Thomas Herrmann

Thomas “Thom” Herrmann

July 18, 1943 – May 4, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Thomas “Thom” Herrmann passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, in Guelph, at the age of 82.  He is lovingly survived by his wife, Carol Ann Herrmann (née Van Horn); his daughters, Krista and Annelise (Olivier); his cherished grandchildren, Keegan (Joseph), Rowan, Xavier, Tristan, and Zackary, as well as his dear brothers Robert and Paul.

Born on July 18, 1943, in Rochester, NY, Thom spent his early years in Rochester before pursuing his studies at the University of Tennessee. In the 1970s, upon receiving his PhD, he accepted a position at the University of Guelph, where he became a respected Professor of Psychology focusing his research in the area of neuro-science. Over the course of a meaningful career that spanned over three decades, Thom was admired by colleagues and students alike, having been awarded the distinguished University of Guelph Faculty Association Service Award in 2012 and the Medal of Merit in 2013 for his contributions to the university community. He remained at the University of Guelph throughout his entire career and, upon retiring, was named Professor Emeritus. After retirement, he continued contributing to the university through his role as a board member of the University of Guelph Retirees’ Association (UGRA).

Outside of his academic career, Thom was deeply committed to his community, known for his mentorship, community spirit, and involvement in youth-oriented programs. He generously gave his time to organizations including the Sertoma Club, the Lions Clubs International, where he served as District Governor of District A-15 from 1998–1999 and was an active member of the Guelph Men’s Club, always eager to contribute and connect with others.

Thom found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Above all else, he was a devoted family man and proud grandfather.  He loved cooking for family and friends, travelling, and watching baseball. A lifelong fan of the game, he also spent many years umpiring baseball, combining his love of sports with his sense of fairness and community spirit.

Thom will be remembered for his warmth, passion, generosity, intelligence and his love of storytelling and off-the-wall sense of humour. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love that will continue to live on in all who knew him.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home and Chapel, 206 Norfolk Street, Guelph, on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 1pm – 2pm with a Celebration of Life service at 2pm, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A tree will be planted in memory of Thomas Herrmann in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.