Obituary for Mr. Thomas “Tom” George Sinclair
THOMAS GEORGE SINCLAIR
Niin “Little Red Fox” Nindizhinikaaz
Mukwa Dodem
January 16, 1951 – May 25, 2023
Mr. Thomas George Sinclair, age 72 years, passed away peacefully in St. Joseph's Hospice on Thursday, May 25, 2023 with his family by his side.
Thomas was born on January 16, 1951 to Helen and Thomas Sinclair. He was dedicated to bettering the lives of his people by setting up Indigenous Mental Health Services throughout Northwestern Ontario and across Canada at various places including Mino Bimaadiziwin Child and Family Services (now part of Dilico), Nogdawindamin Child and Community Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Residential Treatment Units in Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout and Elders Residential Program in Northern B.C. Throughout his career, he was blessed to have worked with so many people that became friends.
Thomas walked the Red Road throughout his life. His Anishinaabe traditions and teachings were at the heart of this being. He was a traditional dancer, painter and craftsperson. He created his own Regalia to wear for dancing and his artwork and crafts are cherished by so many.
Above all else, Thomas’s family was his main focus. The time spent with those he loved was his greatest passion. He had a heart of gold and was a kind man who would help anyone in need. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, and will be deeply missed by all.
Thomas is survived by loving spouse of 31 years, Delores Cyrette; children Lynne, Tom (Autumn) and Cody; grandchildren Travis Sinclair, Colter (MaKayla), Rainbow, Cali and Mollie Assiniwai; great grandchildren children Sylis and Highland; siblings Delores Martyn, Roselda Hermer, Donna Lyons, Arthur Sinclair and Carolyn Bracken. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Isobel Cyrette, sister-in-law Belinda (Dave Robertson), brother-in-law Howard Cyrette-Meshake (Elsie), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He will be dearly missed by his beloved fur babies JR and Holly, who were the centre of his world along with Luna, the newest addition.
He was predeceased by his beloved son Kris Lyons (2012); his parents, Thomas Sinclair (1985) and Helen Flett Sinclair (2010); father-in-law Robert McKellar (2020); brothers Bill (2020), John (2021) and sister Noella Sinclair (2003) as well as several in-laws.
The family would also like to thank the nursing and medical staff of 4 North at St Joseph’s Hospice for the excellent care, compassion and respect shown to him in the last days of this life. Special mention to the Indigenous care team for their assistance with Thomas and family in easing the process of his final journey.
Funeral Services for Thomas will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 11:00am in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Thomas to the Alzeheimer Society of Thunder Bay or the Thunder Bay District Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.
Niin “Little Red Fox” Nindizhinikaaz
Mukwa Dodem
January 16, 1951 – May 25, 2023
Mr. Thomas George Sinclair, age 72 years, passed away peacefully in St. Joseph's Hospice on Thursday, May 25, 2023 with his family by his side.
Thomas was born on January 16, 1951 to Helen and Thomas Sinclair. He was dedicated to bettering the lives of his people by setting up Indigenous Mental Health Services throughout Northwestern Ontario and across Canada at various places including Mino Bimaadiziwin Child and Family Services (now part of Dilico), Nogdawindamin Child and Community Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Residential Treatment Units in Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout and Elders Residential Program in Northern B.C. Throughout his career, he was blessed to have worked with so many people that became friends.
Thomas walked the Red Road throughout his life. His Anishinaabe traditions and teachings were at the heart of this being. He was a traditional dancer, painter and craftsperson. He created his own Regalia to wear for dancing and his artwork and crafts are cherished by so many.
Above all else, Thomas’s family was his main focus. The time spent with those he loved was his greatest passion. He had a heart of gold and was a kind man who would help anyone in need. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, and will be deeply missed by all.
Thomas is survived by loving spouse of 31 years, Delores Cyrette; children Lynne, Tom (Autumn) and Cody; grandchildren Travis Sinclair, Colter (MaKayla), Rainbow, Cali and Mollie Assiniwai; great grandchildren children Sylis and Highland; siblings Delores Martyn, Roselda Hermer, Donna Lyons, Arthur Sinclair and Carolyn Bracken. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Isobel Cyrette, sister-in-law Belinda (Dave Robertson), brother-in-law Howard Cyrette-Meshake (Elsie), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He will be dearly missed by his beloved fur babies JR and Holly, who were the centre of his world along with Luna, the newest addition.
He was predeceased by his beloved son Kris Lyons (2012); his parents, Thomas Sinclair (1985) and Helen Flett Sinclair (2010); father-in-law Robert McKellar (2020); brothers Bill (2020), John (2021) and sister Noella Sinclair (2003) as well as several in-laws.
The family would also like to thank the nursing and medical staff of 4 North at St Joseph’s Hospice for the excellent care, compassion and respect shown to him in the last days of this life. Special mention to the Indigenous care team for their assistance with Thomas and family in easing the process of his final journey.
Funeral Services for Thomas will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 11:00am in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Thomas to the Alzeheimer Society of Thunder Bay or the Thunder Bay District Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.