In his hundredth year Tom Mayne passed away peacefully at home with Corelli playing. Tommy Mayne was beloved widely as a teacher, community leader, and arts philanthropist. Tom had a great reputation for organization, sociability, an incredible memory and sense of humour. As many know he was detail-oriented and did not like leaving things to chance — the majority of this notice was written by Tommy himself.

Born in Victoria, the only child of Thomas and Annie Mayne, he attended Sir James Douglas, Victoria High School and Victoria College (Craigdarroch) before entering Victoria Normal School in 1937. He began teaching (1938-40) in one-room schools in the Interior of BC. After completing his BA at UBC (1940-42) he moved to Trail Junior-Senior High School for three years (1942-45).

In 1945 he returned to Victoria High School where he taught Social Studies and History for 33 years and headed the department from 1961-78. He was also involved in Drama classes until 1961 and continued to direct Calamity Players (a skit group) until he retired in 1978. In 2016 the Vic High Alumni Association recognized him as one of their Illustrious Alumni.

After retirement he travelled with his wife Betty (married in 1955) – 23 cruises plus many visits to Britain, South America, Mexico, USA and Hong Kong. Tom became president of the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria in 1978 and served until 1987.  The following year he became a life member. He was also a Life Member of the Victoria Theatre Guild and continued to attend theatrical and musical events locally.  In 1987 Tommy joined the Victoria AM Association and greeted cruise ships at Ogden Point every year from 1990 to 2005. He became their Town Crier in 1990 until retiring in 2005. As a lifelong historian Tom Mayne enjoyed serving as a docent at Craigdarroch Castle from 1993 until 2009.  He continued to serve his church (First United, later First Metropolitan) from 1955 onwards.

Tommy was proud to be born and raised in Victoria.  Following the death of his beloved wife Betty in 2004, in 2008 he moved to Berwick Royal Oak for the remainder of his life. Tom remained engaged in politics, sports, the arts and the lives of his vast circle of friends.  He enjoyed life to the full especially when former students were involved. He taught over 6000 students in his career and they remember him fondly.  Special thanks from Tom are directed to former students Kerry Mason, Denis Johnston, Gudrun Galbierz and Joe Moore. Many thanks go to Tom’s close friends Archie and Nora Brown who were a tremendous help to him and Dr. F. Edora and the caring staff of the Care Unit at Berwick Royal Oak. Tom will be dearly missed by his honorary daughter Kerry and her family, Jamie, James and Charlotte.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at First Metropolitan United Church (Quadra at Balmoral) on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 2:30 pm. Reception to follow.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in his name to the Thomas and Elizabeth Mayne Bursary in Theatre at the University of Victoria, the Royal BC Museum, or a charity of your choice.

An illustrated article about Thomas W. Mayne’s life and career can be found on the Vic High Alumni website, www.vichigh.com

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

 

 

  • Jonathan Dallison

    Tommy, you inspired and amazed me with every conversation we shared. Your impact on the community you loved was — and remains — significant. We are all better for knowing you.
    Your friends at the Royal BC Museum join me in thanking you for everything you have done for our museum and archives, and for the people of this province.
    You, sir, were a “one off”.

  • David Anderson

    Tommy was a prominent member of the outstanding group of teachers at Vic High in the fifties. He had a zest for life and a wide variety of interests, prominent among which was the theater. Victoria’s vibrant arts scene of today owes much to his enthusiasm and hard work over the many decades of his life.

    Bravo, Tommy, for a life well lived.

  • Daphne and Ken

    A man who did not ‘posture’ or protest, just went about getting a large number of things done; out of which the community benefitted greatly. “Well done, you good and faithful servant”. There are no higher compliments.

  • Daphne Goode

    Tommy….you and I over 40 years of monthly lunches discussed the arts, school, definitely politics, home, life and family, plus your amazing travels to so many countries around the world! I am sending this to your spirit and I definitely know your many friends and distant family members will appreciate that we were made better for having known you! Your insatiable appetite for learning was always evident, your sense of humour intact always, and your wish to make the world a better place was unparalleled! I will so miss our lunches, although not as often over the past two years, and I know that the world has been made richer by your presence, philanthropy, friendship and love of people! Long may you rest in peace now, Tommy. Time for others to take up the variety of charitable endeavours and for you to never have to worry about gardening chores again! Thank you for gifting the world with your generosity, teaching and wit! Much love, Daphne

  • Erin Schonert

    Tommy, it was my pleasure & honour to know you. I will miss our weekly chats, but will cherish the stories you shared. You were so much more than just my client…you were a friend.

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