After a brave battle with Alzheimer’s, Tom passed away peacefully on the evening of October 17, 2016. Predeceased by his brother Bill, he will be deeply missed by his wife Joan, sister Sheila, children Lawrie, Ross, Robin and his grandchildren Malachy, Safeeya and Cadyn to whom he was affectionately known as Buddy.
Born in Paisley, Scotland, Tom immigrated to Canada in 1948 but the highlands were always in his heart. He very much enjoyed Scottish Country Dancing. He was a member of various pipe bands and was instrumental in starting both the Kamloops Legion and the Salmon Arm bands. He also taught drumming to the Vernon Girls’ McIntosh pipe band.
Tom worked as an engineer for almost 30 years and retired from the Saanich Peninsula Hospital in 1996. He and his wife Joan owned and operated Scottish import shops for over 25 years in Salmon Arm and Sidney.
Tom was a dedicated family man with a sharp sense of humour. He also enjoyed sailing and restoring his vintage car collection, particularly his 1957 Chevy Bel Air.
Tom’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion for their dedicated care over the last several years.
A Memorial Reception will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 2:00 pm at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Kiwanis Pavilion at www.kiwanispavilion.ca.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
by Robert Burns
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Sylvia Walsh
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Bob & Karren Crowley Karren & Bob Crowley
November 2,2016
Dear Joan.
Karren and I are thinking of you and your family with sorrow in our hearts
we remember all the great times we shared together with our Model A group
and having fun playing with our big toys.
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Diane Swanson Dear Joan and family,
We miss Tom’s sense of humor, and of course, we miss all of him. We feel for each one of you and all you have been through. May future days be much more pleasant.
Love,
Wayne and Diane
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Syd Bosel Dear Lawrie, Maly and Family,
I never knew Buddy, had met Joan a couple of times. But I always enjoyed receiving pictures of you all via Messenger. Buddy was clearly loved and enjoyed by his lovely family. He was a lucky man.
I know you will have many fond memories to hold in your hearts and will miss him terribly.
Wishing you strength at this difficult time.
Sincerly, Syd Bosel
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Jan Blanchet Dear Joan and family:
May you find comfort in your many fond and happy memories.
Suncere condolences,
Jan Blanchet
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Barb Denney Dear Joan & family,
My deepest condolences to you all on the loss of your fine husband & father. Having spent some time being “neighbours” in Kiwanis, I got to know a little of the strength and humour and gentleness of Tom’s personality. Most of the time there was still a twinkle in his eyes. Altogether it was enough to make me wish I had known him at an earlier time in his life. Although I will be away at the time of his memorial, I will be thinking of you and wishing you peace. Barb Denney
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Linda Deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one. May you hold Buddy ‘s memory close to your heart and cherish the wonderful life that he shared with all around him. Linda
Dear Joan and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Unfortunately I didn’t know Tom prior to his being in the Kiwanis Pavilion. One could tell how kind he was, a very gentle man with quite a sense of humor. Tom always had a smile for me and we had many memberable times together.
Remember the day Joan when you and I got caught in the sprinkler system in the Park. We were running back and forth wheeling Pat’s and Tom’s wheelchairs trying to get out of the water. Tom saw the funny side of this as both you and I got soaked. He gave us that cheeky little smile of his. Another time when Pat said he was going around the world, Tom very quickly responded GO NOW!!!! Quite the sense of humor!
It was obvious that Tom was all about family and loved them dearly. He was certainly loved my his family and Joan you were always by his side during his very long and hard sickness.
Keep strong Joan knowing he is in a better place.
Sylvia