It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Tomasz Roman Fudakowski (Tom) on April 4, 2022. Tom was born in Penley, England in 1947 and immigrated with his family to Cowansville, Quebec at the age of two.
Tom was a man with one passion and that was flying. He obtained his private pilot’s license at the tender age of 16 and could fly a plane before he could drive a car.
He enjoyed a long career in air traffic services with Transport Canada and later with Nav Canada, first as an Air Traffic Controller in Montreal before moving on to Ottawa, Calgary, and back to Ottawa in various management positions. He was honoured to attend the National Defense College in Kingston, Ontario graduating in 1994.
In his retirement, his favourite pastime was chatting under the gazebo with his buddies at the Rockcliffe Flying Club. He was an enthusiastic volunteer grass cutter at the airport, which amusingly did not translate to his duties at home. Quebec Eastern Townshippers at heart, he and Cynthia often returned to reconnect with old friends and tour the beautiful part of Quebec where they grew up. Their far-flung travels also took them to Poland, Portugal, France, Spain, the USA and points beyond.
He is predeceased by his father Leon and brother Jacek (Marysia), survived by his mother Halina (nee Daszkowska) and sister Sophie. Tom is the beloved husband of 53 years to Cynthia (nee Allen), dear father of Amanda (Joel), Kristy and Emily. He is the proud grandfather of Avery, Samantha, Tommy and Adaira and uncle to Monika and Juan Sebastian. He will be missed by his family in Canada, Poland and around the world.
Heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at the Ottawa General Hospital 6 East and the ICU.
A celebration of life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on April 19 at 1:00pm.
*The family is requesting that all attendees wear face masks.*
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s honour to The Canada-Ukraine Foundation and/or The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
Condolences and tributes may be made at www.beechwoodottawa.ca.
Digital Guestbook
Kim Boudreau
Hanna Olszewski
My heart goes out to the whole family in this tragic loss.
May God give you strength, and peace.
May the happy time you spent with him be close to your heart.
Hanna
Dorothy Olszewski-Williams
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories and his love for you and the love of your friends and family.
Pierre Sauvé
Dear Cynthia and Family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of Tom, a great friend and work colleague.
All who knew Tom professionally will agree with me that he was probably one the best Air Traffic Controller and pilot.
RIP good buddy.
Andrew Huddleston
Tom was a true gentlemen. A great pilot who graciously shared his vast knowledge of flying with others. We had great conversations sitting at the picnic table down at Kars Airfield. It was a privilege to know him. He will be missed.
Daniel Dekoker
My condolences. I didn't know Tom very well. He kindly offered to provide a return ride from St-Hubert Airport late last year to fellow pilots in need of a favour. I had only heard good things and making oneself available to help people is clearly a testament. Blue Skies and Tailwinds Tom.
Joanne and John Neate
Cynthia, we are so saddened by Tom’s passing. We all moved to Friel Street Street almost 20 years ago, and have stayed friends. John relied on Tom for the “best wine”recommendations, and he was never disappointed! When Tom offered to take me flying over Ottawa, I knew that I was with the most capable of pilots. We will miss our Christmas gatherings and lunches together. We will miss him. May you gather the strength to see you through this time of sadness and loss. We are here for you.
Kathy Fox
My sincerest condolences to Cynthia and the whole family. Tom was a great boss, colleague, mentor, a fellow aviator and friend. We flew together a half-dozen times or so when he wanted to regain his currency after a long layoff. That's when I realized what a great pilot he was. I will very much miss seeing him at the Rockcliffe Airport, chatting with his many buddies under the gazebo. May Tom continue to soar, and may you be comforted by the many memories and support from colleagues and friends who knew him.
Mike Eustace
Cynthia and family...I was very sorry to hear about Toms passing. May the great memories you shared with Tom be with you forever...may God grant you Peace.....Sincerely, Mike Eustace
Ewa and Andrzej Zlotorzynski
Deepest condolences to Pani Halina and the entire Fudakowski Family.
Kristy and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you all.
Much love,
Kim B