Thomas Carnell Ruttger, age 33, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 17, 2026, at his home in Hamilton, Ontario. His sudden passing has left our family deeply saddened, and we are taking some comfort in knowing that he experienced no harm, pain, or suffering.

Born on April 29, 1993, in St. Thomas, Ontario, Tom, known affectionately to many as Tommy, grew up in Burlington, Ontario. He was a generous, intelligent, fun, loyal, and kind person.

Tom is survived by his loving mother, Jane Ruttger (Brad Coon); his devoted sister, Alli Ruttger (Vaughan Swart); and his beloved girlfriend, Holly Molaski. He also leaves behind his cherished grandmother, Sylvia Dougan; his uncles, Steve Carnell (Pauline Teape-Carnell), Chris Carnell (Raquel Carnell), and Pete Dougan; and his cousins, Elysia Laprise (Ryan Laprise) and Shandel Bourgeois (Chris Bourgeois). Tom will be deeply missed by his family’s dearest friends, Jamie Hayden and Lesley Thomson, along with his close circle of loyal and loving friends.

Tom is now reunited with his beloved father, Klaus Ruttger. The love between Tom and his father was immense. They were bonded by their shared interests in sports, music, and food, and alike in their inquisitiveness, sense of humour, and devotedness to friendship and family. Klaus adored his son and nurtured in him an empathetic and sensitive nature. Tom is also warmly remembered alongside his Oma, Rosemarie Erdt, and his Opa, Werner Erdt, Klaus’ parents.

It is difficult to capture Tom’s life and legacy in words. Tom knew exactly how to make the people in his life feel loved and cherished. He listened attentively, responded empathetically, laughed easily, and stood up for others quickly. To be around Tom was to feel connected to a sense of fun, ease, silliness, and possibility. His big personality was infectious, and he was generous with his compliments and gratitude. By his mother, Tom will be remembered in eternity as a loving son, a reassuring presence, and a source of enthusiasm for life. By his sister, Tom will be forever held as a best friend, a confidante, and a source of the deepest belly laughs.

We are all too aware of what we have lost in Tom’s passing, and that awareness reminds us just how deeply we have loved and been loved by him. Our hope for everyone who is missing him is that grief can act as a powerful reminder of the love you felt for Tom, and how he returned this feeling to you. With time, may this pain soften so the warmth of your shared memories begin to shine through. We know without a doubt that you will hold Tom in your hearts forever, and that the remembered feeling of his giant bear hugs will leave a lasting imprint.

We will be celebrating Tom’s life on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Nickel Brook Brewing Co. in Burlington (3426 Mainway). All who loved Tom, were touched by his life, or wish to support his family are welcome to join us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA in Tom’s name. This is in honour of Tom’s love for animals and his connection to the Hamilton/Burlington area.