Tom was a man of many words. We met in 2012 at Art Toronto and became friends once we got past the initial stare down and interview. He was a great supporter of young Canadian artists and his visits to the gallery were always memorable. I appreciated his intelligence, frankness and his sense of humour. Tom always remembered to ask how my family and my dog were doing. Only days prior to his passing we spoke on the phone about women in the workplace, education as the solution to all our problems and the reality of being a teacher. He spoke passionately and even called me back to elaborate on our discussion. He eluded to dying in our conversation and concluded by saying, “I am not going to live forever you know Nik.” I replied, "oh stop, you have a ways to go", little did we know.

Forever grateful for Tom's friendship and support.
R.I.P. Tom, you will be missed. Our condolences to his family and friends.

I met Tom Maunder while working at City Park Co-op. Whenever Tom and I crossed paths we would have interesting conversations about life in general. Tom brightened up my day. Sometimes I would stop by his yoga classes just to say hi. Sometimes I would find Tom sitting on the bench in the courtyard. Now every time I pass by the courtyard I will remember Tom. I'm going to miss our conversations. R.I.P.
Steven Parsons

From Luxshana Maheswaran:
Mr. Maunder was my grade 12 English teacher at L'Amoraux High school from Jan -June 2008. He is so funny and flexible when comes to assignments. He never pressures anyone and always encourages them to do the work. If he knows that you are trying your best, he will pass you. I still remember one of my friends was getting 43 marks in grade 12 English class in June and she always skips classes, Mr.Maunder said to her come to class I will pass you. But my friend never showed up and, in the end, she failed. During the class time, he always shares with us about his personal life, I remember he said that he is the only child to his parents and father die at a young age and he is very close with his aunt. The aunt is a teacher too. She is the one who always encourages him to read books and because of her, he is a teacher. I still remember he said once he is happy that he didn't get married but at the same time he not happy that he didn't get married. Last time I saw Mr.Maunder on Aug 2010 and Aug 2020 I am writing this. Once I broke his pencil sharpener in the class and every time, I see a pencil sharpener I always think about him. Even at the beginning of this month I saw a pencil sharpener in Walmart, I was thinking about him. He was a great educator. His focus on critical thinking and the importance of having an opinion beyond what the test reads is such a great tool to help mold young minds. Rest in peace, Mr. Maunder.
Luxshana Maheswaran

I knew Tom through a large part of my childhood, as he was a close friend of my mother's for several years back in the 80s. I love reading everyone's memories here, as they are so consistent with my own - a gruff exterior and sometimes sharp tongue, but underneath it someone with deep, sensitive feelings who tried in their own way to express love. He had a great love of books and movies and a quick sense of humor. I know that many of his suggestions and ideas still influence me today. I'm glad to know that he had good friends around him towards the end of his life. He and my mother played endless games of scrabble, and sometimes there were "strong disagreements" about words and points. I'm not sure if it was that or something else that drove a wedge between them, but they drifted apart and I had only seen him very occasionally over the past few decades. It's been good to remember all the best parts of Tom and I feel lucky to have known him growing up. This photo is my favorite of Tom and my mother.

Very sorry to learn of Tom's passing. I am certain he made a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him.
I know I'll never forget my initiation into the personality that was Tom . Some years into my teaching "career" Tom joined the staff and our department head brought him round to each member present to make the introductions. I stood up, extended my hand and cordially said, "Hi, Tom. Nice to meet you."
Tom regarded my hand for a moment, and then took it with the enthusiasm reserved for picking up a dead rat. I believe his verbal greeting was, "Hmm." He warmed up to me ... eventually.
Tom, I will miss your intelligence and wit.
-- Chris Armstrong

I have just posted photos of Tom. Unfortunately I am finding this a difficult task. Sorry for the duplicates.

I have just posted photos of Tom. Unfortunately I am finding this a difficult task. Sorry for the duplicates.