Dr. Tom Wright passed away surrounded by family at age 93. To the end, he was blessed by a deep Christian faith, a close-knit family, many dear and faithful friends, a bright mind and generous spirit.
To his many patients, Tom was a compassionate and skilled orthopaedic spine surgeon. To those he loved, he was extravagant with his affection, greeting you with arms wide open, big bear hugs and kisses.
He lived a full and adventurous life, taking his family to Edinburgh, Scotland on a year-long R.S. McLaughlin travelling fellowship where he taught European surgeons techniques developed in Toronto; serving as a war surgeon in the Nigerian Civil War under the auspices of the Canadian International Development Agency; teaching generations of new surgeons at the UHN/Toronto Western Hospital and the University of Toronto; travelling the world with Canada’s National Badminton Team; treating injured dancers at the National Ballet School; and specializing in the challenges facing patients with spinal scoliosis and spina bifida.
Tom was happily married to Barbara (Montizambert) Wright for 46 years until her death in 2003, and is lovingly remembered by his children Janet (Paul), Ian (Kaethe), and Margot (Rob); grandchildren Jonathan (Becca), Cameron (Arpita), Caity (Jared), Chloe (Paul), Anya, and Talia; and great-grandchildren Samuel, Abram, Winnifred, Elijah, and Grace. He is also deeply missed by his dear and faithful friends, Jane and Mary Ann Masters, and his Bible study group and Men’s group at St. George’s Anglican Church, Burlington. He adored his grandchildren and loved to see them playing in the pool at his Campbellville home.
Tom loved the outdoors. He was a skilled canoeist and wrapped up his busy work weeks at “the farm” in Creemore, Ont., beekeeping, felling trees, refinishing furniture, and vegetable gardening.
Tom’s Christian faith defined him. He threw his enthusiasm into his service with Ontario Pioneer Camp, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Calvary Church, SIM International, and St. George's Anglican Church, Burlington.
Tom believed that he would be, and we are confident he now is with his Saviour, welcomed with arms wide open, and reunited with his dear wife Barbara.
Even now, Tom’s legacy continues to inspire and teach those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tom would be much appreciated if directed to St. George's Anglican Church, Burlington or The University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine Bursary and Excellence Fund.