August 13, 1946 – March 25, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Tom on Friday, March 25, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Corinne; son, Jason; two daughters, Tracy (Paul), Shawna (Chris) and four grandchildren, Brayden, Darby, Kessiah and Addison; brother, Jack (Margaret); sisters, Sharon (Jimmy), Cheryl (Dan), as well as many nieces and nephews. Tom was born in Calgary, Alberta and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary. While working with the Alberta Government as a social worker, he was transferred to Edmonton, where he and Corinne raised their three children. In 1991, Tom and Corinne opened Cinema Star Video in Victoria, BC. His excitement in this endeavor transferred to all those around him and it was rare if you walked in and didn’t hear his laugh. He loved and took great pride in the business until his retirement in 2008. Upon retirement, he began a new chapter in his life, travelling with his grandchildren. Disneyland and Maui were a couple of his favorites. He talked endlessly about seeing Ireland and he and Corinne were able to make it happen in 2010. Tom was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan. His smile and infectious laugh brought joy and happiness to all. It made him the loudest in the stands and the most excited at all events, from dance to hockey, soccer to rock gigs, he was always right up front. As the grandkids would say, “How is Jibby ever going to find her glasses?”
A Memorial Service will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the B.C. Friends of Schizophrenia Society Memorial Fund, Victoria Branch. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
27 Responses
We are all so very shocked and sad to hear of Tom’s passing. What a true and fitting tribute being that you can’t think of Tom without thinking of that infectious deep laugh. May all those many moments of laughter you all shared bring you comfort now. Tom leaves a wonderful legacy in all of you. We can all honor him best by living a life with joy and much laughter.
Thinking of you all,
Rozelle, Gord and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom was a wonderful and joyful man.
Sincerely,
Murray and Shelley
We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Tom’s passing. Just when it looked like we were finally going to hook up with you guys again and catch up on everything that’s gone on in the decades since we’ve seen each other, it’s devastating to know that’s not going to happen. For years, if I wanted to conjure up his face, I’d remember his laugh, and I could see him clear as day.
I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. Our hearts are with you all.
We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We had the pleasure of Tom’s company many nights when we all lived in Edmonton. Tom always made us feel welcome in his home and we will remember his love of just the simple things in life. Corrine, Tracey, Shawna and Jason, we feel the saddness in your life and may that be lifted ever so slightly in knowing we are thinking of you and care very deeply with you all and your sorrow. We know you will miss him but he will remain in all our hearts forever.
Love Sandra and Linda
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing and wish I had the right words to offer you all some comfort.
He will always be a part of each and every one of you who loved him so.
And he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Barb Falcon
We are so very sad to hear of Tom’s passing! He was a special cousin who brought such joy to all who knew him. He will always be fondly remembered for his wonderful laugh, twinkling eyes and caring, kind spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Coke, Jason, Tracy & Paul, and Shawna and Chris, as well as those beloved grandchildren. Our condolences also go to Jack, Sharon and Cheryl. We are thinking of you; God bless you all! You will be remembered in our prayers. Wish we could be there with you to celebrate a life well lived.
We are so very sad to hear of Tom’s passing! He was a special cousin who brought such joy to all who knew him. He will always be fondly remembered for his wonderful laugh, twinkling eyes and caring, kind spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Coke, Jason, Tracy & Paul, and Shawna and Chris, as well as those beloved grandchildren. God bless you all; you will be remembered in our prayers. Wish we could be there with you to celebrate a life well lived.
We are so very deeply sadden to hear the news of the sudden loss of Tom. You are right, his laugh and smile was infectious and it is what I remember most about him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time, he will be greatly missed.
Love Lesley (Jardine) Kieran, Emily and Ethan Hogan.
Uncle Tom will be greatly missed!!! I’ll always remember his laugh and his smile. Whenever any of us visited aunty coke and uncle tom he was always interested in what was going on in our lives. I will never forget playing cornhole for hours on end. He spent time making us awesome cornhole boards that have been well used!! We love you!!! Biggest sympathy to Aunty Coke, Tracy, Shawna, Jason and all the grandkids. xoxo
Brandy
I don’t think it seemed real to me until I read this just now. Seeing Papa’s smiling face made it very real.
I can’t imagine how hard this is for all of you. He truly was a great man and will be greatly missed!
Take care of eachother.
Love you all,
Lisa