Tom Omstead

Tom Omstead is a descendant of a United Empire Loyalist who resettled in Canada. Omstead has been given the spirit name ‘O-ka-reeeee’ in a traditional native ceremony. O-ka-reeeee is the phonetic spelling of what the red-winged blackbird sings.

Tom was born in 1960, one of seven independently minded children. He grew up in the Village of Wheatley, ON, Canada, where if daydreaming had been an elementary subject, he’d have gotten an easy A. He was educated at St. Andrew’s College and Queen’s University. He lives part-time in Alberta and Ontario with his wife, Sue.

Selling his business, he decided to do some things he always wanted to, but never had time for previously. Learning French, sailing on a tall ship , whitewater canoeing down the Nahanni River and travelling were some of those pursuits. He also has competed successfully in the sports of triathlon and duathlon. As well as competing, he coaches other athletes and is actively involved with promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle in the communities where he lives.

His wide range of life experiences, passion for conserving natural habitat & wildlife, and his deeply felt social views led naturally to writing his first book: The Red Wing Sings.