Contributions to the tribute of Thomas Walter Freel

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Paul Woods posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

I had the pleasure of working my first fulltime job with Tom, when he was owner/franchisee at Holiday Rent a Car in south London 1977-78. There were just the two of us working out of a trailer on the lot of a gas station. I cleaned the vehicles and jockeyed them around, often the two of us driving separately to 3M to drop off a car. Tom ran the business and was a great, generous and kind boss. He introduced me to Wendy's Frosty when they were new to Canada, gave me the use of a brown Chrysler Cordoba for my honeymoon (Lauraine worked for Earlene at Uniforms Unlimited -- that's how I got the Holiday gig) and I especially remember one incredibly kind and indulgent gesture on his part. Sometimes if there was an unrented vehicle on a Saturday, he would let me take it home for the rest of the weekend. One Saturday the only vehicle left was a 14-foot cube van which he told me I could have until the Monday. I took it home, picked up my young siblings and their friends, packed them into the cube (no seatbelts, or even seats) and drove to a nearby Dairy Queen. I forgot that the box of the cube was pretty high and smashed it into the corner of the DQ roof, crunching the roof and ripping a big gash in the box of the van. Tom never gave me hell and never docked a dime of my pay. I've never forgotten that generosity, and when I later became a boss myself, I always tried to treat my employees as kindly as he treated me.

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Brian Humphrey lit a candle

Monday, August 9, 2021

Sending our sincere condolences to Earlene and family! As a kid I watched the adults on the streets of Delmont have a lot of fun together, parties and then there more parties and laughter. Tom was a valued member of that group and many of that group have passed, so I’m pretty sure there is a party going in heaven! I’m sure he will be sadly missed here earth but having some fun there, while waiting for us all.

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Rick Humphrey posted a condolence

Sunday, August 8, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the Freel Family!! He will live on in memory, one the of the Fab Four within the Delmont community. As a kid, I got to enjoy playing touch football with Tom and enjoyed immensely the times the Delmont Ave goers got together for a street party. He will be missed but his memories will live on. Rick Humphrey. Calgary.

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John and Mary Vanderhoeven lit a candle

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Dear Earlene; Our most sincere condolences go out to you and your family on the passing of your dear husband and father (grandfather) Tom. We have such lovely memories of our time spent in Huron Woods, playing golf, tennis and socializing with Tom and you there. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. John and Mary Vanderhoeven.

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Brigitte Joachim posted a condolence

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Freel Family, We were saddened to hear about Tom's passing. We have many good memories of your days on Delmont Ave and we sit in my Dad's backyard to this day and look over to your house and reminisce of those fun times. Tom was always kind and generous to everyone he encountered. Thinking about you all at this most difficult time. Horst, Roland and Brigitte Joachim

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Rosemary and Bill Redhead posted a condolence

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Dear Earlene and family, Our sincere condolences. We always enjoyed Tom’s company and his dry sense of humour. Our grandkids loved trying to beat him at Pickleball. Hugs and Love, Rosemary and Bill Redhead

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John & Sandy Dixon posted a condolence

Friday, August 6, 2021

Earlene, Rick, Kasey and Families, Our sincere condolences on Tom's passing. He was a great guy and we enjoyed his company always and especially his sense of humour. He was so friendly and kind even through his illness. He was SO proud of his family and their accomplishments. You two, Earlene, made quite a team as you travelled far and wide and enjoyed being Snowbirds. We'll be thinking of you at this difficult time and wishing you strength to cope. We know you'll have many happy memories. Love, John & Sandy

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Cecelia Denomme posted a condolence

Friday, August 6, 2021

Dear Earlene - You and your family are on our minds and in our hearts - with sympathy. We have many fond memories of you and Tom - of years gone by - We were delighted - when Tom visited us a few years ago - We still have a copy of his book -‘Escape from “Honu Island”. Don and he -had a great time reminiscing their shenanigans at TCC. With caring and special remembering - Sincerely Cecelia

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Kasey wallace uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021