It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Punkari at 58 years old on Monday, October 11, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Mary Katherine (MK) and they built their lives together for 36 years. Together they raised two sons, Blake Punkari (Daughter-in-law Brianne Olsen) and Kyle Punkari. He was a father figure to Emily Lumbama and Angel Poitras (Fiancé Sylvain Larcher) as well as many foster children. He was PapaBear to six Grandchildren that made his heart so happy, Alliah, Christopher, Divon, Keegan, Ezra and Xavier. Tom was the loving son of Robert and Eleanor Punkari (predeceased) and brother to Brent (Wife Sharon). He will be missed by his Nephews Breeyn Burnett and Eric Punkari as well as his Niece Katrina Punkari and her two daughters. He was an inspiration and so much more to so many people. He was a passionate and well-respected drag racer (Bully Breed Racing) and proud board member of the Sudbury District Motorsports Association. He will be missed by family, friends, racing family, and co-workers. The Punkari family would like to thank all that reached out to Tom as well as the phenomenal nurses and doctors at Health Sciences North. In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service, a Celebration of Life will be held in the future. He is burning rubber. He’s got the holeshot. He is racing at great heights, catching them at the end, watching them in his rear-view mirror.
Tom joined Canadian Scale in June of 2004, and quickly became one of our most valuable Service Technicians. He spent endless hours on the road providing exemplary service to all his customers. From the Greater Sudbury Area, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, New Liskeard, and Timmins, to Thunder Bay and beyond he loved his job, and wasn’t happy until every challenge he faced in the field was rectified.
As a result of his tireless dedication and expertise, there were no questions to be asked when his predecessor retired last summer. Tom, without hesitation rose to the challenge of taking on the role of Service Manager, all while continuing his hands on position in the field.
We would like to recognize, and offer our sincere condolences to Tom’s wife Mary-Katherine, their two sons Blake and Kyle, and their families. As a dedicated Field Technician Tom spent a great deal of time away from his home, and we will all be forever grateful for their sacrifice.
Tom will be sorrowfully missed by the entire Weir Family, and by all of his friends and colleagues at Canadian Scale.
May he Rest in Peace
October 19, 2021
My sincere condolences to MK and family.
RIP Tom 🙏
October 18, 2021
MK, Blake & Kyle,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
October 16, 2021
Sorry for your loss MK as well as Brent and the entire Family. Saddened to see another relative leave us too soon.
October 15, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss MK and family. My heart goes out to you.
October 15, 2021
Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow.
Praying that your fond memories comfort you.
Love Elaine, Fred and Karlina Fransen and Ron Santala
October 15, 2021
Our condolences to MK, Blake and Kyle. This family has suffered such a great loss. Tom and MK always welcomed everyone into their fold with so much love, generosity and kindness.
October 15, 2021
Mk and family, I am very sorry for your loss. May Tom be racing in the sky.
~Tracey
October 14, 2021
Tom, thanks for the work and thanks for the friendship…drive on my friend.
October 14, 2021
MK, Blake, Kyle and Brent
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father and brother. Tom was a good man and a long time friend of mine. I am disappointed not to have been able to spend time with him before his passing but I’m sure he knew I was thinking of him! I think back to my days in Sudbury and the fun times I had with him and his brother Brent! Those were the good old days. Prayers for Tommy and of course his family and many friends.
Rest easy my friend until we meet up again!
October 14, 2021
My condolences go out to Tom’s family and friends during this difficult time. My colleague and I will miss seeing him come into the office or meeting out in the field. He was always joking around and making the most out of his work.
We’ll be thinking of him.
October 14, 2021
My condolences,to the family and friends, I’ve known Tom since I was 19 ,thank you for all that you given me he was great father , and husband to mk ,a fabulous grandpa to keegan & Aiden,
He will be truly missed beyond words.
I hope your winning every race up there 😇🌈♡
October 14, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time may Tom fly with the angels
Lots of love to all of you❤️❤️❤️
October 14, 2021
MK …Blake and Kyle
We send our deepest sympathies to your family. Thinking of you…sending love and light to this wonderful family.
October 14, 2021
MK I’m sending you a big (hug). My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in these hard times. 🙏🏻
October 14, 2021
My heart goes out to you my beautiful friend MK. My thoughts and prayers to yourself, Tom’s family and friends. 🙏 I will continue to send you all prayers of strength to help you all.
October 14, 2021