Tom passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on February 19th, 2009. Tom will be lovingly remembered by his sons Bill and Colin, and their respective wives Sue and Maureen, as well as his daughter Linda and her husband Darcy. He will also be remembered by his grandchildren Garry, Stuart, Ryan, Caitlin, and Calum, and his great grandchildren Ethan, Abigail, Jenna and Brooklyn.
Tom was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and served with the Royal Air Force during WWII as a wireless operator and air gunner for the Bomber Transport Squadron No. 216. Soon after, he met his loving wife, Sheila Whytock. Tom was an employee of the General Post Office in Scotland, where he started a family with the births of his sons Bill and Colin. In 1958, Tom and his family immigrated to North Bay, Ontario, Canada and he started a new career at Bell Telephones. Tom’s daughter Linda was born here in North Bay. He soon obtained a position with Alberta Government Telephones and moved to Calgary, Alberta. Tom and Sheila retired to Sooke, British Columbia, in 1983. Here they developed many long lasting friendships. Tom was always a devoted family man, a loving father, and a good friend. He was known for his strong work ethic and for being an admirable role model to his family. Tom was also an avid gardener, fisherman, and a wonderful cook.
Tom is to be cremated, and his ashes to be reunited with his predeceased wife Sheila in their native land of Scotland. Tom’s family would like to express their deep gratitude to his good friend Judy and other friends from Sooke, Ilene and the staff from the Victorian Retirement Home, Dr. Saunders, and the nurses on floor 6C of the Victoria General Hospital.