JOHNSON, Dr. Tom Johnson

It is with broken hearts that the family of Dr. Tom Johnson announce his passing on July 10, 2026 with his family by his side. Left behind to miss him so much and cherish his memory are his wife Wendy, daughters Kelly (Mike), and Stephanie (Caleb), sons Corey and Shea. Proud and loving Bub to Winter and Kes, Kyra and Lennox, and Ever, Chase and Levi. Much loved brother-in-law of Bette and Gary Flaxbard. Tom will be missed by his nieces and nephews and their families. Predeceased by his dad Tom senior (2019) and his mom Maxine (2025). Tom was born in London Ontario and moved several times with his family until settling in Burlington Ontario when he was 15. He had fond memories of living in the North West Territories when he was a little boy and playing outdoors with friends and his Malamute dog Gus. While living in Pointe Clair Quebec as a preteen he met and got into mischief with Gord and Bill who, with their wives and families, have remained special lifelong friends.

Tom started playing hockey when he was 4 years old and continued to play to a higher competitive level with the Mohawks as a goal scoring and rushing defenseman. He loved the game and was offered a scholarship to Colgate University in the States, which he declined. Tom played drums and was a dedicated student, practising for hours. His dream was to go to Juilliard School of Music but was convinced that medicine would be a better life choice. It was a decision that he questioned for many years. During his residency on 3Y at MUMC he met Wendy, who he always called the love of his life. We married in 1980 and have been together for 46 years. Following his education, he accepted a position as a family doctor in Marathon, Ontario on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Although he was enthusiastic to start his career in medicine, the main deciding factor to go to Marathon was that the doctor who recruited him played in a band. Tom joined in as the drummer for the band Homebrew, who he always said was the best band in the world. They enjoyed playing locally for events and he formed a close friendship with Wayne Harmer, the lead singer in the band. Every Wednesday night was a practice in the basement of our home. He learned a lot during his family practice in Marathon. He read ECG’s and X-rays and was responsible for many extra aspects of medicine because of the long distance to another medical facility. He travelled weekly to Mobert to care for residents there. He became Chief of Staff of Wilson Memorial Hospital in Marathon. He was a caring doctor who counselled many patients, did rounds at the hospital every day for inpatients, did house calls and delivered babies. This care and compassion continued for his entire career in whatever avenue he pursued.

In October of 1981 Kelly was born in Marathon. Our family moved to Burlington in March of 1982 where he started his family practice at his own clinic at Guelph Line and Upper Middle. In July of 1983 Stephanie was born. November of 1985 our son Corey was born. And our family was complete in May of 1987 with the birth of Shea. Tom was a great Dad, balancing his medical practice and his dad duties with never ending enthusiasm. Taking them on rounds, to hockey games with the doctors’ hockey team in Burlington.

As a family we went to Wiarton to visit our friends Bill and Sue and their 4 boys. We planned on an over night weekend visit and ended up staying for a week. Coming home from that trip enjoying their lovely house on 10 acres, led to buying our house in the country to enjoy nature and the pool and exploring our forest.

Also, as a family we enjoyed trips to Maine every summer with Gord and Mary and their family. We enjoyed driving with TJ the DJ and playing “name that tune” on the ride. Tom enjoyed the ocean, playing catch on the beach and dinners out, golfing with Gord and jogging. Tom would spend the better part of an hour putting on sun screen. His enthusiasm for life was often accented with exclamations of “Whoa Baby”!! Tom has always been an athlete and loved to jog. He ran in several marathons including a fund-raising marathon in Rome Italy with Kelly to raise money for juvenile diabetes research. He enjoyed the annual pool party in Kitchener and extended family gatherings at holidays through the year. He loved talking to people, learning about their lives and passions.

In 2007 Tom was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He explored many options and because of a disappointing prognosis if treated here, he went to the Dattoli Clinic in Sarasota Florida and spent 5 weeks there in July of that year for radiation, and returned in September for brachytherapy. His colleagues in Burlington hosted a golf tournament to raise money for his treatment. He was so touched by this gesture.

He then began a rigid protocol from Darko Prce, a holistic nutritionist and friend, and read countless books and articles leading him to explore a new path into nutrition and alternative medicine. His focus then for himself and his patients was to find and treat “the root cause.” His cancer was cured and he enjoyed many years of good health, visiting friends and our family on the west coast, enjoying our children and grandchildren. He worked in a walk-in clinic until Covid.

After trying a few new jobs in other walk-in clinics and family medicine, he was fortunate to become part of the Wilson Medical Clinic in Hamilton where he worked until he was no longer able. He spoke highly of the staff there and respected them all. Thank you to the doctors and staff who worked with him through the years and helped in the last few months to support his patients and sent their best wishes and support to Tom. He helped so many people with guidance for bio identical hormone replacement therapy.

His passion for music expanded into learning the electric guitar that he began while in Florida. He was fortunate to be able to join in “the band cave” once a week and became friends with Wayne who came to our house to teach Tom guitar. He loved your chats so much and enjoyed the lessons. Tom took online courses from Berkeley school of music in Boston. He was an avid reader and loved learning of any kind, focusing on health and spiritual well being.

As a result of the radiation years later, Tom developed chronic conditions that would lead to his final diagnosis and health issues. He fought this, through tests and treatments and procedures, with his usual bravery and determination. He never gave up or quit regardless of the challenge or difficulty. He was the strongest person.

Special thanks to the Doctors and staff at St Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, the palliative care team at St. Joes and in the community, the nurses from Bayshore, and the PSW’s from Paramed. Your care and compassion helped Tom and our family through this journey. The owner and staff at LoPresti’s pharmacy went above and beyond to help Tom’s patients and our family and we thank you. Tom spoke so highly of all of you and appreciated you.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation at KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill St.N., Waterdown on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with thanks.

Visitation
Sunday, July 19, 2026
2:00PM – 4:00PM
Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home
146 Mill Street North
Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0