Thomas E. Rand

Thomas Edwin Rand (94) passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 9 in Canton, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife Esther (Huff) Rand, sister Dorothy (Jack) Doyle and family, sons Richard and Timothy (Kitt) Rand, daughters Dory and Carmel Rand, stepson Don Frohme, stepdaughter Diane (Chuck) Gray, grandchildren Gabriel Rand, Kevin and Jesse (Erin) Hart, Joel (Christina) Sachnoff, Monica (Julio) Pinedo, Kallyn Rand, Shannon (Tommy) Frohme-Hemmer, Chris (Teresa) Frohme, Jessica (Mark) Browning, great-grandchildren Gabe and Riley Browning and Ellie Pinedo, and many nieces and nephews of his deceased brother-in-law John Werner and deceased brothers Bob and Pat Rand and their families.

Tom was born in Columbus, Ohio, and met his first wife Marilou (Werner) Rand in grade school there. They married after graduating from the Ohio State University and moved to Massillon, Ohio, to open the Rand Hardware store and raise a family. He later sold the hardware, pursued graduate accounting courses, and worked as an accountant, finishing his career as controller of Appalachian Exploration, Inc. in Canton.

Tom served as a Navy fighter pilot and traveled the world, including trips with family to Asia, Russia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Tom and Esther were fortunate to find each other and marry in their 60s and enjoyed almost 30 years together in their condo in Canton, where Tom served as the first president of the London Square Association. 

Tom was a Massillon Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes fan and enjoyed betting with Esther and family. He was an avid golfer and past president of the Shady Hollow Country Club. Tom skied until his late 80s and was never sick a day in his life. He was a strong partner to Marilou during her extended illness until Marilou passed away in 1990. He is also pre-deceased by his brothers Ray, Bob, Pat, and Dick, son Chris, and granddaughter Emmy Lou Rand.

Tom was fond of a wide variety of music and enjoyed the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and concerts at Blossom Music Center. Those who knew him well remember Tom's Cab Calloway-like "Sunday dance," his hilarious sayings, and his delicious "Mad Hatter" cocktails.

Tom loved his family fiercely and was fiercely loved back. He enjoyed watching the birds and planting flowers. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to the Audobon Society at www.audobon.org.

Private family services were held.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas E. Rand, please visit our floral store.