An obit for my uncle Tom DeRyk , penned by my uncle Dick DeRyk . Tom passed away on January 23, 2007 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was a good man.

The family and friends of Tom DeRyk (many of whom were both, in his eyes and theirs) mourn his death in Collingwood, Ontario on January 23, 2007, at the too-early age of 65. A longtime resident of Wasaga Beach and Collingwood, Tom operated several businesses in Tobermory, ON. An active traveller, sailor and outdoors enthusiast, Tom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 26 months ago. Participation in clinical trials at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto provided hope for him, and, as he often said when the going got tough, hope for the future of others. Tom's sister and brothers thank the oncology staff at Princess Margaret, and in particular the nursing staff at Collingwood Hospital and his extended family in Collingwood, Sudbury, Toronto and elsewhere who cared for him so faithfully and well. A celebration of Tom's life and times will be held in spring.

~ Like a bird on a wire... I have tried in my way to be free. -- Leonard Cohen