Captain Donald Tooms, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and distinguished mariner, passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 92 in Kingwood, Texas.
Born July 15, 1932, in Durban, Natal, South Africa, to Sidney and Evelyn Tooms, Donald’s lifelong love for the sea and the complexities of marine operations defined both his professional achievements and personal passions. From his early days as a cadet, he charted an extraordinary maritime career marked by precision, leadership, and quiet strength.
Donald began his journey at sea in 1950 with Clan Line and earned his Master’s Ticket in Glasgow in 1958. He joined Safmarine in 1961 as Chief Officer, and by 1962, was promoted to Master. Among the many vessels he sailed, he took command of the South African Vanguard in 1964 and the South African Victory in 1966. In 1967, Donald was transferred to the United States as a Marine Superintendent in Houston, where he remained until his retirement from Safmarine in 1988. He continued his contributions to the maritime industry with Gulf & Atlantic Maritime Services until 1996, then as a marine consultant through his own company until 1998.
Beyond his accomplished career, Donald was a devoted husband with a deep appreciation for nature and quiet living. He and his late wife, Astrid, shared 48 years of loving marriage, raising their family and building a life of joy and purpose. In 1992, they moved to Coldspring, Texas, where Donald enjoyed the peace of Lake Livingston—often setting sail on its calm waters, continuing his lifelong bond with sailing.
Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife Astrid Tooms and his brother, Sidney Tooms. He is lovingly remembered by his children: daughter Louise Morris and her husband Rick, son Donald Craig Tooms and his wife Robin, and son Stuart Tooms and his wife Kathryn. He was a proud “Oupa” to grandchildren Tommy Morris and his wife Morgan, Stephen Morris, Joel Tooms, and Collin Tooms. He was also an honored great-grandfather to Parker and Luke Morris.
His legacy is not only found in the stories of the ships he captained and the oceans he crossed, but in the strength and grace with which he lived his life, and in the memories of the family he leaves behind.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring team at Landon Ridge Kingwood Assisted Living & Memory Care for their compassionate support this past year.
A life well-lived and deeply cherished, Captain Donald Tooms will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. In accordance with his wishes, no memorial service will be held. He bids farewell with a simple message: “Travel with care.” Hamba kahle.