The Thunder Bay tourism community is mourning the loss of Tom Simpson, former General Manager of the Travelodge Airlane and Executive Chef at both the Valhalla and Victoria (Formerly Red Oak) Inns. Tom passed away Saturday April 3rd after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Tom had been a integral part of Thunder Bay's hospitality and culinary community since immigrating here from Scotland in the early 1990s. He was passionate and fiery and was was one of those people that helped raise our collective community's game as a culinary destination. His passion for cooking and entertaining friends and family was legendary in the culinary community.
I had the privilege of knowing Tom from my days at Fort William Historical Park and always appreciated his honesty, sincerity and great Scottish sense of humour. Tom, no doubt, left a great impression on everybody he met and even my wife, who only met him once briefly at a party 9 years back remembered him fondly for his sense of humour when she learned of his passing.
Tom is survived by his wife Anita, children Stephen and Laura and Stepchildren Daniel and Jenise.
A memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be held at Grace Church, 289 North Court Street, at 10:30 AM, Wednesday April 7th.
Here's raising a "wee dram" in your honour, Tom, from those of us at Tourism Thunder Bay.
Condolences can be made online at www.sargentandson.com
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