Reverend Thomas Maxwell Simms, of Victoria, British Columbia, peacefully passed away on May 13, 2017, with Marion, his loving wife by his side, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Tom was born on January 27, 1936, in Buchans, NL, to Hayward Chesley Simms and Eileen Mary Josephine (Basha). Tom grew up in Buchans and attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, where he met the love of his life, Marion Hicks. Tom graduated from Pine Hill Divinity Hall in 1965, becoming a minister of the United Church of Canada.
Tom married Marion on August 26, 1957. They lived in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia as Tom answered God’s call. Behind his twinkling eyes, jokes and sense of fun, lay his deep belief in the presence of God. He could find God’s beauty everywhere, especially in nature.
Tom enjoyed p
laying hockey and skiing in his younger days and no pin was left standing in his bowling years. Tom is the reason that the fish tremble in all the ponds, brooks and lakes across this beautiful country. Tom played a wicked hand of Bridge. Who can forget the “Three no trump,” being thrown around the table?
Tom enjoyed watching Blue Jays baseball; he was a fan to his very core. Tom also enjoyed the quiet peacefulness of his cabin by the shores of Red Indian Lake where he would challenge himself in learning to paint, write and memorize poetry.
Left to carry on Tom’s happy legacy are his children, Susan of Chelsea, QC, Jon (Leanne Robb) of Victoria, BC, Christopher (Jodylynn Welsh) of Victoria, BC, and Thomasine (James Marjerrison) of Buchans, NL; nine grandchildren, Andrew, Tyh (Sarah Skrzek), Julia (Ryan Nielson), Alexander (Samantha Thompson), Colbran, Roxanne, Russell, Stephen and Wesley, one great-grandchild, Lily, his brother Hayward (Josephine), his two sisters, Elizabeth (Don Slater), and Lorraine (Doug Parry) and many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his parents; two sisters, Joan and Helen; and two brothers, Robert and Griffen.
The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. A special mention is also made to Dr. Christopher Galanos and to Dr. Richard Mildenberger for their for kindness and excellent care over the years. Many thanks as well to the staff and residents at The Wellesley, who made Tom’s final years so meaningful and joyful.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Magnolia Room at The Wellesley, 2800 
Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC. A memorial service will follow in Buchans, NL on Saturday, July 29 at 11 am, where Tom’s ashes will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or you may also do an unexpected act of kindness to someone of your choosing in Tom’s honour.
“This world is not conclusion, a sequel stands beyond, invisible, as music, but positive, as sound…” – Emily Dickinson
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
We are shocked, reading on the internet that a great friend is passing away.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marion and the family.
Fokko &Henni
The Netherlands
To Marion and the Simms Family
So sorry to read about Tom’s passing in Victoria .
We were pleased to have met and got to know both Tom and Marion who made us feel welcome in Victoria . Out lives have been blessed by your kindness and we have thought about you often. As you travel back to buchans may you and your family find peace and comfort when he is laid to rest in a place that he loved. We will remember him fondly as a good man and a minister.
Dear Susan and family, Sending our thoughts and deepest condolences to you. Love, Michelle, Blake, Chloe and Olivia.
Meeting Tom was liking Tom. His cheery presence was always appreciated. May it comfort you to know that your loss is shared by so many. I wish I had known him longer.
Marion and family Tom and his twinkling eyes and his love of the outdoor life made him a special person. He was an inspiration to so many of us at Centennial United and will be greatly missed, God Bless all Tom’s family and remember the good memories
Francis, Céline, and Nibal, staff at the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians, where Reverend Simms’ daughter Susan is an invaluable colleague and friend, wish to express our sincere condolences and those of the Association at Reverend Simms passing. We hope the loving testimony of family and friends and will alleviate the sense of loss. We are thinking of you, Susan!
Dear Susan and the full family,
We send you our heartfelt condolences as your father leaves us to discover poetry and fishing spots on our own.
May you find whatever soothes your spirit, comforts your soul, binds your wounds, and brings you peace.
My sincere and deepest condolences to Josephine and Hayward and to all your families! Hugs!