August 5, 1939 - March 7, 2025
In loving memory ~
Tom passed away in Cowichan District Hospital with his loving wife Pat by his side following a hard fought battle with cancer.
Tom and Pat were married in 1962. They met in Merritt and married in Williams Lake. In 1964, Tom returned to school to get his Forestry degree. With the Forest Service they lived in a dozen areas from Rangers Stations in remote communities to Prince George and Victoria until Tom eventually became Forest District Manager for mid Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Victoria. They were finally able to settle and chose Cowichan Valley as their permanent home.
Tom's passions were Forestry and the Cowichan Valley. His desire to serve both with the respect he felt they deserved was admirable. His wish always was for a working forest and to educate people that they could all work together. He spent 35 years with the Minister of Forests and 20 years on Council including 3 years as Mayor of North Cowichan. A highlight of his political life was being honoured as a recipient of the Freedom of the Municipality of North Cowichan on December 19 2018.
As a strong supporter and tireless worker at the Forrest Discovery Centre and proud member of the Duncan Rotary Club, Tom helped to start the Saltspring Island Rotary Club, and worked with the Cowichan Basket Society, Probus Club as well as Crime Stoppers Cowichan Valley. Over the years, Tom and Pat would hook up the 5th wheel and head out on another adventure. They traveled through Canada and most of the US, discovered cruising as well as making numerous trips to Alaska and Europe.
Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years Pat. He was treasured by many friends, family and colleagues. Losing Tom, though devastating, gives comfort knowing he is no longer in pain. He fought so hard. Pat would like to especially thank Dr. Pewarchuk, Dr. Jansz , Dr. Gallagher, the chemo nurses in CDH, the Victoria Cancer Clinic and all the doctors and nurses at Cowichan District Hospital for their care of Tom at the end.
In lieu of flowers donations to Cowichan District Hospital, Hospice or the Forest Discovery Centre would be greatly appreciated.