Tom is a veteran news reporter and columnist at the Surrey Now-Leader. Over his 35 years with the publication he has received more than 30 North American, national and provincial writing awards in categories such as outstanding columnist, best opinion writing, outstanding reporter initiative and best election coverage. He is well known for his court and crime reporting, which also helped police secure a manslaughter conviction in a 9-year-old cold case. His list of contacts has been noted as “second to none,” and his colleagues have recognized him as a tenacious journalist and valued mentor.
Tom has authored two books, one of them a B.C. bestseller. According to B.C. BookWorld, “Few B.C. books, if any, have ever generated such a national stir prior to publication as much as Tom Zytaruk’s Like a Rock: The Chuck Cadman Story.” Both the City of Surrey and Corporation of Delta have named Tom a Friend of Heritage.