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.
47 Responses
My condolences go out to all the Stobart family. Tom was an outstanding man, and a great coach.
RD
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.
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
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.
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!
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
Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.Cherish the good memories and fun times.
Dear Nicole and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Every tear shed is a tear of love, and my sincere condolences.
Dawn
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
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.