Tom was without question the most influential leader I had early in my career - he hired me twice... once at SHL; once at Avnet. So many professional and personal lessons I learned from him. I use so many 'Burton-isms' still to this day. He called me 'Grasshopper', and he more than just a boss, more than a mentor, he was a Sensei. AMF... you'll never be forgotten and always be remembered with a smile.
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I am so deeply saddened to learn of Toms passing I always looked forward to seeing him
I will miss his wit ,could always make laugh, many loving memories of summers spent with Tom, aunt Marg uncle Bill and Sue in their family home and cottage and at family gatherings ,cannot believe your gone.
my deepest sympathies to Sue and family your cousin Ross
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So many fond memories of Tom from my days at Systemhouse. He was a great leader and we had so much fun (trips, golf, drinks, good food, many laughs). Even after we all went our separate ways, he still took the time to reach out and check in. He truly cared. Rest in peace Tom 💕
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This news shocked and saddened me. I knew Tom well in grade 9 at WHCI.
I have not seen Tom for almost 58 years but I have very clear memories of him. That was the kind of guy he was. He made a lasting impression.
I remember going to his 15 th birthday party and eating way too many hot dogs. I remember he had a 22 rifle that I thought was pretty cool. I remember he had an electric guitar and he could play the opening riff of "Satisfaction" which was also cool.
I remember that he was very proud of his dad and he told us stories of his dad protecting his family when they were on a trip.
I can't say I'll miss Tom. We weren't part of each other's lives, but I will remember him fondly.
My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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My condolences to Thomas's family. I first met Thomas when we worked together at SHL Systemhouse. He was the Director of Server Sales for Canada. We bonded fast and a good friendship began and we always stayed in touch. Tom looked after his team of server sales executives across Canada. Be made sure our vendors IBM, Sun and HP knew us and worked with us. He had team meetings where he would bring all of us into Toronto area and plan our sales year.
We joked a lot. One time he had us go golfing and he and I were in the same 4 some. He had a nice set of clubs and we had rentals. I asked to try his 3 wood and I nailed it, long and straight. He looked at me with his funny smile and said Give me my club back! He never hit it like that.
Tom stood up for the team I had an issue one time and he helped me with it and saved my butt. After he said -“ never send out an email without writing it, saving it and looking it at it the next day “ I never forgot that and for the rest of my career remember him telling me that time
As years and companies moved on Tom and I would call each other up and check on each other and tell stories of the old days We laughed and enjoyed each other company and talks on the phone He was such a great man and friend I last called him in December 2024 he didn’t sound good and yet he still talked I asked him if he’d seen a Dr and he said he was going to see one He never let on he was sick with cancer
Tom, I will miss our talks and laughs and jokes I know you loved your family as you noted Penny and your sister et al on our talks Rest in Peace my good friend God Bless you and your family
To Tom’s family I am so sorry to hear of his passing I am as shocked as you probably were too My prayers go out to all of you
Take care my friend until we meet again.
Your friend Greg Braun
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So many childhood friends of Tom's are in disbelief - and beyond sad --- Our love to you Susan and your family - What a blessing to have been loving siblings. Chin Up. Love from call of your childhood buddies. Carol
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