Sincerest condolences to Tom's family.
Tom was my manager at de Havilland for several years.
To me Tom was an icon at de Havilland. He was de Havilland. He was so pivotal in the aerodynamic and flight dynamic engineering design of de Havilland's proud line of aircraft products.  As a person, Tom stood out as warm, kind, fair, and so willing to share his vast knowledge. Tom will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have known him.

I met Tom in 1957, at deHavilland Canada, in Technical Design, and worked within reach of  him to my retirement! He was a great and cheerful colleague to work with and a master of his field! Always a smile and a friend to all, he will be missed. Those were wonderful years and working alongside him helped turn a JOB into a PAID HOLIDAY!

Condolences to ALL!

Sincere Condolences to all the family.
I have known Tom since 1967, having worked with him at De Havilland. I just watched the beautiful service on line, a fine tribute to Tom.
Peter Maritan

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was my mom's (Teri) great friend and ever-present campion at Canterbury, calling on her when it was meal time, playing cards with her, helping her with any problems she was having. He was tireless in his care for her and so many others at Canterbury. We are grateful for the positive impact he had on my mom's life and wellbeing. All my love to Tom's family.

Tom and I first crossed paths 43 years ago at de Havilland during his frequent visits to the Flight Test hangar offices. In 1982, we were preparing for the original Dash 8 Series 100 development and certification. I, as a fledgling Flight Test Engineer, got to know Tom better during that and subsequent Dash 8 programs and his guidance was invaluable to my career. At the end of the Series 300 initial certification, punctuated by cold weather trials in Churchill, Manitoba, Tom graciously accepted me into his Aerodynamics “A” group in anticipation of the Series 400 development. Alas, we would have to wait another seven years before that program was re-started in earnest. Tom became my mentor and friend over the years that followed. Always jovial, enthusiastic and full of great advice (on planes, model trains and church, not necessarily in that order), he was always more than happy to share. I’ll always remember his generosity. My sincerest condolences to Tom’s family. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Tom and I were in 411 Squadron for many years. We shared stories at many reunions over the years.  I  don't ever remember seeing him without his famous smile. He helped a lot of people through his various connections and used his organizational skills in his own kind way wherever needed. He was a special man.

Dave Anderson

I first met Tom around 1982 during the initial stages of the DHC-8 program.  He happily chatted away to me, smoking his pipe, for hours explaining the intricacies and principles of stability and control.  These early discussions developed into a lifelong technical and personal friendship punctuated by our late Friday afternoon telephone calls on the state of the DHC-8, the certification requirements and interpretation of those requirements.  While working on international harmonization, he never hesitated to advocate for improved safety.  He was extremely proud of de Havilland aeroplanes and their safety record.  Until recently I regularly sought his advice on technical matters
 Tom was invariably enthusiastic, cheery and freely offered friendly technical guidance to all.   He was a gentle soul.  His interests outside de Havilland were his family, the church and model railways.  My wife and I appreciated our friendship with Tom and Audrey.  
Tom lived a very full and joyous life.  Our deepest sympathy to his family.

What a great loss. Tom was not only a wonderful colleague, he was an inspiration to many with a jolly   and friendly disposition. Always available for a chat, we all benefited from his experience, positive attitude and encouragements. Tom and I never failed to celebrate his Montreal / Quebec heritage; he became “Cote de Liesse” and I became “Cote Vertu”… our code names emerging from our long lasting friendship and sense of good humour. I will always cherish the personal and professional memories. My condolences go to Tom’s extended family. You will be missed Thomas.

Tom was a wonderful colleague and represented valuable knowledge of our products and company. He was always ready to share and guide us in our effort's to support and market our products. What differentiated Tom from others was his jolly and friendly approach to the issues and clients. I shared a significant portion of my career in seeking guidance from Tom on various Technical and Performance related issues of our products at DeHavilland, Boeing and lastly at Bombardier. His impeccable attire was his Hallmark along with his smile.
We will all miss Tom.
May he Rest in Peace and in our Hearts and Minds.
Mahendra (Minoo) Patel
Ex colleague and Retiree,

Tom had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. With his big smile, firm handshake, and genuine warmth, he could light up any room — (or backyard BBQ at Armour).  He treated everyone with the same kindness and respect, always taking the time to listen, laugh, and connect. He loved a good chat, a good laugh, and, of course, a good hot dog! His thoughtfulness and friendly spirit touched so many lives, and he’ll be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. I certainly know I was lucky to have known him.

OBITUARIO

Thomas Richard Nettleton

9 agosto, 1933 – 29 octubre, 2025

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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