Remembering
TOM HAWKS
1954
2025
Celebrating Tom's Life
This site is dedicated to the memory of Tom Hawks, a beloved father, husband, and friend whose adventurous spirit touched the lives of many.
Thomas Holmes Hawks
(February 25, 1954 - July 29, 2025)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Thomas Holmes Hawks, at age 71, following a courageous battle with degenerative brain disease.
Tom embraced life with an unshakable spirit, guided by a personal philosophy to always say “YES.” This outlook led him on a path rich in adventure, joy, curiosity, and connection. A devoted advocate for sport and nature, Tom made lasting contributions to trail development in Durham Forest and environmental stewardship through his work with the Durham Mountain Biking Association (DMBA) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
Tom forged lifelong friendships rooted in the forests of Algonquin Park and nurtured through shared experiences at Camp Ahmek, Ridge Drive, Whitney and Deer Park Public Schools, North Toronto Collegiate, Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and the Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
Tom lived boldly—on ski hills, forest trails, and waters around the world. A natural athlete, he was a graceful paddler, fearless mountain biker, elegant skier, and passionate windsurfer. In every season and setting, nature was where he truly belonged.
A dedicated educator, Tom proudly owned and operated Oxford Learning Centres for over 20 years, impacting the lives of countless students with patience, passion, and care.
Above all else, he was a devoted husband and family man who was always quick to play, suggest an ice cream outing, give a hug or share a laugh while cherishing simple times with loved ones, children & grandchildren.
Tom is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Sheila Baudisch; his children Thomson (Stephanie Gloyn), Heather (Ken Dennig), and Ian (Aspen Percival) and their mother Kate Thomson; step-daughters Audrey & Hannah Fennell, his sister Sally (Ralph Anzarouth); grandchildren Finlay, Chloe, James, Gabrielle & Brynn and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom was predeceased by his much loved parents, Gordon & Winifred Hawks.
Tom’s final resting place will be Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park—a place forever connected to his spirit. We will picture him there always, playing a game of cribbage from the stern of his canoe, surrounded by the peace he so deeply loved.
A Celebration on Life will be held on Oct 6th at 3:30pm at Trail Hub in Uxbridge. Tom’s memory will live on in every trail ridden, every student encouraged, and every ripple across Algonquin’s waters.
Tom has generously donated his body to medical research. His family deeply thanks the exceptional nurses and doctors of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital. Donations in his memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Tom Hawks Memorial Trail BuildSpring 2026 - Date and time is TBDLocation is TBD
Tom Hawks' Celebration of LifeMon, Oct 06Trail Hub, Uxbridge
A Journey Through Tom's Life
TOM'S ALBUM
Tom found a lifelong friend in me. We connected as adjacent cycling club executive and invited each other on many adventures. Here we are at the first Quebec Singletrack Experience MTB stage race showing off our badges of survival. I will remember him and his inspiring appetite for community building and adventure forever.
As long time franchisees who began with the Oxford Learning brand around about the same time, Tom and I were good friends and often co-conspiritors. Tom was always likeable, a positive thinker, a very good listener, goal oriented, and a joker in the best way. Tom was analytical, and open for those sorts of discussions. Tom was one of the people I counted on when I found myself struggling with some business problem that had popped up unexpectedly, out of the blue, and seemed new to me.
I remember Tom telling me about his skiing injuries and recovery while in Switzerland. I remember my shock as I realized the seriousness of his injuries. When he and I spoke upon his return to Canada, I remember how thankful Tom was for the medical care he had received in Switzerland. I felt Tom's relief, as well.
It was a great shock to learn of Tom's passing. I much regret that circumstances prevent me from attending the celebration of Tom's life.
I beg you to accept my deepest sympathy, to Tom's family, circle of friends, and my co-conspiritors among the people of Oxford Learning.
Yours very sincerely
Stephen Gard
Oxford Learning from 1995 to 2024
I look forward to sharing some of Tom’s favourite songs today as we remember him and feel him sail into the mystic. Love to you Sheila and your whole family. 💜
Ian Hawks here, Tom’s youngest son.
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their memories and stories of Tom here. The gift of seeing Dad through your eyes and experiences is profound. Thank you for taking the time to share your heart, it means a lot.
Sincerely,
Ian
Sheila, John and I send our condolences to you and the girls, and all of Tom’s family. I can’t wait to hear the stories at the celebration of life. Our bike trips were epic and memorable, always full of antics, great rides and good food. Every day was an adventure, Tom always had a plan.
Over the past 13 years we were blessed to see Tom in action; many DMBA
board meetings at our house, lots of events from pancakes in the forest to dancing at Fawks Nest. The last several years I was part of the Glen Major Stewardship Committee, Tom proficiently and eloquently chaired the meetings. You couldn’t help but witness his passion for riding and skiing, he loved to go fast.(maybe sometimes a little too fast.)
He loved Sheila and the girls and the rest of his family with his whole heart. He was so proud of all his kids and step kids., each of them unique and owning a piece of his heart. Your adventures were full of life as you zipped down the ski hills, biked the trails or just entertained at your home. He wrote so eloquently and hated to lose at crib. We are sad to lose such a great friend. The effects of his love for adventure will ripple out through all of us who knew him.
How we all wish to be so loved at the end of our days.
Love John and Lee Fisher
My sincere condolences to Sheila and the whole family for your loss. It has taken me sometime to write these words, as I reflect again on Tom’s life, on his long friendship with myself (starting in Whitney grade school), on our growing up in central Toronto and then later, via our many contacts during work life. We were lucky to experience recent visits to our Canadian West Coast home by Tom and Sheila, which always resulted in great conversations over food, about our life’s journey, and on our extensive outdoor experiences. Thanks for sharing your life and loves with me, my friend of long standing! Douglas Jennings
I first met Tom in the early 2000s through Oxford Learning. I had the privilege of connecting with Tom each time we had our annual conferences. We also attended various training sessions together. Tom always had a funny story and great advice to share. It was clear that Tom was so passionate about helping kids! He will be missed! Sending my deepest condolences to all of Tom's family and friends.
Such a big loss...incredible human being.
We only met twice in our home on 6100 Main Uxbridge.
Tom and Sheila purchased our place 8 years ago.
We were so happy that this lovely family was going to take care of this magical place.
I felt a very deep connection towards Tom...and I will cherish this little gift from Tibet that Tom gifted me
My deepest condolences to your family's.
Max
I met Tom at the Oxford Learning convention in Niagara Falls in 2022. I was not even a year into managing my own centre and I didn't know many people, and I was feeling quite nervous and overwhelmed. Tom was so welcoming and encouraging and the short conversation I had with him at lunch really put me at ease. He even said that I reminded him of his son which I found really touching. I barely knew him and I'm going to miss him. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
I had the opportunity to meet Tom at a variety of AFM's through Oxford Learning. He was a great teacher, shared great best practices and strategies for team building, phone practices, Assessment Reporting and many many more. He shared funny stories and anecdotes that were greatly appreciated. I am so very sorry for your loss, he will be missed.
Nicole