Surrounded by family and love, Thomas Wilfred Hough, 74, died at home in Toronto on September 22, 2024. Born in Toronto on April 15, 1951 to Thomas and Denise (Lincez) Hough, the family moved to Ottawa shortly afterwards, where Tom grew up. After graduating from Carleton University in 1973, he moved back to Toronto where he started his career and a family.
His family was his greatest joy in life — and he, likewise, brought them joy. Tom and his wife Sylvia raised their kids mostly in Oakville, where he relished nights in with his family, road trips — often out to see more family and friends — and outings downtown and to Stratford to share a love of theatre and concerts with his children. Around the dinner table, Tom was often engaged in lively conversations about history, the world, and the day-to-day. He traveled through Europe, across much of Canada, the Caribbean and Japan. Even as he struggled with Parkinson’s for over a decade, he brought joy to his family through his good nature, mischievous wit, stubbornness, enthusiasm and kind, generous spirit.
Tom enjoyed his career in the reinsurance industry largely because of the people he worked with. He was an active member of industry educational associations, including as an Insurance Institute instructor at George Brown College from 1980 to 1985. He was also a member of the Toronto Chapter of the Society of Fellows from 1982 to 1991, serving as President from 1989 to 1990.
Outside of his career, he was a skilled woodworker – building a boat with his father, making toys for his children, adding a second story to his Oakville home with help from friends and family, and building beautiful pieces of furniture that remain in the homes of his wife and daughters.
Tom is survived by his wife Sylvia (Bergen) Hough, daughters Christina and Susan, sisters Teri Bowles (Richard), Lynne MacArther (David) and Janet Hough. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mark and his brother-in-law Brian Francis. He is remembered with love by his extended family and the Bergen family, including his mother-in-law, Tina.
A private graveside interment ceremony will be held at a later date. Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to Parkinson’s Canada or Habitat for Humanity.