“Tomás” Patrick Scanlan passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on October 14, 2025. He was born June 8, 1937, to John and Maureen Scanlan in Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland. On leaving school, he set off to attend the Nautical School in Liverpool and became a Master Mariner in 1967. He was picked up at a dance by Eileen Hayes from County Limerick. They had a quick, long- distance relationship and tied the knot in May 1967. They emigrated to Canada on June 1, 1967. Based in Victoria, BC, Tomás worked on Stone Town Weather Ship, Estevan, Vector, Parizeau and as Master of the W.J. Stewart Hydrographic Ship. He finished his coastal experience with Imperial Oil on the Imperial Tofino. Tomás finally joined the British Columbia Coast Pilots in 1977. He worked as a BC Coast Pilot until his retirement in 2001.
Tomás and Eileen were the proud parents of Michele (Mike), Ian (Tanya), Annmarie (Steve), Brian and Fiona (Maxito). Tomás loved to sail, to sing, and to drive his van. He enjoyed rugby and walking anywhere close to the ocean. Tomás and Eileen traveled widely with their family over the years and always had to see the local port of any new place they were visiting. After retiring, Eileen and Tomás often centred trips around visiting their far- flung children in locales such as New Zealand, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Peru, Haiti, India and Windsor, ON. Later years were spent assisting in the raising of, and spending quality time with, their eight grandsons Sebastian, Kaeden, Quinlan, Ryan, Emmett, Biko, Josué and Ari. Enough boys for a good rugby team!
Tomás had dementia in his final years but continued to enjoy his family and friends even as his life became geographically smaller and smaller. He attended his last live rugby game 10 days before he died which was a fitting last big adventure.
Tomás will be missed by his family and friends but will be remembered for the twinkle in his eyes, “spikes” in his coffee, his vocal rendition of the “Holy Ground” and his big warm hugs (and fist bumps). Go raibh math agat, Tomás, until we meet again.
Our family is very thankful for the support of Dr Ted Rosenberg, the VIHA Home and Community Care and Hospice who helped Tomás to remain anchored at home with us.
A Celebration of Life for Thomas Patrick Scanlan will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at 2:00pm
In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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17 Responses
Very sorry to learn of Tomas’s passing. Such a fine gentleman who was gifted with a manner that can immediately set one at ease or offer a right to the point perspective.
I had the pleasure of working alongside Tom while serving as a deck officer on Imperial Oil Coastal fleet. Tom mentioned at the time one of his children called it “Perial Oil”. Tomas voluntarily vacated the position as a Captain with Canadian Hydrographic Services in order to gain more extensive coastal navigation coverage. Trading comfort from the command of the “Willaim J Stewart” into turning oil pipe valves in all weathers, whilst standing 6 hours on, 6 hours off deck watches on the deck of an oil tanker, on surface could be construed as a head scratcher. But in reality, a true example of Tom’s nature and ability to make sacrifices for the betterment of his family. Tom’s retreat in career path paid off in with his ultimate goal, upon passing the BC Coast Pilot examination of 1977.
Years later, I work alongside Tom as partners with the British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd. My father, also a BC Coast Pilot, shared many long job assignments together with Tom enjoying one another’s company. Debating the finer points of their chosen brand of pipe tobacco. Dispatch probably coordinated the twosome as the only remaining boiler puffers in the company. Personally, I preferred Tom’s “Amphora” blend. In a time of need Tom was there to provide support of which family is forever grateful! Tom was very professional and focused individual providing excellent service to the foreign flagged ships and their crews over a quarter century of service with the BC Coast Pilots. His elected term’s serving as Director further advanced the fine company of which it has become today!
Sincere condolences to Eileen and family.
Dwight Ruddick
Eileen and family we all watched the celebration service here in Croagh and it was beautiful.Tom was very much loved.Lovely to see such a united family, he would have being very proud.
Sincere condolences to Eileen and family on the passing of Thomás. Our thoughts are with you all from Ireland. May he rest in peace.
Eileen and family,
It is so sad that Tom has died and left a huge void in your lives.
I remember fondly the liver and onions we shared at the 1515 pub a few years ago.
May God bless you today especially as you have a Memorial Mass fir his soul. I will be thinking of you all
Dear Scanlan Family:
We send our condolence to you all. Tom was a lovely neighbour with a friendly smile.
Sincerely,
Dorothy and David Torontow
Eileen and family, you are in my heart and prayers. Although I only knew Thomas for a short time in his last months he made a huge and positive impact on me. He was a joy to be with. Despite his limitations he always had the energy to dance, smile, and sing to John Denver. He made me laugh. He really was precious. Eileen, you are a pillar of strength and I admired the unconditional love you had for Thomas. When I hear John Denver I will always think of him.
Dearest Fiona, Eileen and family,
I will always remember your warm, very kind household as a shelter during my times with Fiona in high school. I admire your strength of family so much, and extend my deepest condolences to you all.