Obituary of Thomas Wolder
Dr. Thomas “Tom” Wolder passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Parkwood Institute, surrounded by his family. He was in his 86th year.
Born on August 4, 1940, in Amsterdam, Holland, Tom’s early life was shaped by hardship and resilience. He lost his mother at the age of 4 and witnessed the liberation of the Netherlands during the final year of the Second World War. In 1952, at the age of 12, he immigrated to Canada with his family, settling first in Port Bruce. It was at this point that he began to learn English and to adapt to Canadian culture. The family then moved to Tillsonburg, then Simcoe, before finally making Strathroy the community he proudly called home.
Even as a young man, Tom was driven by a curiosity and a passion for learning that lasted his entire life. He approached every opportunity with enthusiasm, whether in his early education or in his adventurous decision at 17 to join the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) for his Grade 13 year. He was stationed on Vancouver Island but sustained a back injury that left him in traction for several months. Tom was honorably discharged at 19.
After his military service, Tom returned to Ontario and attended the University of Western Ontario, earning his Bachelor of Arts. He began teaching mathematics, science, and Latin in various high schools across Ontario, including Durham, Cobalt, Sudbury, and Strathroy.
At the age of 30, Tom returned to Western to pursue his dream of being a physician, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1975. During his time as a medical student, he even managed to host Reach for the Top on Channel 10 in London, Ontario. He opened his medical practice in Strathroy, initially from his home on 20 Caradoc Street while at the same time also working in Arkona. Later, he moved his practice to Front Street, Strathroy, then to the Old Post Office, and finally to 17 Frank Street.
In addition to his practice, he worked for many years as a physician in the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital: Emergency Department. Over two winters, he worked as a locum in the northern communities of Pickle Lake and Kirkland Lake. Later, Tom recognized a need for greater access to care, and opened the West Middlesex Walk-In Clinic, operating beyond typical office hours so community members could receive treatment despite their full-time work schedules. As well as this, he was the Medical Director of Strathmere Lodge. His patients remember not only his skill but also his generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their care.
Tom’s devotion to his community extended beyond medicine. In 1982, he entered public service and served two terms as Mayor of Strathroy. He played a pivotal role in acquiring industrial land to support growth, oversaw the expansion and improvement of the historic town hall, all while continuing to tend to his patients from his practice. A proud and passionate Liberal, he dedicated many years to political service, including acting as campaign manager for Rose-Marie Ur. His belief in public service was grounded in a lifelong desire to improve the lives of others.
Never one to limit himself, Tom’s curiosity and drive led him to many ventures, including operating travel agencies across southwestern Ontario. He believed deeply in the power of travel to broaden perspectives and strengthen understanding, a philosophy he shared with family, friends, and his community.
Tom was an avid traveller, a lover of the arts, a devoted Blue Jays fan, and a lifelong learner whose interests were as wide ranging as the places he explored.
Above all, Tom was a family man. He was the cherished husband of Marilyn, proud father of Annette (António), Karen (Jonathan), Allison (Josep), Winston, and Isabella, and loving grandfather to Jessica, Johnathon (Mansi), Marc, Kyle, and Jordi. He was a dear brother of Theo (Betty Ann). He was a beloved brother-in-law of Diane and Anne Marie (Grant). He was the beloved uncle of David (Eva), Andrew (Angelina), Kathleen, Alex (Kim), Jeff (Reneé), Erin (Ryan), Skye (Christopher), Dana (Maged). Tom is predeceased by his brother André, father Theophil “Theo”, mother Andrieske “Annie”, and step-mother Sophia “Margaret”.
Dr. Wolder’s life, in teaching, medicine, public service, and everyday acts of kindness, was defined by compassion, perseverance, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to others. His legacy will continue to live on in the countless people he helped, inspired, and loved.
Cremation has taken place. Tom’s Celebration of Life is being arranged by Denning Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, at 9:30am with a service to follow at 10:30am at Denning’s of Strathroy, 32 Metcalfe St W, Strathroy.
We would like to extend our deepest and sincerest thanks to the incredible staff at Parkwood Institute where Tom received exemplary care. Their kindness was such a comfort to our family. In honour of Tom, donations to the Programs at Parkwood Institute in care of St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, London, or the Strathroy District Historical Society, would be appreciated.
