Fellows, Thomas Eugene
September 5, 1949 - November 23, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas Eugene Fellows, who departed this world on November 23, 2023, at the age of 74, surrounded by the warmth of his home.
Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Tom was born to Alex and Teresia Fellows on September 5, 1949, growing up alongside his siblings Bruce, Ruth Anne, Keith, Tim, and Karen in Ethiopia. In heaven, he now reunites with his parents, brother (Bruce), and sister (Karen).
Tom leaves behind his wife, Beth Fellows, and two daughters, Melani O’Leary (David O’Leary) and Gypsi Town (Jesse Town). Tom was a very special grandpa to Capri O’Leary, Trinity O’Leary, Journey Town, Oliver Town, Oasis Town, and Noah Town. He delighted in spending time with them, whether it was going to garage sales, watching football, reading books together, or looking for avocadoes in Belize, the memories they created together will be cherished for generations to come.
Tom was not only a caring father and grandfather but also a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. His kindness and silliness have left an indelible mark on their lives.
Having been raised in Ethiopia, Tom’s childhood was deeply intertwined with the diverse cultures and the challenges of the region. Tom’s career in international humanitarian work spanned nearly three decades, during which he touched countless lives across the globe. He had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, understanding their struggles and offering not just aid, but mutual respect, dignity, and friendship.
His work was not just a job; it was a calling. In whatever community he found himself, whether working or in his personal life, Tom kept on the lookout for those who were in need of a helping hand. Tom was not only a community builder but was passionate about building the physical places that enriched the lives of the communities he touched. Whether it was a clinic in Sudan, an airstrip in Ethiopia, or houses in Belize and Canada, Tom never met a project he couldn’t tackle.
As a Christian, Tom innately lived out the message of Jesus. As we grieve the loss of a remarkable man, we also celebrate the rich tapestry of a life well-lived.
The family extends their gratitude to friends and well-wishers for their support during this difficult time and over the last few months since his diagnosis with glioblastoma.
A celebration of life to honour and remember Tom will be held on January 8th at 10:00 at the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (171 Mapleton Ave., Barrie). In lieu of flowers, please consider helping someone in need in your community, or making a donation to Gypsi and Jesse’s Mission work in Japan: click here for donations from Canada, or here for USA.
In our hearts forever, Tom Eugene Fellows will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace.
Details
Make a donation in memory of Thomas Eugene Fellows
Donations: Gypsi and Jesse’s Mission work in Japan. For Donations from Canada: https://missions3d.com/jesse-gypsi-town/ For Donations from USA: https://www.sunriseinternational.org/missionaries/jesse-and-gypsi-town/Donate with the following link(s)
https://missions3d.com/jesse-gypsi-town/
https://www.sunriseinternational.org/missionaries/jesse-and-gypsi-town/
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Our sincerest condolences to all of you for your loss.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Tom was a kind and family loving man. He loved and cared for his family in so many ways. I so appreciated the couple of years with him on the parents council for Prince of Wales P.S. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but so grateful that we will meet again in Glory.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Dear Gypsi, Jesse & Family,
May God our Father who is the God of all comfort be with you and comfort you with His love and mercy.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Jim
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Dear Beth, Melani and Gypsi,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family that are feeling the loss.
As an Ethiopian immigrant living in Simcoe area, one of the rewarding experience for me was knowing Beth and Thom through Devxchange organization that is the Brain Child of these couple.
At some point he was the chairman of the board and showed the true leadership, navigating where this organization should be heading. His finger prints can be seen now.
Thom also spoke Amharic ( Ethiopian language) and makes you comfortable and feel at home with his contagious jokes.
Tom is in a good place but he will be missed and at the same time we will cherish his memory.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Dear Fellows Family
I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a great person. Tom and I worked together in the recycling business and spent many an evening just talking about everything. He gave me a different perspective on things and life in general. I always admired his resourcefulness and how he dealt with anything that came along. Tom was truly a mentor to me and I will miss him.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Dear Beth, Melanie and Gypsi
My sincere condolences to you. Tom was my friend for more than 25years, we spent many hours together and he was true friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. Without Tom I would not be in Belize. My thoughts are with you . Alfred
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Thoughts and prayers go out to you all during these difficult times.
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
To Beth, Melani, David, Capri and Trinity as well as Gypsi, Jesse and their children, we are so sorry for your loss. We hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories you have of Tom.
And to Tom and all his loved ones,
“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hands”.
Sending our deepest sympathies,
Allison, Robert, Isabella, Adam Ruffolo
Friday, December 1, 2023
Dear Beth, Gypsi, Melanie and families,
Tom’s departure from this earth has left a huge void especially in your family.
May God grant you comfort and peace with his loss and also the knowledge that he is in a better place.
God bless,
Hans & Evelyn
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Beth .. I’m so sorry to hear about Tom! He was indeed a remarkable man!
You and the girls and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Kathy
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Dear Family of Tom,
I send my condolences in the passing of Tom. I pray the comfort of the Holy Spirit to be upon each one of you. Now is the time to grieve over the loss of this incredible man as well as remember that his story is still going. I see his legacy living on through Jesse and Gypsi in the way they love and care for people in Japan. Lord, thank you for using Tom to touch so many people on this earth. Thank you that he is safe with you and that are rewarding him for the many cups of water he gave to the thirsty. Thank you that he has passed that love on to so many people who like Jesse and Gypsi are passing it on around the world.
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Tom’s Grade VIII row was across from ours in the Grade VII row. .
I so appreciated his thoughtful steady self, and the work he and Beth did overseas.
I loved when he visited, when I was RN at the refugee camp in N Ethiopia.
It felt like “full circle”, a childhood friend, now an observer/consultant.
Carol (Wallace) Lee
Brighton, Ontario