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
20 Responses
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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!
Our sincere sympathy to you Verna and the family. We all loved Tom.
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
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.