Sadness, shock expressed over sudden death of Oakville physician

When it mattered most, Dr. Tom Stanton was always there.

When his mom became ill and was sent to the hospital only to discover she had cancer and months to live, one longtime Oakville resident said the Oakville doctor, who died suddenly on August 30, was there every step of the way.

“He called to see how we were doing,” the patient said of Stanton, who had been the family’s physician for over 30 years. “When she came home to spend her final days, he dropped by to see her.

“He would often call to make sure she was getting what she needed and even to check in just to see how we were doing. He was a great doctor and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his wife and three children and to those at (South Oakville Medical Group).”

Many of his colleagues and patients are still in shock with the sudden loss of Stanton who worked in the emergency and obstetrics departments at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital over his lengthy career.

“With great sadness, we announce the unexpected death of Dr. Tom Stanton, who passed on Friday August 30th, 2024,” said an email sent by clinic staff to Dr. Stanton’s patients. “We have lost a wonderful friend, colleague and highly skilled physician and leader.

“He was a beloved husband and father to three children, and our thoughts are with his family during this challenging time.” Top of Form

A cause of death has not been released.

Stanton attended Queen’s University where he received his doctorate of medicine in 1989 and then completed his residency in family medicine at McMaster University.

Stanton replaced Dr. Manchester, who moved away from Oakville.

His contributions in the medical field did not go unnoticed. In 2010 he received Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital’s Soapy Soanes Award for his contributions to the hospital and the community.

An avid runner, Stanton stressed the importance of staying fit and keeping as active as possible. He looked after the health concerns of generations of families.

“I am very sad to hear the news of Tom’s passing,” said Kerri Morden Marsolais on Facebook. “Long-time friends of our family starting with our fathers. He delivered my youngest daughter over 28 years ago. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.”

Debra Rockett Scott still can’t believe he is gone.

“I’m shocked like everyone else,” she said on Facebook. “He became mine and my three kids doctor after Dr. Manchester left. It’s so hard to believe. I feel so saddened. It’s just incredibly sad. There are no words. We are sending condolences and prayers to his family. God bless them.”

The Oakville medical clinic said physicians and staff will be “working hard” to continue to care for all patients.

“The current locum physicians Dr. Amandev Aulakh and Dr. Gaurav Sharma will be seeing Dr. Stanton’s patients until a more permanent solution is be found,” read the email sent out to patients.

For the longtime Oakville patient, he will always remember how caring Dr. Stanton was.

“The night my mom passed away we were told to call him no matter the hours,” he said. “Dr. Stanton’s kind, caring words that night were much appreciated and something I will always remember him for.

“He thanked us for the care we gave my mom and told us how wonderful a person she was and how much she clearly loved her four boys. The community of Oakville suffered a great loss. Our hearts go out to his family.”

Funeral details have yet to be released.