The city I moved into in the summer of ’95 is changing. Indeed, all things change and the best of us learn neither to fear it nor be heedless of what it is ushering. If there was an icon of Queen Street West, a spiritual totem that all in the city was not so bad, it was Thomas Drayton (shown pictured, left, with Andre Benjamin of Outkast).
He was often seen outside his marvellous vintage clothing store, Cabaret, or taking walks with his behemoth of a Rottweiler. It seems odd to say this, because in a sense you’d expect it to be commonplace, but Thomas was such a decent, grounded, and inherently benevolent person – indeed, I come back to the word totem to describe such a person. He always smiled warmly and greeted you on the street, regardless if neither of you had ever been formally introduced.
I can say that everyone I know who met him, whether it were fellow dog-walkers in the park or infrequent patrons of his store, were heart-broken to hear of his passing. He died peacefully after the onset of a sudden illness, on October 24th.
Songs are not legion for those who are neither particularly heroic nor lamentable; we prefer to base our odes, it seems, on those who straddle one of two extremes. Lost in the middle, where the majority of us dwell, are pillars such as Drayton. He was one of us and yet still managed to set an example of what could be attained.
My heart broke when I saw the placard in the window display of his store, explaining his passing. There is a copy of the memorium here. It’s one thing to keep memories of the dead alive in our hearts – I think, in the case of Thomas Drayton, we can go further and emulate the example he set for us, in his day-to-day style.
Thank you for that memorial. I too was heartbroken, and will miss him. A bit of Queen West died with him.
I was so saddened to hear that Thomas had passed. I met Thomas when I came to Toronto in 1983; he owned a vintage clothing store in the Beaches and one in Collingwood, and I wore nothing but vintage clothing and always bought from Thomas, even when it meant driving to Collingwood where we spent many hours together. He will be missed.
Carl
Carl – indeed, he will be missed. However, Cabaret (the store) is still going strong. They actually have a new line of fedoras (from Biltmore perhaps?) in stock which look great.
He was a pillar of totem strength in our church too. Thomas was a cleric in Eckankar, and helped many of us along on our pathway home to God. Three years later, still have his photo on my mirror, to remind me to choose love and a positive attitude to beat out fear. He was also a poet who wrote many inspiring books. He left behind an amazing family, a testament to his love and courage.
Very sad to have found Thomas passed away this many years later. He helped a friend and i sail a boat from south of New York city to Toronto through the Erie canal system . I still have his book of poetry . Met him in collingwood . My friend also has passed on but Thomas’ smile is still with me ..
He was an influential person. With each year I discover more about the interesting individual he was. Thanks for the comment.
Wished I had searched deeper years ago for Thomas. I knew him in Paris in 1967 – 68 and still have a copy of his book. I’ve memory accompanying him to many poetry readings during those days. And, one very special experience from my relationship with Tommy (as he was known then) from that time, has helped propel my development and art ever since. I’ll never forget him.
Thomas gave me a copy of “My Love for You” back in ’85 and signed it for me. He was a regular in the restaurant I worked in and one of my favourites
I met Thomas in 1965 when he lived in Creemore Ont.
He had the most eclectic and creative mind that not only influenced me and my whole life, but my family as well. Thomas,Ann and Bodie were giants I looked up to. To this day I hqave had an Akita as a family member, thanks to Thomas and Ann,
Jeffrey G Smith
Well, now I’m sad. I knew Thomas many years ago and when our paths crossed we would make time to share food with each other. He taught me the importance of allowing others to do what they do. To recognize them as important. I found a copy of “Looking it Over” in my library and it made me search for him. Many blessings to Thomas and his family.
Rob Martin
It must have been 1968 when Thomas helped roll well rings down the hill to where we had dug the well 21 feet deep. (He was the strongest- the gentle strong man I guess.). He made a quiet impression on us, left his book of poems. The book is titled “Looking it Over”. Thanks for coming by Thomas, R.I.P.
I have come to the top
of the mountain
looking over it all
as far as my tired eyes
can see
saw that I am here
I realize I must look
under to understand it.
Ohh boy, I just did this search of Thomas Drayton and am so saddened to what I have found. Thomas has been parted from us so long ago now yet it is true has remained in our hearts.
I met Thomas somewhere between 1977 – 1980. I loved going into his shop on Queen Street East in the Beach “From Here to Eternity” and of course purchased many items of vintage clothing which I adored, still do. One particular day I strolled in (as I had many times even if just for small talk with Thomas) with my toddler son Ryan and Thomas signed and presented us with a book he had written “The Chosen One.” Thomas signed it and it was given to Ryan. I have just come across this wee book 40 something years later here in my library of books. I know how often I have thought of Thomas and that he was a particularly special man indeed. I am sorry that I never kept in touch. Coincidentally I now have recently moved to Collingwood where I have read above that he had a store here as well…..I didn’t know that. I am grateful to have this book he wrote and although I regret not seeing him or even knowing of his passing till now, I am certain he will continue to live on in my heart with great fondness. God Bless you Thomas ❤
I discovered poetry through Tom in 1970, and it never left me since. Thank you Thomas, and rest un peace.
I knew Thomas in Las Vegas beginning in 1963. We subsequently spent some time together in New York City during 1968. He was one of the kindest, most expansive people with whom I’ve ever spent time.