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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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!
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.