We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Tom Collett on October 30, 2019.
He will be greatly missed by his wife (Verna), daughters (Donna and Wendy), grandsons (Kieran and Hayden), sister and brother-in-law (Darlene and Bob), and by his many friends. There will be a huge gap in our lives without the unconditional love and support that he quietly and loyally provided.
Tom was kind, cheerful, and positive. He loved going for coffee, playing crib, and reminiscing with friends.
You can’t speak of Tom without mentioning sports! He was a proud Vic High grad (1959) and an excellent all-round athlete excelling in track and field, basketball [Totems], soccer, and lacrosse [Shamrocks]. Tom was a keen competitor whose skills were balanced with good sportsmanship and love of the game.
After his retirement from Canada Safeway, he took up golf and skiing. He loved to cheer for local teams, as well as watching any and all sports on TV. (Yes, he had all the sports channels!) Of course, his favourite sport stars were his daughters and his grandsons.
Tom was happiest when hosting a dinner or party in the home he loved. (He found something to celebrate every season!) He loved to travel and joyfully recalled car trips, bus tours, and river cruises.
We have been very fortunate to have Tom’s presence in our lives and will remember him with love and gratitude. He was a naturally generous and caring soul who was able to find happiness in the everyday details of ordinary life.
To honour Tom, we encourage you to take a moment to appreciate something beautiful in the world today. Give someone you love a hug, and tell loved ones how much you care. “Ordinary life” is not so ordinary after all but something special to be treasured.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 9, 2019 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gordon Gray
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Karen Glen Verna, Donna, Wendy, Kieran and Hayden,
I wish I could be with you today to celebrate the life of a wonderful man. He touched so many people with his gentle, kind spirit and I am blessed to be one of them. I can only imagine all the wonderful stories and memories of Tom that will be shared today. I hope they will comfort you and give you strength in the days that follow. Sending you all my love.
Karen
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Jan Norman Dear Verna and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember him cheerfully delivering rock cod so your students could make their awesome Father’s Day shirts. May all your loving memories of Tom bring comfort at this sad time.
The Norman Family (Nicole, Tyler, Thomas, Jan and Chris)
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Carolyn Wade Dear Verna and Family,
My deepest condolences on losing your “rock” and life partner Tom. He was such a cheerful and very affable fellow!! At social events, he always had a delightful twinkle in his eye (he was quite obviously in his element). May the many wonderful memories of your life together help sustain you at this most difficult time.
Healing Hugs,
Carolyn Wade
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Roberta Boyd Verna, Donna, Wendy, Kieran and Hayden,
It was with much sadness that I read of the passing of your husband, father, grandfather. I can still see the delight on two little faces when their grandpa came to pick them up.
I pray that over time the pain of your loss
will be replaced by wonderful memories.Roberta Boyd
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Dr. Monty Bryant and Nancy Verna, We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Our deepest sympathies and hope, that with time, you will get through this very difficult and sudden passing. My act of kindness is to remember you as one of the very best teachers I had the privilege of knowing. Monty and Nancy Bryant
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Part Tutte Donna I can only be with you in heart on Saturday as I am out of town. So sorry for your loss and I will think of your family as I connect with my loved ones. God Bless!
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eileen dehen Our sincere sympathy to you Verna and the family. We all loved Tom.
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Thomas A. Wyatt Dear Collett family,
I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing yesterday. From my first days of lacrosse when Tom was 12 and I was 11, I remember Tom being a skilled athlete and keen sportsman. This connection continued when we played lacrosse (Shamrocks), soccer(Vic High), and basketball (Totems) together where he again displayed a competitive spirit and true sportsmanship. Tom loved to joke and laugh and have fun while at the same time being a great teammate. I know that Victoria in particular was blessed to have a man like Tom being one of its citizens. Thanks for sharing your sports skills and good positive nature. I know you have had a positive impact on the many people who knew you. Peace and Love
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Ray Shergold Tom was a gentleman and a gentle man with a gentle sense of humour. I never saw anger but I did see compassion. His devotion to his family was phenomenal. I admired him for his friendship and his sport endeavours greatly. He was brave and proud to the end. I’ll miss him.
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Chelsea Kirkham Verna, Donna, Wendy and boys. Our sincerest condolences to you all. Tom was an amazing person and will always live on through the hearts of those that love him. He has touched many lives and will not be forgotten. We will cherish all of our wonderful memories of Tom, and the kind person he always was. Our hearts go out to your family.
Sending you our love, Chelsea & Richard
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Marilyn Eastwood Verna, Donna, Wendy and family,
Tom was such a wonderful person. I remember him as one of the Victoria High School sports heroes. He was one of the most cheerful and positive people I have ever met. My heart hurts for your loss.
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Susan Paterson We were so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing.
He was a lovely man and we’ve joyed many of the fun times we spent at your home.
Lots of love is being sent to you Verna and your family.
Love Sue and Dave
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Gale Penner Donna, Wendy and Verna,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s (husband’s) passing. He will leave a big hole, but you have many special memories to treasure! My condolences to you all.
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Kim Hart I am so sorry for you loss, Verna, Donna, and Wendy. Tom was such a kind and gentle soul with a generous spirit and a heart-warming smile. He touched so many lives and will be remembered, always, with tremendous affection.
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John & Diane He will be missed. We enjoyed visiting and chatting with him at many lacrosse and hockey games over the years! He was so proud of his girls and especially his grandsons. Our condolences on your loss. Thinking of you.
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Heather Cornall What lovely words and memories of Tom! He is always Tom Terrific! Love to you all from Heather Cornall
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Jenny Shergold (& Bobby & Naiya Varghese) Dear Verna, Donna, & Wendy,
We are thinking of you & of dear Tom…& we miss him already. What a kind & gentle person he was, always ready with a smile & a chuckle. I feel privileged to have had Tom in my life over the years..& decades actually! He left this world loved, & he so loved you all, his wonderful family. Sending you much love & comfort at this time…
Love Jenny, & Bobby, & Naiya xoxo
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Mary Ann Espedido I am very sorry for your loss. The pain of losing a great presence in your lives is so difficult. I wish you peace in the quietest moments you have, and calm when the waves of sadness arise. To know you have been loved by a wonderful man is gift to carry with you forever.
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Shawn McKean Verna, Donna, Wendy and boys,
I’m so, so very sorry for your loss. Tom was truly a great guy. Warm, loyal and fun! I am sending you hugs and love and will definitely honour Tom with a special act of kindness today. xo Shawn
To Verna and family,
Carole and I are saddened to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of the fun times we had
when the “whole gang” got together for skiing, costume parties and fun. I especially remember the hospital party that Tom organized when I broke my ankle. He was such a special friend.
Thinking of you all,
Love,
Carole and Gordon Gray