Thomas Mark Gillgrass

Loving father of Kendra Smith (Chris). Beloved brother of Robert Gillgrass Jr. (Karen), Sandra Smith (Terry) and Paula Thomas (Mark). He is now reunited with his parents, Robert and Geraldine Gillgrass. He will be greatly missed by his many friends over the years.

Tom was a devoted employee at Algoma Steel for over 40 years. He had a deep love and appreciation for vintage muscles cars, always talking about his Camaro. He greatly enjoyed his many trips to Barbados, where he got to spend time with his dear friend, Roger. He spent lots of time at the beach escaping the Soo cold, watching horse races and enjoying the hustle and bustle of the Oistins Fish Market. He always talked about his visit to the Concorde museum and took great pride in his Lego Concorde display that sat on his dinner table.

Tom was a big fan of Rock and live music, making lots of cherished memories going to concerts with Kendra, Chris and Friends. Those who knew Tom knew that music was always playing in his home, and if anyone wasn't awake by 10 am, his music would make sure that they woke up.

He was an avid hunter, spending his off-time in the woods with his friends and in more recent years, his son-in-law Chris, Andrew and good friend Mark. When he wasn't enjoying the great outdoors in the woods, he would often be found enjoying the beautiful calming sounds of Lake Superior at their family camp on Marlette Bay, or out on his beloved "banana boat", where he was "Livin' the Dream."

Thanksgiving was always a special time for him. He would travel to see Kendra and Chris every year and they made sure to make it memorable, celebrating Oktoberfest, enjoying concerts, watching hockey and eating Steak and Lobster. He will be especially missed this time of year, and we will miss him at our table.

A heartfelt thank you to his friends Paula and John Patterson for showing their support always and especially on his rough days. He cherished every moment spent with you at his "Condo", the camp and in Barbados.

Thank you to the PSWs and nurses who cared for Dad with kindness, and to Liz for her grocery runs and thoughtful check-ins. Dad clearly wasn’t planning on leaving us so soon, as he still has a whole fridge drawer full of chocolate bars he was saving to give to the PSWs who came to care for him. It’s a small but sweet reminder of the connections he made with those who looked after him.

Friends and family are invited to drop in at The Venue located at 482 Queen St East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Z8 on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Please join us as we gather to remember Tom, share stories, and celebrate the memories we’ll carry with us. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Gillgrass family.