Thomas KERR

KERR, Thomas - Thomas Kerr of Barrie passed away peacefully in his sleep January 7, 2008 at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, in his 96th year with members of his family at his side. He was born in Toronto on March 14, 1912, spent the last five years of his life in Ottawa, but Barrie was home. As many of you know, Tom was the Postmaster of Barrie for many years. Also, he contributed so much to Barrie with his work in the Rotary Club; the Veterans Club; the Masons; the Barrie Pipe Band, of which he was a founding member; and, of course, the Barrie Yacht Club for which he wrote the 'Mainsheet' for many years. Tom moved from Toronto to the family's 'country estate' near Wyevale just before the great depression. To help support his parents, he and his brother John took work on local farms. After years of tough slogging, he got a job as a Letter Carrier in the Barrie Post Office in the mid-1930's. He was happy to get himself on a sound footing. WWII came along and Tom was posted with the Canada Postal Corps in England where he met and married Brenda, the love of his life, who predeceased him in 2001. With new son John, they moved back to Barrie where Tom built 61 Drury Lane. Along came George and Paul and more responsibilities with the Barrie Post Office. Tom was an accomplished artist who worked equally well in oils, turning wood on his lathe, refurbishing antiques, Scottish and country dancing, and other media. Golf remained a problem. He particularly enjoyed sailing with his family and members of the Barrie Yacht Club. I think we only bumped on a sand bar once, and raced successfully and unsuccessfully more than once. In recent years, he enjoyed going to local Scottish games and piping events. It was in his blood, and he prided himself on his vast repertoire of piping tunes. Also, he was delighted to attend many concerts at Barrie Collegiate and the National Arts Centre and other events with members of his family. Above all, he loved his family. He was our cornerstone. A memorial service will be held at STECKLEY-GOODERHAM FUNERAL HOME at 30 Worsley St. on Friday, January 18 at 11:00 am. Our Dad, Granddad, Great Granddad will be missed by John and Lynne; George, Bev; and Paul and Barb; grandchildren Dr. Jeremy and Laura, Hannah, Dr. Nick (nearly), Bridget, Jessalynn, and Kendra; and great grandchildren Evan and Elise. Rather than flowers, donations to your chosen charity would be most appreciated. 10957966