Tom Ernicos, Born on May 17th, 1966 in Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully on May 9th, 2025. Tom is survived by his three children, Cassandra, Andrea, and Jacob, his granddaughter Mila, and his sister Dina. He is predeceased by his mother Helene, his father Gerrasimos, and his sister Stella.
Tom’s parents immigrated to Canada from Greece in 1957 before settling down in Toronto, Ontario. Here, they opened a Greek restaurant and had three children. As a first generation Canadian, Tom was proud of his culture and was active in the Greek community. Tom grew up close to his siblings and his many cousins, passing traditions down to his children and grandchild. Tom and his family moved to Kamloops, BC and graduated from Norkam Secondary in 1984, remaining friends with many of his classmates for the rest of his life.
Tom will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his even larger heart. Every time he left the house, Tom could be seen talking and laughing with someone. Well known and loved in the community, Tom was best known for working at Minos Greek Restaurant for over 20 years. Tom loved working with the public; he took the time and care to get to get to know every customer, forming lifelong connections and friendships. Tom always saw the best in others, lending a guiding hand to those who needed it most. He was a positive influence whose pride and joy was leading those close to him down the right path. After working in the restaurant business for most of his life, Tom began working as a community support worker, caring for his client like a member of the family. While he was genuine and kind, Tom also knew how to have a good time and enjoyed life to the fullest. His bellowing laugh and uplifting playful energy left a mark on many, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to get to know him.
While Tom’s charismatic and generous personality touched the lives of everyone who crossed his path, to those closest to him, he was an unyielding figurehead of love and support. Tom did everything for those he loved, dedicating his life to his three children and grandchild. He was a proud and present father, dropping anything and everything to help his children, no matter how large or small the task. He had an unwavering belief in his kids and was a dominant and integral figure in their lives, offering wisdom to help guide them through life while allowing space for them to grow and learn without judgement. Tom was always there if you needed him, and to his family, he represented comfort, compassion, and home. While he was a caring and kind person, Tom was also strong and protective; he stood up for what he believed in and fought hard for what he thought was right – he didn’t put up with nonsense and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He was approachable and funny and was the life of every party. Tom was an amazing cook, storyteller, and friend. We will miss his constant calls and check-ins, his boisterous and contagious personality, his devotion and positivity, and so much more.
Words cannot express all that Tom was and how deeply he will be missed. While he is no longer here with us, there is comfort in knowing that his memory and influence will never fade away. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for the man who showed us what it means to love and to be loved, and we are truly blessed for every moment we had the privilege to spend with Dad.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 15th at 11:00am, in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Dr, Kamloops.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
