June 27, 1945 – February 13, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Stobart on February 13, 2012. Tom passed away with his family by his side at Royal Jubilee Hospital after a courageous, hard fought battle with multiple myeloma. Tom was born in Vancouver on June 27, 1945 and grew up on the East Side. He had a great love for sports, most notably football and rugby. Tom began his love affair with rugby at Sir Charles Tupper High School. When he moved from Vancouver to Victoria in 1973 to open the first Windsor Plywood franchise in Victoria, he brought his love of the game with him. He was very active with the Castaway Wanderers as a player and celebrated their journey to the Island Championships. When Tom retired from rugby he became a coach and mentor to many young athletes. His love for coaching equally extended to both the BC Summer Games and as a Selector for Rugby Canada’s Under 19 Junior Team. To know Tom was to love him. There wasn’t much that he missed – he lived life with a vigour and energy that was infectious. His sense of humour, quick wit and positive attitude were felt by all who came into contact with him. By far, Tom’s greatest love was the love he shared with his family. He is predeceased by his father, Tom Sr., and survived by his mother Mima, his sister Carol (Bill), his wife of 37 years Susan, his three children, Nicole (Kevin), Buck, Stephanie (Steve), many nieces and nephews, and his canine friends: Monty, Rocky, Maddy and Frank.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. David Barry, and many close friends for their compassion, sincerity, and endless love and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday February 24th at 3:30 pm at Alix Goolden Hall at the Victoria Conservatory of Music – 907 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name will be gratefully accepted to one of his favourite charities: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (www.canuckplace.org). Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Don and Chris Pollock
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Duke & Kathy I was incredibly moved by the service today, and was hiding from Evan to avoid the escorted exit. Stoby was always someone who I looked up to. He lived life the way it should be lived, and proved to the world that you can still be a good good guy and win. At the end of the day it is always about family. Tom obviously hit a home run in this area.
Thoughts are with you all.
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Bill Jeffers Teachers are so fortunate to have the privilege and honour of knowing young people before they graduate and begin their future journey through life. It was 1962/63 at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary when I met this young man and was instantly taken with his wonderful approach to life. He had an extraordinary sense of humour and was a natural born leader with a very easy going manner; in short “just a great guy to be around”. I was very fortunate to be his rugby coach and it was obvious that Rugby would play a huge role in his life. In addition, I spent many hours working with Tom in the “Condos”, the boy’s service club. He was always dedicated, reliable and genuine. Even then I knew Tom would be a success in whatever he chose to do in the future. I saw Tom from time to time at reunions and had a chance to visit him in Victoria just a few years ago and on each occasion we never had enough time to reminisce.
This man was truly a success; as a business man, as a coach and as a person. What a privilege to be able to say “I knew Tom Stobart”; his life was a model for us all and I will never forget him.
Well done Tom, well done!
Bill Jeffers
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Doris & Bruce Johns We offer our deepest condolences to Tom’s entire family. He was always such a kind and engaging man. We’ll remember him for his smile and positive spirit. He always had something ‘nice’ to say!!!
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Ken Mackenzie... Tupper '63 Very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We spent 5 great, “growing up ” years at Charles Tupper, Reconnected through club rugby and unfortunately with his earlier treatments at VGH. Being invited to Horne Lake with Tom and Dave will always be memorable. Tom was a class act from start to end.Sorry not to be able to attend his celebration of life.
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Duncan Macdonald I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I definitely knew Tom from rugby, though my first thoughts were from when I first met him. That was when he hired me. I didn’t really work for him for all that long, still it was a very educational time and he taught me a lot while I was there. While working for him, Tom introduced me to the Castaways and later he was one of the reasons I ended up playing for the Red Lions when I moved to the mainland. The rugby years were great, though I still mostly remember him as my boss. He was direct, firm, honest and this was balanced by a great sense of humor. He is still one of the best people I have ever worked for. My sincere condolences to his family.
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Katie Meyer Buck & Family
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He sounds lovely and will be very missed. He is always with you in your heart:)
xoxo
Katie
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Anita.Rita, Manuel, Tony, Emanuel(Ana) Carreiro This seems so unreal, Tom such a great guy. Taken from us; He is man I will always remember by his smile and Positive energy. He loved his wife, children his family were his pride and joy.
Our hearts are weakened by this sad news; Prayers and Strength to the entire family and this saddened time.
Tom will always will be remembered with great memories. To Susan, Buck, Nicole and Stephanie- may you keep all your memories alive and take each day to strengthen and If you need anything We are all here for you always.. We love you and Tom we will always love you.. When It is sunny; I will take that as your smile shining down on us, through the rain and winds that is the energy you guide us to stay positive and never give up hope!Our Condencles to all of you,
Rita, Manuel, Tony, Emanuel(Ana) , Anita Carreiro
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The Parrs To the Stobart family. Although we did not know Tom well, Terry remembers good times at Horne Lake -Tom’s great sense of humour, love of rugby and joy of life.
Our sincere condolences to the family at your loss.
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Ron and Helen Campion Dear Susan and Family
We want you to know how saddened we were to hear of Tom´’s passing. Although we knew that he had not been well for the last few years, it is still a shock to hear the sad news. We are in Ecuador and on our way home, although we are miles away from you, we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time in your lives. Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Love
Ron & Helen
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Dan Pahl I had the good fortune to have known “Stoby” as a fellow Vancouver Blue Bomber and knocked heads with him on the Rugby field. Ever the true sportsman and one of the most positive and up guys I have ever had the privilege to know. Best of all was that smile that made you happy just to be around him!! We didn’t always get together on a regular basis once he moved to Victoria but we did keep in touch when he was in Vancouver or I was in Victoria with beer and B.S. always involved. It was a privilege to know Stoby because he exemplified how a person should live life. I will not be able to attend the Celebration of life but will set aside a quite moment to toast my friend and compatriot on Friday.
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Rory Connolly Buck and Family,
I wanted to pass along my condolences. Tom was an amazing coach and even better guy. I remember fondly his pre-game chats, sense of humour and genuine enjoyment of rugby which he passed on to his players.
Rory
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Stephan Chapheau To the Stobart family;
Tom was my coach during my age grade days at CW. To this day he remains one of the most influencial coaches I have ever had the opportunity of playing for. Tom had an uncanny ability to motivate his players, be it through his vast knowledge of the game or his pre-game “chats”. I remember when I had gone away to university and my brother was playing for him at CW, I was speaking with my dad while he was watching the game and Tom asked to pass him the phone to see how I was holding up out East. It was that genuine concern he had for his players, past and present that set him apart. He will be truely missed by all who knew him.My deepest condolonces.
Stephan
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Heather and Jay Jaundrew Dear Susan and family
Jay and I were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. If I remember correctly when we were neighbours on Melba Place you have lots of great memories and a lovely family as well. We are thinking of you.
Love Jay and Heather Jaundrew
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Ian MacLean It is sad that it often takes one’s passing for such wonderful memories and accolades for a life well lived to be expressed. As well as a very warm, funny and wonderful human being, Tom was a humble man. Tom heard some of these credits during his life and he would have taken them in stride and just done the job.
I had the good fortune of having a lot to do with Tom related to rugby and also as the Principal of Burnside School – the neighbour of Windsor Plywood. We often had a chuckle as to the practical consequences we contrived for a youngster’s miscreant actions taken against his building! The reader can only imagine.
To the family, my most sincere condolences at this sad time. To Stobie, now you have joined up with many brothers. may you enjoy the game they play in Heaven. RIP, good man.
Macca
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Judi & Jim McElroy Buck & family:
Never having met Tom, we knew through our son Chris (Buck’s friend and lacrosse team-mate) that he had only admiration and love for Tom. We do know that he was a most positive role model and mentor and Chris will definitely miss the visits and laughs they shared.
Sending healing energy to all from Mexico!
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Andrew Jackson Dear Susan and Family,
My sincerest condolences to you. I played with Tom in the late 1980’s with the Castaways, he was a lot of fun, a great teammate and club member. He always had time for words of encouragement on and off the field and took genuine interest in the people around him. He will be greatly missed.
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Shirley (Temple) Medd Susan and Family
My deepest sympathy. Tom was such a kind-hearted and loving friend througout my high school years. He could always make me laugh even on my darkest days. I so looked forward to seeing him at Tupper reunions even though I knew he would bring up all the dumb things I did back then. I’d soon be laughing till I cried.
So true, to know Tom was to love him. We will miss him.
Shirley Medd
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Sonia Polson Hi Sue…..thinking of you and your children as you move through this difficult time. May the love of your family and friends help you as you walk this walk. Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Sonia
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Jane and Nigel Penn Sue and family,
Nigel and I would like you to know how very sorry we are to hear of Tom’s passing. Our thoughts have been with you Stephanie, Buck, Nicole and the rest of the family during this difficult time. We both have very fond memories of Tom and as we think of him it is difficult not to smile. An amazing person full of life, enthusisum and an excellent role model to others.
Jane and Nigel Penn
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Tina Morgan (Oldham) Sue and family,
We were very sad to hear about Tom and we are thinking of you all at this very difficult time.The Oldham Family
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Gavin Hollett Buck + family,
Just want to say that I am thinking of you guys and sending you my love.
One of the greatest and kindest dads and guys that I will ever meet. Still refer back to some of the advice he gave me over 10 yrs ago.Amazing man. I’m lucky to have met him.
much love to all of the Stobart family.
Gavin
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Janet Hicks Susan
I was so sad to open the paper this morning and learn of Tom’s passing. It has been a long time since we have been in each other’s company but know That Tom was a wonderful, father and husband. Please remember us to the rest of your family. Our thoughts are with you.
Michael and Janet Hicks
Uncle Alex
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Jim de Goede Hi Sue, I just wanted to pass on my condolences. I know Tom was a loving husband to you, a great father to your children, and so much more to so many. Shari and I simply want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Jim
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Dan Smith My condolences to the whole Stobart Family. Tom was an amazing man, coach and mentor. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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Philip Smith Such a good man, and coach. Had that balance between a keen sense of competition and an earnest sense of fair play. I’m sure that has been impressed on everyone he coached.
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Irwin Family Sue, Nicole, Buck and Steph, along with the rest of the Sobart family and extended family. We were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. What a great guy, role model and very much a man’s man. Lot’s of laughs at the lake!!
Mike and Cathy, Nicole and Matthew
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Robert Down My condolences go out to all the Stobart family. Tom was an outstanding man, and a great coach.
RD
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Greg Gunn Tom Stobart was a giant. He was generous with his wisdom and warmth and was iconic to many of the young men in Victoria that he coached.
Not only did he serve as an example to us, Tom held the heroic ability to inspire others to become role models.
While the impact of his steady hand will reach well beyond this generation and the next, his presence will be terribly missed.
Thank-you for being an important part of our lives, Coach.
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Breana Curnow It is a very diffucult time losing a father….cherish the good times and the happy memories you shared together
thinking of you Nicky and your family
take care of yourself and each other
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John Handysides I want to say how sorry I am for your lost. Tom was a Man above men. My three son’s all became much better people for the influence that Tom had on their lives. They learned some important life skills and lessons, and an incredible sense of honour. As a parent it is a hard thing to trust your kids to another persons care. I must say I had my reservations when my sons moved from soccer to rugby. I have been blown away by rugby and the families that are involved and the ties that have been created. It is because of great men like Tom, who gave so whole hearted of himself to the development of young men and the game they love so much. And to note, Buck, you were also a great example to the guys and help set and good example for many. I know your Dad was very very proud of you also.
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john harrison It’s very sad to hear. I will miss the great conversations, & many good laughs we had. The Windsor days were some of the best days of my life. He was a great boss. Gonna miss u man!
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Teresa Shields Love to you all,
Thank you for sharing Tom as a second Dad to Penni. His support, love, warmth and understanding filled our hearts and lives on in all of you.Teresa
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Brenda Quin Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.Cherish the good memories and fun times.
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Dawn Kaysoe Dear Nicole and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Every tear shed is a tear of love, and my sincere condolences.
Dawn
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Jon Parker Tom,
You were larger than life, your passion and love for the sport of rugby
Was an inspiring one. So many words of encouragement at games and practices alike, to keep on pushing and striving to be tat next step better, never letting us not have a load of fun at the same time.You were a fantastic coach and an even better role model, you presence on and off the pitch will be missed. My sincere condolences everyone close to Tom and the stobart family
– Jon
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Tom and Marilyn Quattlebaum I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of your father. It is hard to understand why a friend and especially a loved one so close of this is taken from us seemingly before they should be. I can tell you the pain lingers for a long time; but, it is eased by the memories we have and share with those we love. May God give your father eternal peace Nicole and God bless you during this time of your life.
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Tyler Holden To the whole Stobart family my thoughts and prayers go to you in this difficult time. I did not know Tom very well but the times I did talk to him he was amazingly nice and very funny and had a smile that lit up the room. He and his wife Susan raised three of the nicest kids I have had the pleasure to know. May he rest in peace and always be remembered.
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Dianne Escude Susan, Stephanie and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss of your partner and your dad respectively. It is quite a journey you have had filled with lots of incredible highs and lows I am sure. My very, very best to you all.
Take good care,
Dianne
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Jess & Jay Velikovsky To the wonderful Stobart Family,
Our sincere condolences for your loss. We’ve been thinking of you each day and are sending our prayers to you all. We love you so much, and here for you through this difficult time.
Lots of love and hugs,
Jay and Jess Velikovsky
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Melly and Saare Adams What an incredible man, so very deeply loved and admired. He will live on in so many hearts and rugby matches. So much love and healing to all of his family and friends.
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David Handysides My deepest condolences to the Stobart family.
I was one of the countless young men who have the honor of saying that Tom Stobart affected my life in a positive way through Rugby. Tom coached my oldest brother Dan, then Josh, then me. He left his mark on a generation of young men, and no doubt on the community as a whole.
Thank you for all you taught me,
may you find rest.
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Tristan Breiter Tom,
You were a great mentor and coach to me for many years. I always appreciated your wisdom and encouragement throughout your tenure with CW. I will miss your unique words, tenacity, and “pep talks” – they always pumped us up before games! Rest in peace Tom, and may you look down on all of us with the pride that you instilled in us.
Sincerely,
Tristan
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Josh Handysides Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss.
To you Tom was a husband and a father, but to myself and my brothers Tom was our rugby coach. Tom coached my older brother Dan at Belmont which lead to to his involvement in CW Rugby and the Crimson Tide team for the summer games. From that point on I wanted to play rugby and I too had the pleasure of playing for Tom as did my younger brother Dave at both CW and the Crimson Tide. Dave and I are are still involved in CW Rugby and this is all due to the time that Tom gave to coach Belmont, the CW junior program and the Crimson Tide. Rugby has had such a positive place in the life of my brothers and myself and Tom was such a huge part of this for us and for many others.
The example that Tom set as a coach giving his time back to the sport he loved is something I too have taken on in coaching Central Middle School the past few years. Tom’s legacy not only lives on in the lifes he touched directly, but continues on through the kids I am now coaching as I follow his example trying to instill the love of rugby and the positive values that come along with rugby in another generation.
Even over the past few years when I ran into to Tom, regardless of the struggles he was facing, he showed a true passion for rugby and for life. He will be truly missed in both tmy family and the CW rugby family, and by the many other lives he had a positive impact on.
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Rob Clark Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Tom was a joy to know, and I will always remember his humour, courage, and love for all of you.
My thoughts are with you all.
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Chelsie Velikovsky Sue, Steph, Nic and Buck,
I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing…I feel lucky to have gotten to know Tom over all the years that I’ve been friends with Steph. He was such a wonderful man, and I always loved sitting and chatting with him, because what’s not to love really… His sense of humor always brightened up the room, and I will truly miss joking around with him whenever I got to see him.
He put up such a strong fight for so many years and I am glad he
has been around to witness what wonderful people his children have become and see all of their accomplishments and share so many wodnerful memories. Cherish the memories you have and hopefully you can all find strength in these memories to get you through these hard times.I am very sorry to say that I will not be able to make it to the funeral, but I hope you all know if I was even a little bit closer to Victoria I would be there to celebrate such a wonderful life, as well as be there to support all of you through this tough time.
I will be thinking of all of you and sending my love on that day as I have been everyday since I have heard this awful news.Take care of yourselves and each other!
Love Chelsie
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Vanessa & Charlie Velikovsky So sorry to hear of your loss. Stephanie….I know this is a really hard time for all of you…Just know we are thinking of you….and the whole family.
It’s now March of 2022 and we still remember the kindness and care Tom shared with all the rugby boys and their parents who had the good fortune to have him as part of their extended ’family’. Tom was a man among men and his memory will forever bring smiles to so many faces. We like to think of him as that ‘angel on our shoulder’.