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
Went into Broadmead CinemaStar today and asked if Tom was ever by could they please say “Hi” for me…and learned of his passing. Such a sad moment, frozen at the thought of his light fading from the world! He was truly one of the best bosses I ever had. Set a high standard! My sincere condolences to his family for his loss. Thank you Tom, for giving me the opportunity to work at your Gorden Head locale in the 90’s (with Charlene & others), and for always looking out for me, and the safety and needs of all the staff! Shine on in your next journey….
Dear Auntie Coke, Jason, Tracy, Shawna, Auntie Sharon and families,
I will always remember Uncle Tom’s contagious laugh! He will be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to you ALL in Victoria today and the days and months to come. I love you all and will pray with you today.
Hugs,
Heather and Ryan
Such a shock to lose someone so dear and so close to our hearts. We will treasure all the years of fun times and all the memories we made together. In my earlier days of golf, I always liked to play with Tom. He was the only one I could beat:) I hope your lifetime of memories will bring you comfort in the days and months ahead. Tom’s legacy will live on through Jason, Tracy, Shawna, and all those beautiful grandchildren. We love you and will be lifting you all up in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Doug, Tammy and family.
Corrine
I was saddened to read of Tom’s passing. May the Lord be with you and your family at this time of need.
I can still remember Tom’s good nature and jovial laugh when we both worked for AMHC. Thank you for including the notice to his many friends here in Edmonton. Take care and God Bless.
Ken Vincent
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in each other and in the memories you have.
We were so saddened by the loss of Uncle Tom. He was a person who was full of life. He had the best laugh and always made our day. I loved how uncle Tom would would always make us smile. He will be greatly missed and we will charish all the fond memories that we had with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. We are thinking of you Auntie Corrine,Tracy,Shawna,Jason, and your family’s. We love you guys lots and we are always there for you.
Tara,Mike and Katelynn Kurkowsky xoxoxoxo
We were very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He will be sorely missed by friends and family; we know how close my parents were to you guys for the last almost 20 years in Victoria, and going back more than twice that to growing up in Calgary. Most of the updates I’d get from mom and dad in recent years were stories of things they got up to with Corrine and Tom, and when you get together now his absence will be keenly felt. I know you will support each other through this most difficult of times.
Love,
Russ, Vicky and Luke