McMaster Engineering is mourning the loss of Tom Lee, a respected innovator, passionate educator and beloved member of the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, who passed away on October 22, 2026, following a battle with cancer.
Known for his extraordinary gift for storytelling, generous spirit and boundless curiosity, Lee had a rare ability to make complex engineering concepts accessible, engaging and memorable. He connected people and ideas with ease, inspiring students and colleagues to see new possibilities in engineering, entrepreneurship and education.
Lee joined McMaster in 2021 as the Walter G. Booth Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation and assumed the role as Associate Director of Graduate Studies in 2022, bringing decades of international industry experience and a deeply held belief in the power of education to change lives.
He played a pivotal role in reimagining the Master of Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MEEI) program, strengthening its connections to industry, experiential learning and the practical challenges of bringing new ideas to life.
“Tom believed deeply in the potential of engineering to make a difference in people’s lives, and he brought that conviction to everything he did,” said Heather Sheardown, Dean of Engineering.
He challenged us to think differently about how we educate engineers, how we connect ideas with real-world impact and, most importantly, how we inspire the next generation. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions to McMaster Engineering and for the kindness and generosity he shared with our community.
A Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and recipient of an honorary doctorate from York University, Lee helped advance three influential Canadian technology companies: Maplesoft, Certicom and Quanser. His career took him around the world, building partnerships with universities, industry and communities while championing innovative approaches to engineering education.
He was equally passionate about creating opportunities for young people, particularly through youth robotics and initiatives to make engineering more accessible to underrepresented communities.
Yet, for those who worked alongside him, his professional accomplishments were only part of what made him remarkable.
“Tom was kind, thoughtful, and intelligent, and I could use so many other complementary words to describe him, but I think the word ‘wisdom’ works the best for me,” said Mike Justason, Director of the W Booth School. “Tom exuded wisdom, and after every conversation with him I felt a little wiser. I will be forever thankful to him for that, and for what he brought to our School. He will be missed terribly.”
That sentiment is shared by Michele Vaz, business manager at the School, who remembers both his visionary thinking and the warmth of his friendship.
“Tom was a dear friend, an extraordinary visionary, and someone I truly admired. He had a remarkable gift for bringing things to life through his unique storytelling, leaving you inspired, enlightened, and often laughing. In far too short a time, he made an extraordinary impact. I will always treasure his friendship, his wisdom, and the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.”
Beyond engineering, Lee was a photographer, writer, musician and lifelong explorer. Following his cancer diagnosis in 2022, he shared candid reflections on living with illness through his writing and YouTube channel, Living With Cancer, offering others insight, encouragement and moments of humour during an extraordinarily difficult journey.
As Lee faced cancer, the Booth School community rallied in his honour, organizing a fundraising initiative in 2024 that raised more than $10,000, reflecting the affection and respect he inspired.
Above all, Lee was a devoted family man who cherished his wife Sharon, children Maddie and Eric, and granddaughter Suzie.
His time at McMaster was far too short, but his legacy extends beyond the programs he helped shape and the innovations he championed. He will be remembered for his wisdom, his humour, his remarkable ability to connect with others and the generosity with which he shared his knowledge.
A celebration of Tom’s life will take place on November 1, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home in Waterloo, with reflections beginning at 3 p.m. Additional details are available in his family obituary. Flags on campus will be lowered on his behalf.