JOORDENS, THOMAS "THOM" The passing of Thomas "Thom" Joordens of Fredericton, NB, husband of Berendina "Diny" (Hartjes) Joordens occurred on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Born on April 22, 1931 in Blerick, Holland, he was the son of the late Johannes and Maria Bernardina (Waterreus) Joordens. Thom is perhaps best known as Fredericton's first town crier, ringing his bell and bellowing "oh yah!" at parades and events from 1986 until very recently. He served in the 2nd RCR battalion from 1954 to 1973, after which he became the Director of Maintenance for School District 26 (now 18) until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, becoming Grand Knight of the St. Francis of Assisi Council in 1987, and was a member Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was passionate about honouring those who serve the community, recently earning a Minister of Veteran's Affairs Commendation Medal in 2009 for his efforts to send books and Christmas cards to Canadian Forces in Bosnia, and for organizing 911 celebrations honouring New Brunswick's emergency service personnel. Most recently, he founded and became president of the NATO Veterans Organization to honour and represents all NATO veterans and, under his leadership, membership in this organization has grown to almost 1000 members. He will be dearly missed, and always loved. In addition to his wife, Thom is survived by his daughters, Marianne Joordens, Terry Wilkins (Ed) both of Lincoln, NB and Michele Poirier of Sooke, BC; son, Steve Joordens (Sue) of Toronto, ON; grandchildren, Chantele Joordens, Tom Martinson, Buddy and Nicole Wilkins, Matthew and Jake Poirier, Darci Dickinson and Dayna Garcia; one great grandson, Bryson Cusack; three sisters; one brother and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Thom was predeceased by several brothers and sisters. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 are asked to assemble at the funeral home for a tribute service on Thursday at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will take at St. Dunstan's Roman Catholic Parish on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 2 pm with Rev. Gerald M. White officiating. Reception will follow the service. Interment will take place in Beechwood National Military Cemetery, Ottawa, ON at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com