On February 3, 2021 Thomas (Tom) Lee of Ottawa and Victoria passed away at the age of 79. Tom was the loving husband of Terry Lee, father of Tanya Lee (John Torrey) and Tom Lee (Heidi Barlow-Lee) and grandfather of Madeline, Celia, Ava and Owen.
Tom was born to Tom and Isabella Lee in December of 1941. He spent his childhood with his mother, grandparents and sisters Sharon and Lorna-Mae on a farm near Barrie, Ontario. Tom attended Barrie Central Collegiate Institute where he met his future wife of nearly 60 years, Terry McKnight. He was a proud member of the Barrie Collegiate band, which he credited with keeping him in school and fostering a lifelong love of music.
Tom was a proud Canadian and had a distinguished career in public service. His passion was the Canadian parks system, working in Ontario and British Columbia before becoming the head of Parks Canada in 1993. In 1998 he was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly created Parks Canada Agency. The appointment was the highlight of his career and he attributed the success of the Agency to its talented and dedicated staff. In 2019 he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions as a public servant and for his conservation of Canada’s natural resources.
Tom often spoke and wrote movingly about the beauty of Canada. He would describe the “white seagulls on brown farm furrows, stone boats and old coats, barn swallows and pond wallows, red pin cherries, and ripe raspberries” of his childhood farm. He believed that you could hear Canada’s “voices in its nature – a thundering waterfall, the cry of the osprey, the trembling of an aspen.”
With his favourite travelling companion Terry, Tom had the good fortune to travel the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. They had the pins on a map on their wall to prove it. Tom could mend a canoe, lay a stone wall, tend a vegetable patch, build a playhouse or sundial for his grandchildren, take apart and rebuild a ’51 MG and play the flamenco guitar. He could name trees and wildflowers as he walked. He could tell you when an approaching storm was a tornado. He read widely and thought deeply. He often returned to the great authors of Russian literature.
Tom’s love for his wife spanned his ages. He inspired his children by example, mentored them with his words and supported their choices. He delighted in his grandchildren and his pride in each of them knew no bounds. While no funeral will be held for Tom, we ask you to keep him in your memories. The family will gather privately to celebrate Tom’s life later in the year. Donations in his name may be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
38 Responses
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Hi Terry, Tom Jr and Tanya-it has been a year or more since Tom passed but I think of you often! I have tried several times to contact you but we lost touch over the years. The last time we chatted was when you were in Ottawa. I hope you are all doing well! Keep safe and take care. Sending hugs. I would love to hear from you. I can never forget how kind you and Tom were to me during University days.
Carole
Year 1999-2000. I had the great pleasure of meeting Tom. I worked briefly in the Chief Executive Office and Tom would visit with me at my desk from time to time, sit across from me and ask me questions about my experiences of working and living in Banff National Park. He was so sincere in his interest to converse with me and talk about nature. It was a little intimidating at the time to work at this level of Government, I was young, but Tom made me feel welcome. In the short time I got to know him, I felt a strong sense of respect and kindness. It was an honor to meet him and I will never forget him. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Look up at the stars and his star will outshine all others.
I am very saddened by Tom’s passing, having seen him last summer for lunch and a jaunty ride in the 1951 MG. There was quite a bit of head turning and smiles as we drove to the Cordova Bay Golf Course.
I worked with Tom in BC Lands for many years and remember the good working relationship we shared. He provided me with the opportunity to expand my career in BC Lands and for that I am thankful.
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Terry and the family. You are in my thoughts.
Nadine
I have diverse and fond memories of Tom from various chapters of our careers.
I met Tom when he was Director of BC Parks and I was with the Environment Land Use Committee Secretariat in Victoria, BC. Our interactions were many, none more so than speedily working together on drafting the Cabinet Order which legally established Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park, on which our offices had jointly worked.
Fast forward . . . we are working for Canada’s and BC’s Forest Services. Tom is managing collaborative efforts to define Canada-wide, broad National Forest Management commitments and I’m on the BC Team. His leadership and effort was invaluable in getting this Accord in place.
Moving again . . . Tom is now the head of Parks Canada and I’m ADM for BC Parks. Tom develops a concept and proposal for a Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy initiative in the Gulf Islands. BC signed on because it complements BC’s Protected Areas Strategy. Tom and I are the coordinators and the end result is Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, with BC voluntarily transferring several key parks to Canada and managing land acquisitions for many others.
These and other wonderful memories of Tom remain . . . a visionary, pragmatist and great colleague. Farewell, my friend, and well done.
Hi Terry and family,
I am so sorry to learn of this sad news. He had a wonderful life and was so accomplished. I’m sure the memories you have are a comfort to you. Sadly Peter also died recently (in December) so I understand your loss. I hope we can reconnect soon.
Love Elaine
Terry, I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He lived an exemplary and full life. I’m sure you and your children are very proud of him and that he will be greatly missed. I enjoyed chatting with him at the Olivers in Barrie a few years ago. It was great to see you both.
Tom leaves a wonderful legacy.
My thoughts are with you.
I remember fondly working with Tom, in his capacity as a consultant to the NCC, on the proposal for an indigenous cultural centre on Victoria Island. One day it will become a reality, I hope. Mike and I also remember visiting you both on Lac Pemichangan. Tom was just an all-round great guy. Sending our sincerest sympathies to you, Terry, and all of your family.