Thomas Francis Hassett, 84, passed away peacefully on February 23rd, at the Veterans Lodge at Broadmead in Victoria, BC. Tom was ordained as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church after completing university studies in Ontario and Ireland. In 1966, after working as a professor at Notre Dame University in Nelson, BC and numerous parishes in the Kootenays, he joined the Canadian Armed forces serving in the navy, airborne, and army as a Padre. Tom left the priesthood in 1972 when he met his wife, Joan, while posted to Cyprus with the UN. He went on to become a social worker and eventually the Vice Principal and Principal at Saint Andrew’s High School in Victoria from 1988 to 1995. Tom is survived by his wife Joan; three of his four children, Gavin (Caroline), Rory (Phairat), daughter Nicola (Papa Yoro); seven grandchildren, Jesse, Sabrina, William, Athena, Dior, Nancy, and Birame; predeceased by his son, Liam in July 2000.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Lodge at Broadmead or Saint Vincent DePaul Society.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St Joseph the Worker Parish on Friday, March 3rd ,2017 at 1pm.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
33 Responses
I had the distinct honour to serve with Tom in Canadian Airborne Regiment. The best Padre ever – he had a wonderful sense of humor, a true calling in the Priesthood and was dedicated to those he served – regardless of one’s denomination. He buried my infant son in Edmonton. Everyone loved Tom – as Art Tompkins and Eric Manchester attested he was always there in the field, jumping with every subunit, during mountain school, humping his rucksac and pulling his share of toboggans in the arctic….he had time for everyone – and he kept up to everyone. I was so happy to hear that he had become married in later years and that he turned his love of soldiers into continuing service as a military social worker and then as an Educator. Lucky students! I was pained to learn of the loss of his son, Liam. My deepest condolences to Mrs Hassett and the family and my thanks to Tom for all he brought to us over the years. RIP Old Soldier, “Fair Winds and Soft Landings” Airborne.
Please allow me on behalf of Drop Zone Vancouver Island to offer our sincere condolences to Joan and Family. Fair Winds and Soft Landings Tom.
Al Currie, Jumpmaster DZVI
I remember Padre Hassett well. He was there for the soldiers. May he R.I.P. God bless the family.
I served with Tom in the Canadian Airborne Regiment during the 1960s & 1970s, and he was unlike any military padre I ever knew. Tom jumped with us on every exercise he could get into, and he enthusiastically covered the entire field of operations to brighten the spirits of every young paratrooper he could find (there was nowhere to hide!). Legend has it that our Engineers crafted a specially-fortified container for Tom’s sacramental wine so that he could jump with it – always prepared to conduct mass wherever the opportunity presented. Tom was entertaining, liked a bit of scotch & an occasional card game. More importantly than being a well-liked character, Padre Hassett was a genuinely fine person. “Fair Winds & Soft Landings” padre.
My sincere condolences to family and friends. I have many fond memories of Tom during our time together in Cyprus 1970. Rest in Peace.
My sympathies to Mrs. Hassett and all of the extended family. Mr. Hassett had such a big personality and will live on as a bit of a legend in my memory. May he rest in peace!
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hassett family. I worked with Tom and was so impressed by how he made his faith so very real. He lived his faith each day .
My thoughts are with the family especially Joan.
We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing! He was so supportive of us, as parents at St. Andrew’s. The Hassett family will all be in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Hassett family. I was fond of Mr. Hassett during my time are St. Andrew’s. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.❤ in time may you find comfort in your memories of him.
Hugs,
Allison (Calder) Winchester and Ed Winchester
I have very fond memories of Tom and his wonderful smile. Your family is so important and loved by ours and we are with you during this very difficult time. Sending all our love and support to all the extended Hassett family.