June 27, 1945 – February 13, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Stobart on February 13, 2012. Tom passed away with his family by his side at Royal Jubilee Hospital after a courageous, hard fought battle with multiple myeloma. Tom was born in Vancouver on June 27, 1945 and grew up on the East Side. He had a great love for sports, most notably football and rugby. Tom began his love affair with rugby at Sir Charles Tupper High School. When he moved from Vancouver to Victoria in 1973 to open the first Windsor Plywood franchise in Victoria, he brought his love of the game with him. He was very active with the Castaway Wanderers as a player and celebrated their journey to the Island Championships. When Tom retired from rugby he became a coach and mentor to many young athletes. His love for coaching equally extended to both the BC Summer Games and as a Selector for Rugby Canada’s Under 19 Junior Team. To know Tom was to love him. There wasn’t much that he missed – he lived life with a vigour and energy that was infectious. His sense of humour, quick wit and positive attitude were felt by all who came into contact with him. By far, Tom’s greatest love was the love he shared with his family. He is predeceased by his father, Tom Sr., and survived by his mother Mima, his sister Carol (Bill), his wife of 37 years Susan, his three children, Nicole (Kevin), Buck, Stephanie (Steve), many nieces and nephews, and his canine friends: Monty, Rocky, Maddy and Frank.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. David Barry, and many close friends for their compassion, sincerity, and endless love and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday February 24th at 3:30 pm at Alix Goolden Hall at the Victoria Conservatory of Music – 907 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name will be gratefully accepted to one of his favourite charities: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (www.canuckplace.org). Condolences may be offered to the family below.
47 Responses
It’s now March of 2022 and we still remember the kindness and care Tom shared with all the rugby boys and their parents who had the good fortune to have him as part of their extended ’family’. Tom was a man among men and his memory will forever bring smiles to so many faces. We like to think of him as that ‘angel on our shoulder’.
I was incredibly moved by the service today, and was hiding from Evan to avoid the escorted exit. Stoby was always someone who I looked up to. He lived life the way it should be lived, and proved to the world that you can still be a good good guy and win. At the end of the day it is always about family. Tom obviously hit a home run in this area.
Thoughts are with you all.
Teachers are so fortunate to have the privilege and honour of knowing young people before they graduate and begin their future journey through life. It was 1962/63 at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary when I met this young man and was instantly taken with his wonderful approach to life. He had an extraordinary sense of humour and was a natural born leader with a very easy going manner; in short “just a great guy to be around”. I was very fortunate to be his rugby coach and it was obvious that Rugby would play a huge role in his life. In addition, I spent many hours working with Tom in the “Condos”, the boy’s service club. He was always dedicated, reliable and genuine. Even then I knew Tom would be a success in whatever he chose to do in the future. I saw Tom from time to time at reunions and had a chance to visit him in Victoria just a few years ago and on each occasion we never had enough time to reminisce.
This man was truly a success; as a business man, as a coach and as a person. What a privilege to be able to say “I knew Tom Stobart”; his life was a model for us all and I will never forget him.
Well done Tom, well done!
Bill Jeffers
We offer our deepest condolences to Tom’s entire family. He was always such a kind and engaging man. We’ll remember him for his smile and positive spirit. He always had something ‘nice’ to say!!!
Very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We spent 5 great, “growing up ” years at Charles Tupper, Reconnected through club rugby and unfortunately with his earlier treatments at VGH. Being invited to Horne Lake with Tom and Dave will always be memorable. Tom was a class act from start to end.Sorry not to be able to attend his celebration of life.
I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I definitely knew Tom from rugby, though my first thoughts were from when I first met him. That was when he hired me. I didn’t really work for him for all that long, still it was a very educational time and he taught me a lot while I was there. While working for him, Tom introduced me to the Castaways and later he was one of the reasons I ended up playing for the Red Lions when I moved to the mainland. The rugby years were great, though I still mostly remember him as my boss. He was direct, firm, honest and this was balanced by a great sense of humor. He is still one of the best people I have ever worked for. My sincere condolences to his family.
Buck & Family
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He sounds lovely and will be very missed. He is always with you in your heart:)
xoxo
Katie