Thomas Andrew Hacking passed away peacefully April 1, 2023. Born January 17, 1947 in Toronto, Ontario. Son of late parents Winston and Vivian (Wallace) Hacking. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Paula Jane Patterson Hacking, Cobourg, Ontario and dearly loved children, Anne Hacking and Winston Hacking (Viviane Labelle), and nephew, Jay Patterson. Predeceased by brother-in law, Warren Patterson (Linda Fowler) and also survived by Cousin Marlene Hacking Wood (Rick Wood predeceased). Tom graduated from Earl Haig Collegiate, OCAD and The University of Guelph.

Tom liked to say that the stars aligned when he met Paula and a chance encounter transformed into 49 years of married adventure. Their careers took them throughout Ontario and sometimes took them apart for long periods of time, however they balanced work with their commitment to their growing family. Escorting Winston to frosty winter morning hockey practices or Anne to her swimming, were ways to reconnect and Tom was proud to do so. Christmas toy overload was somewhat addressed with a modified Secret Santa when the children were young. Gifts could only be handmade and since Tom had a flare for imaginative gift making, he delighted Anne and Winston with an ice cream cow or a Ninja turtle peanut butter, banana and chocolate syrup sandwich. Tom re-introduced himself to running in mid-life and inspired Paula to run along with him in 5k races in various cities in Ontario. These memories and countless others continued to enhance both the foundation of the Hacking family and Tom’s love of storytelling. Tom delighted in regaling friends with tales of comical misadventures and then enjoyed watching for their reactions.

From an early start, Tom built his career based on a deep understanding of art principles and design. Evolving from a skilled and creative graphic artist to quality assurance management in print and packaging was natural as Tom had an uncanny ability to discern shifts in colour under a broad spectrum of light. Combined with his creative ability to solve both complex problems and quality assurance issues he was sought out for these increasingly honed skills enabling him to effectively support the needs of The North American Print Industry. No matter where Tom travelled in Canada or U.S.A all welcomed his friendly demeanor and lifelong friendships were forged.

As an accomplished photographer, Tom and Paula’s world travel to favourites, Greece and Japan, enabled Tom to capture alluring photos of historic sites, culture and people. And with Photoshop as his second left hand the photos became more dramatized often exposing the smallest details that made his images even more fascinating. Locally if Tom was not out with Paula on their wildlife hiking adventures taking photos, he could always be found with a book in hand and liked to discuss and argue the contents. We will miss his keen intelligence, his sharp wit and good heart.

Many thanks to Dr. Justin Clouthier, Dr. Gordon Swain, Dr. Lakshman Vasanthamohan and all of the very special nurses for their commitment to Tom’s health and well-being.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Tom’s name to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Oncology Unit, Cobourg, Ontario. Link found in Donations tab.

At Tom’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. Interment has taken place at York Cemetery, North York. Ontario. Final arrangements have been entrusted to York Funeral Centre, Mount Pleasant Group. Online condolences may be left by searching for Tom’s first and last name at https://www.mountpleasantgroup.com . “A private celebration of Tom’s life” will be announced at a later date.