dad, joyful grandpa, loyal brother, generous uncle, and a true friend to many. He lived a good, full life that revolved around family, hard work, good food, fishing, and a whole lot of laughs.

Tom was born on January 3, 1966, and grew up on a dairy farm in New Lowell. That farm was where Tom’s strong work ethic was shaped at an early age. He was hands-on, and always dependable. That same dedication stayed with him throughout his life. He spent much of his career in manufacturing — first at LOF Glass in Collingwood, and later at Honda of Canada in Alliston. Tom was known as a hard-working, loyal, and dependable guy who showed up, got the job done, and did it well — day in and day out.

Outside of work, Tom found his peace and joy on the water. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby — it was his passion. He and his brother Ron spent countless hours together in the boat, swapping stories and hauling in catches. He was always happy to share his bounty with friends and family, and he couldn’t wait to start taking his grandsons out on his boat, The Dutch Legend, to teach them the ropes.

Family was everything to Tom. His wife Anita and daughter Michaela (Shayne) Summers were the absolute lights of his life — he was so proud of them and told anyone who’d listen. When Levi and Brantley came along, Tom was over the moon. He adored his twin grandsons and beamed with pride every time he talked about them.

Tom will also be lovingly remembered by his brother Ron Verstraten, sister Brenda (Kevin) David, mother-in-law Joan Grant, brother-in-law Steven (Vicky) Grant, sisters-in-law Mary Maika, Abby (Shawn) Galloway and Carey (Chris) Wake, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Diny Verstraten and parents-in-law John and Lynne Grant.

Tom loved the little things in life — strong coffee, a cold Molson Canadian, a good home-cooked meal (he could seriously eat!), and a deck of cards. He loved poker and Euchre and was seriously competitive — especially if he was getting beat by the “girls,” which happened more than he liked to admit. Whether winning or (grudgingly) losing, card nights were filled with teasing, laughter, and classic tunes playing in the background.

Tom had a huge heart, a great laugh, and a down-to-earth spirit. He didn’t need much to be happy — just his people, a boat on the open water, a fishing rod, good music, good food, and a cold beer. His life was rooted in love, humour, and generosity, and those lucky enough to know him will carry his memory with them always.

We’ll be tipping a Molson Canadian in your honour, Tom.
Thanks for everything.
Rest easy. You’ll never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion – Creemore on Saturday August 9, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with tributes at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the New Lowell United Church or Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation. Friends may visit Tom’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com