It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Elwell, at the age of 69. Tom passed away peacefully, at home, after a short battle with Cancer. He is preceded by his father Ben Sr. He leaves behind His loving wife Kathy of 46 years and their two daughters Sherri (Tim), Nicole (Jesse) and two grandsons Jordon and Luke, his mother Irene, his brother Ben Jr (Wanda), sister Lori (Kevin) Campbell, along with many cousins and nieces and nephews.
Tom was a true family man and his family meant absolutely everything to him. He was a gifted coach and enjoyed coaching his daughters in softball and soccer. He was most proud of his daughters’ Prospect Lake soccer team which he coached for 10 years. Together they won many league and island titles as well as placing 1st, 2nd and third in the BC cup tournaments over the years. Tom enjoyed watching his two grandsons grow, providing them a strong and loving father figure. He also enjoyed working with his wife on their house, creating a warm and welcoming home together.
Tom was born and raised in Victoria, where he met his future wife Kathy, at the age of 18. After graduating from Claremont Senior High School, he became a licensed carpenter and spent most of his working life as a carpenter at Butchart Gardens. Tom played fast ball in his younger years but his true love was soccer. He played for Prospect Lake in his youth and Victoria Athletics well into his senior years, making many lifelong friends. Tom also enjoyed camping at the family cabin at Cowichan Lake and for the past 21 years looked forward to the annual Rathtrevor camping trip with his soccer buddies and their families. Tom was a Tim Horton’s regular and enjoyed meeting his many good friends for coffee.
Tom will be well remembered for his kindness and steady demeanour and deeply missed by his family and friends. Many thanks to Dr John Jerome, who was always there when Tom needed him and the staff with BC Cancer and Victoria Palliative Care for their care and compassion.
By Tom’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kevin Smyth
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Lorri Bolton So very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Kathy, Sherri, Nicole, Irene, Lori and Kevin, Ben and Wanda, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Tom was a friend and schoolmate since grade 1. Always a solid guy who exceeded in sports. It was nice to reconnect when our daughters played against each other in Soccer.
Hoping the road ahead is paved with precious memories.Lorri and Dan Bolton
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jo-ann wallis Oh Kathy we are so saddened to hear this …..sending our love to you and the girls.
Jo-Ann and Dan
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Andy Masters Kathy & family,
Thinking of Tom brings a smile to my face. Such a character. So glad I got to play soccer with him. We were kids, then teenagers and it was just fun.
Sorry for your loss of Tom.
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Jill Parsons Dear Kathy, Sherri and Nicole,
I am so shocked and saddened to read of Tom’s passing. I have thought of you often and more recently just this past week. Although I hadn’t seen you in quite some time, I still have thought fondly of all the time we spent together as young(er) adults before we got so busy with our families and everything else that goes on in our lives.
My heart goes out to you all and with much love.
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Colleen & Clark Wilson We were so sorry to read of Tom’s passing. Our condolences to you all.
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Kerry and Cathy (née Dye) Wilson Dear Kathy and family.
We are so sorry to hear of your Dear Tom’s passing and hope that all of your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time.
With tears, Kerry and Cathy
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Adrian & Sue Hendriksen We are so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I had the pleasure of playing soccer with him for Prospect Lake. So many good memories. He was a great teammate and such a great guy. Tommer we will miss you. Sending love and hugs to Kathy and the girls at this sad time. Take Care
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Wendy May Kathy I’m so sorry to hear the sad news, what a devastating loss to you and your family.
Dear Kathy, Sherri and Nicole (Ben and Lori too)
So sorry and saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I had the honour/pleasure of knowing Tom through school and soccer. Those memories are moments of gratitude. So much Tomfoolery. I can still close my eyes and hear Tom’s unique, expressive and infectious laughter. A Great Man.
“By Love they are remembered and in memory they live”