LAUNSLAGER, Thomas James Launslager

Passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the age of 40. Born on March 23, 1985 in Hamilton, Ontario. He came into this world as part of a unique birth experience as a quadruplet, along with his three sisters (the quad squad).

He is deeply missed by his parents, Dave and Donna, and his siblings, big brother Mike (Allison), and sisters Sarah (Jeff), Katie (Kevin), and Laura (Andrew). “Uncle Tom” leaves behind a legacy of laughter for his nine nieces and nephews: Hudson, Scarlett, Hannah, Violet, Lila, William, Poppy, Madeleine, and Ellis. Forever remembered by his Uncle Chris and Aunt Cheryl Wunder, Aunt Janet Lautenschlager, and his cousins Daniel, James, and Adam.

Tom was predeceased by his grandparents Eric and Violet Lautenschlager, and Herb and Anne Wunder, and his cousin Andrew.

Tom spent four decades perfecting the art of the “witty comeback.” To know Tom was to be on the receiving end of his shar humour, usually delivered with a smirk that let you know he’d won the exchange. He was also the undisputed champion of “Tom Time” – a unique time zone where clocks were merely suggestions, and he was never truly late, just making a fashionably timed entrance.

Tom graduated from St. David Catholic Secondary School and then attended Conestoga College. For 19 years, Tom was a pillar of the St. Jacobs Furniture House team where he prided himself in his sales career for being the best he could be. His dedication to his work was only rivalled by his unwavering (and often tested) devotion to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Whether it was a “rebuilding year” or a playoff run, Tom’s blue-and-white pride never wavered. He was often seen wearing his Leaf hat.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to celebrate a life lived with humour and heart at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. In true Tom fashion, feel free to show up a few minutes late – he wouldn’t have had it any other way. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home’s website, and a reception will follow in the Fireside Reception Room from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.