Obituary of Thomas Stephen Bayer
Known as "Terrific Tom" at Heidehof, passed away there peacefully in his sleep on January 27, 2021. Born on March 10, 1924 in Osijek, Yugoslavia to Ignatius and Theresa Bayer. Predeceased by his loving son, Thomas Kenneth, sister Vera and husband Robert King, in-laws Walter and Grace, Stan, Steve and Yvonne and John Kowal. Also John Liebrecht and Paul Yachetti. Survived by his son, Larry (Debbie), daughter-in-law Sandra McPherson, his beloved 4 grandchildren Lynsey (Justin Warkentin) great granddaughter Whitney, Lawrence (Mindi) great granddaughters Maeva and Navy, Kelsey (Brock Storin) great granddaughter Lily, Theresa (Matt Emburgh) step great grandsons Alex and Dexter.
Tom met the love of his life, Ellen [Kowal], during WW2 at St.Catharines Steel and they married in 1945 and just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in November. As a skilled tool and die maker, he worked at Kersey's Machine, and Long Branch Small Arms before settling at General Motors, where he worked as a tool and die maker, draftsman, then eventually as supervisor of the tool and die room. He retired in 1981 and was able to continue his passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing his entire life, along with nurturing many a family and friend to enjoy, respect, appreciate the outdoors and it's wildlife while being a strong supporter of conservation. Tom had built his own first canoe in the 1950's of cedar strips and covered it with a new innovative product, at that time called fibreglass. So impressed with it, he started a business called International Canoes, building his own unique fibreglass canoes that he hand built various moulds for. Later in life, he and Ellen enjoyed taking their 4 grandchildren up north, paddling and fishing many lakes in his canoe. Tom was also one of the most accomplished Marksman with revolvers in the Niagara Region, competing in both the US and Canada. He was the last living founding member of Pinecrest Pistol and Revolver Club. He hand loaded his own ammunition with the custom built loading press that he made himself. Tom also loved sailing with the family boat "Yogi Bear" on Lake Ontario and enjoyed the many sailing friends he made at Port Weller Sailing Club and Niagara On The Lake Sailing Club. Tom could build almost anything with his lathe and milling machine and made sure both his sons had the only British motorcycles that never leaked oil. His accomplishments are too many to list, the lakes, rivers and streams he paddled too many to name, the friends and buddies he met and left an impression on for life with his kindness, compassion, and understanding, too many to list. We all one day hope to be able to hunt, fish, paddle, sail or shoot beside you once again. Rest in Peace "Yogi".
The family would like to thank all the staff at Heidehof for making "Terrific Tom" feel at home until the end. Cremation arrangements by George Darte Funeral Home. There will be no service or visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John's Ukrainian Church
