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
Joan, I was sorry to hear the sad news and sorry I missed you to give you a hug. I know you will be having very mixed feelings these days but I trust the Lord will provide you with the peace and strength you will need as you begin this new path. We will miss you at Broadmead!
Cliff and I are so sorry to hear about your Dads passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I was so saddened to learn of the death of Father Tom. Like several others who have contributed notes to these pages, I had the real pleasure to have served with him in the Airborne Regiment in the late 1960’s. I don’t believe it is at all an exaggeration to say that he set a standard for unit Chaplains which few, if any, will ever be able to match. Regardless of their religion, every soldier, from the Regimental Commander to the newest trooper, knew, respected, and admired Father Tom. His office was not in J-3, but anywhere the soldiers were. He jumped with us, lived in an arctic tent with us, climbed with us, worked with us, played (hard) with us, had a beer (or two) with us, laughed with us, cried with us, and even prayed with all of us. He dispensed very practical advice and realistic help, often while sitting in the corner of one of the Messes or the Canteen, or when he stopped on a street corner to talk with a young trooper. Tom was a most remarkable man, and we are all better for having known and served with him. Soft landings, old friend,
Don
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Hassett’s passing. I have fond memories of him while I was at St. Andrew’s. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
Fondest memories of our first meeting with Tom in Cyprus (1971) where he instructed us on marriage in the Catholic faith. Many happy memories after that especially our time together at St. Andrew’s High School.
I met Tom while I was on UN Duty in Cyprus, I was the Canadian Contingency dentist. He was a fine fellow and always a pleasure to talk with. I ran into him a few years later in Base Borden and I had the pleasure f meeting his wife. RIP Tom
In this life, Tom had it all…a loving wife, family and true friends who trusted and held him in high regard.He was courageous…never wavering from what he stood for and believed. He lived by setting an exemplary standard for himself and for others to emulate.Tom was a man’s man.
Tom loved to debate any and all ideas. He had a brilliant academic’s mind… he backed his arguments with a seemingly encyclopedic memory for dates and facts. His forte was history in all it’s forms,especially the history of Religion.
Our coffee group has met,come hell or high water, once a week for more than 15 years, for”discussions” where we solve(repeatedly) all the world’s problems.Tom was a founding member and he, along with Patrick Nagle, were our anchors.
He is sorely missed.
Godspeed Tom.
Joan, Valerie’s and my thoughts, prayers and heart-felt condolences are with you and your family.
To Joan and all of Tom’s family, Phyllis and I are very sorry for your loss. Please forgive us for not having been in touch for a while. Tom was a wonderful friend throughout the years. We were fortunate to have been together in Petawawa, Lahr and Victoria. He was a great soldier, strong and courageous, good to have near you in adversity, well-liked by everyone. In retirement he was an excellent story teller and well read conversationalist. Tom will be remembered by all who met him. Thinking of you and hoping that you find peace and comfort. Tom and Phyllis Paterson
Our Deepest, Heartfelt Condolences on the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather. May the gift of gentle, special memories bring you comfort at this time of loss~ We should remember there’s Peace in the promise that LIFE IS EVERLASTING~~
God’s Blessings.. Irwin & Alexandra Mihalicz
P.S. So sorry we are unable to attend Tom’s funeral mass at St.Joe’s on Friday, as much as we would have liked to, but Irwin has a hospital appointment on that day! Alexandra
Our thoughts & Prayers are with you Joan & family at the passing of Tom, a loving husband & father. Rest in Peace dear Tom xoxoxox