Thomas Bruce Stratton

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the age of 77, Tom officially started his next great adventure, free of the progressive neurological disorder that for the last five years had been making him increasingly less able to enjoy all of the activities that he had always loved to do.

Tom was a cherished presence in the lives of those who knew him—his warmth and humor left a lasting impression on all. His life was marked by kindness, hard work, and a willingness to step up for his family and community.

Tom grew up in downtown Toronto in the 1950’s and ‘60’s where he felt free to explore museums and other sites at a very young age. In fact, at age 8 or 9, he and a friend were asked to check their (cap) guns at the door of a museum after they had walked themselves there dressed as cowboys. As the youngest of 6 boys, he benefitted from his brothers’ attention. He attended many movies with them, and he remained a movie lover for the rest of his life. Of course, he also remembered being put down a hole that was being dug beside their house when he had demanded too much of their attention.

As an adult, Tom was a graphic designer, art teacher, and sales rep for printing firms. He was also a swimming instructor, ski instructor, and avid long-distance cyclist. He participated in the Rideau Lakes Bicycle Tour for 25 years in a row and was often involved in the organizing of the event. As an equally avid cross-country skier, Tom frequently skied 25-50 kms at a time. At the Funnell family cottage in Temagami, he enjoyed carpentry projects and making paper models and socializing with many relatives. He and his wife, Gail, often did 5-day canoe trips into wild areas of Ontario’s North. During their 42 years together, they travelled extensively and have many fridge magnets to prove it.

Tom leaves behind his wife Gail (Funnell); daughter, Marta; son-in-law, Pat; grandchildren, Madia and Finley and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws who remained supportive throughout his illness.

Please come and join us with your memories and friendship at a gathering to celebrate Tom’s life, as per his wishes, on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at Tubman Funeral Home, Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, Nepean, ON. Visitation 11am to 1 pm; Service 1 pm - 2; with an informal reception to follow.