Passed away at peace in Victoria, B.C. on July 30, 2012 at the age of 91. Son of the late Thomas and Violet Vaulkhard, Tom was predeceased by his wife, Georgina (Sumner) in 1983 and by his sister, Bess Martin. Tom is lovingly remembered by his sister, Marjorie Stokes; daughter, Sue (John) Vernon and son, Gerry (Shirley); niece, Norma Martin and nephews Marty and David Martin and their families. Tom was a greatly loved grandfather of Matt (Kim), Marin (Denis), Mark and Stephen. Born in Birtle, Manitoba and raised on the family farm near Clair, Saskatchewan, Tom was 13 in 1935 when he moved with his family to Cliffside, B.C. (Shawnigan Lake) where his father was postmaster and operated Cliffside store. During World War II, Tom served as an instructor in the R.C.A.F. He met Georgina in Ontario during the war. They married in 1945 and raised a family together in Victoria. Tom and Georgie were long time members of the Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society and owners of the Rockhound Shop in Victoria. Tom was gentle, thoughtful and helpful; he quietly made his community a better place. His was a long life well lived.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations may be made to UNICEF. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Gord Sluggett
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Anita (Linders) and Jim Cox Sue, Gerry and families,
Our condolences and thoughts are with you at your time of great loss. Tom will always be remembered as such a kind and gentle person.Jim and Anita Cox
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Van Isle Jewellers Gerry and the family.
Please accept our condolences at this sad time for you. It was a pleasure knowing and working with such an easy going, knowledgable and gentle person.
Cathy, Kenn, Estelle, Jurgen and the rest of the staff.
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Peg and Dennis Labiuk Hi Gerry,
Saw your Dad’s obituary in the newspaper – sad news. We know you knew his time was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier, does it. We’re thinking of you in this time of sorrow.
Your running buddies,
Peg and Dennis
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Raj and Kindy Hari Jerry we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Raj, Kindy, Nav, and Payton.
Calgary
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Cyril and Phyllis Lawrance Sorry to hear of your father’s passing .
Tom was a cousin of ours. we stayed with him in 94 and stayed in touch with via email for quite awhile. He was a fine gentleman.
Norma let us know.
Cyril and Phyllis.
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Anita and Velten Pilger We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I always remember him as a kind and welcoming man. Our thoughts are with you and Shirley and Matt.
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Dr Perry Lydon It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that I write this short letter on behalf of the Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society. Tom Vaulkhard was a long standing and highly respected member of our Society, and the notice of his passing in the Times Colonist on Saturday the 4th of August, was a real shock to most of us. Tom and his family were always involved in our annual Rock and Gem Show, and I will always remember his generosity and kindness in providing items from his store “The Rockhound Shop”, for the benefit of the children attending “Kids Corner”! Our Society has lost a very valued Member! Victoria has lost a real Gentleman! On behalf of the VLMS, we offer our sincere sympathy to Toms devoted Family.
Dr. Patrick Perry Lydon. President, VLMS
Susan and Gerry, and families
My condolences to you on your dad’s passing.
I remember his quiet, gentle spirit, ever present smile and his infectious enthusiasm for any and all rocks and their inner beauty. Our explorations into Port Renfrew so many years ago are still etched in my memory, and to this day it doesn’t matter where I am in the world, I’m always walking with my head down hoping to find a rock to bring home. I must have learned that from him. He will be missed.
Gord