Tom Johnstone

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tom Johnstone, age 71, of Oro-Medonte and Lake Temagami, on April 8, 2026. He was a beloved husband to Beth, wonderful father to Robbie (Sara Contreras), Jessica (Christopher Guard) and delighted grandfather to Elaina. He will also be remembered by his brother Doug, sister-in-law, Susan, and his niece, Anna. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ron and Mickey Johnstone, whose cottage and community on Lake Temagami were Tom’s second home.

To know Tom was to know what an extraordinary human being he was. He had an endlessly curious mind, taking on new interests and projects, delving deep and conquering the challenges as they came. Tom was always interested with the thoughts and perspectives of others and loved a good conversation. Rarely did a person come away without having had a good laugh from Tom’s great sense of humour and having felt truly listened to. He knew how to ask, listen, and connect in a way that made us each feel we had something special about us.

Tom grew up in London, Ontario, but spent all his summers being a cherished part of Camp White Bear. He had a lasting impact on the Camp’s community while creating lifelong friendships.

Tom met the love of his life, Beth, while working at the Rocky Mountain YMCA near Canmore, Alberta. The two of them spent the early eighties there, where Tom was the Operations Manager of the Camp. Eventually the call of Lake Temagami brought them back to Ontario. They settled in the Orillia area in 1989, eventually finding their dream property in Oro-Medonte. Tom and family spent years renovating their farmhouse and reviving the property into a welcoming home for family and many friends.

Tom’s skillful construction and renovation work can be found throughout the Orillia area. He had a special talent for working with his customers in a personal way, which often made for new friendships. He was a creative, hard-working, caring community volunteer involved in many community projects including the Mariposa Folk Festival, Orillia Spring Blues Festival and worked to help develop Streets Alive. Tom was also a dedicated donor to the Canadian Blood Services, giving over 100 times.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Mike Odlozinski for his kindness and care. We are also very grateful to the staff at Mariposa House Hospice, who ensured a peaceful, compassionate environment for Tom and his family during his last days.

A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Centre, 62 Peter St N, Orillia on Saturday, April 25th at 1 p.m. Reception downstairs to follow.

In memory of Tom, memorial donations can be made to the Mariposa House Hospice.  Arrangements entrusted to the Mundell Funeral Home.