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
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33 Responses
Joan and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We have great memories of your time in the Kootenays with your family. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.
I served with Tom during his tour with 2 Canadian Guards and the Airborne Regiment. He was a good and decent man, much liked and respected by all ranks in both units for his warmth, humour, common sense and common touch. He was unique in all the ways soldiers respect. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to Joan and the Hassett family. Tom was a valued friend and I have fond memories of our time together.
He was one of the best.
Tom was one of the best and I enjoyed our friendship very much. He will be fondly remembered by me. Especially the time he let me drive his Opel GT in the parking lot of Thetis lake one cold spring day when I was 13.
Tom came across as a great guy during all the times I met him, from Cyprus where, serving with the Australian Police Contingent, I was billeted with CANCON for 16 months at Blue Beret Camp, Nicosia; later in the 1980s when serving in Paris I visited and was hosted by him in Lahr; and in 2000 during his visit to Austalia where he stayed over with me here in Canberra.
He related well to everyone, was a great raconteur, and was proud of his famaily especially his uncle, also Tom Hassett, who was among those who escaped from prison in Western Australia and sailed away to freedom on the vessel Catalpa in 1876. He’ll be a source of great entertainment in his new abode where he truly deserves to rest in peace.
Dear Joan and family, My prayers are with all of you during this sad time. Tom will be greatly missed. I first met him many years ago when he was principal of SARHS and I was teaching at St. Andrew’s Elementary. Then I got to know the family and Joan. I miss hearing Tomread at Mass – he proclaimed the good news in such a beautiful way. Much love to all of you. Linda Chatton
Tom’s life is worth celebrating. A man of courage, honour and intelligence who served his country, his church, his community, his family and his friends so well for so long. He will be missed by many people including our family currently living in California: Darlene, Garry, Amyrose and Patrick wish to add our names to the long list of those who sent love and condolences to the Hassett family.
Hello Joan, We were sorry to read of Tom’s passing. It was lovely to get to know you Joan, in the “Support Group” at Broadmead Lodge. Our other connections were with Louis & Sylvia…and the same dentist (where I first met you!) I know that this past while has been very difficult for you…may you know the real “peace that passes all understanding” as you say your (temporary) good-byes….May the Lord Bless you & keep you…Love, Jean Prette
I remember Tom as our Chaplain (RC) during our (3PPCLI) tour in Cyprus 70/71. He was wellrespected by soldiers of all denominations. I saw him later at CFBEsquimalt in his new role as a Social Work Officer; still caring for the troops. The great respect the soldiers gave him was well earned. He will be remembered.
Requiescat in pace Tom. You and your family have always been held close in my heart since I was the assisting officer after Liam’s death. I had already known of Tom through Airborne friends, and the very high regard in which he was held, especially by RSM Buxton, who Tom held in equal high regard.
Joan, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this immediate grieving time, and in the days ahead. Blessings, always … Brian ❤️