AFP Member Robert Pierre Tomas passes away
It is with heavy heart that we must inform you that one of our members, Robert Pierre Tomas, has passed away.
Robert Pierre Tomas born June 8, 1965 in Chestahova,Poland, died tragically by drowning in Turks and Caicos April 1st, 2018. Robert was one of a kind: handsome, brilliant, funny, multilingual, generous and creative. His love of life, frankness and curiosity made him a force to be reckoned with. He loved the arts but read about astro-physics and mathematics for fun. He received a Canada Council grant for a novel he wrote retelling The Tempest during the Bosnian War. Robert had an encyclopaedic knowledge of classical music, served as a Juno judge and reviewed CD’s performances for Whole Note and other publications. He was a superb and innovative cook who championed Prince Edward County wines from the start. His newest hobby was exploring the possibility of making a form of Calvados with County apples. Trained as a lawyer, Robert worked in broadcasting in Poland and in Canada and then in philanthropy as a highly respected fundraiser for social justice causes close to his heart. He recently completed a Masters level course in fundraising at Plymouth University in the UK. He championed LGBT causes and was a proud Leatherman who promoted safe, healthy sexuality and advocated for those living with HIV/AIDS from the start of the epidemic. He married Allan Peterkin in 2003 and they created a loving pack, always with 3 Labrador retrievers, currently Rufus, Lulu and Theo.
Robert leaves to mourn Allan, who has lost the love of his life and his partner of 20 years, his sister Barbara (Pavel), his brother Adam (Anna) and beloved niece Maya. Also many hundreds of friends and colleagues in Canada, the US and Europe. He helped and lived so many and touched so many lives.
A private celebration of life will be held with family. We ask you to raise a toast in Robert’s honour and to donate to the SPCA, The Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital or to a meaningful charity of your choice.