Thomas Tyne Olaf McCulloch

Thomas passed away gracefully on January 5, 2024 at Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary, AB. He was surrounded by the love of his wife Wendy Gusdal Allison, his family and friends in Calgary and his family afar, with daily visits, phone calls and text messages.

Tom was born in Pine Falls, Manitoba on October 16, 1935. He spoke with great affection about his childhood days in Pine Falls, where his father Donald McCulloch was the Post Master General. After the sudden passing of his father at 12 years old he went to live with newlywed brother Carl and his wife Betty (nee Towler). Later on, he also lived with his sister Marion and her husband Bill Sharpe. Tom never forgot how his siblings cared for him in those early years and he was forever grateful. A few years later he worked at the Pulp and Paper mill and earned his way through college graduating from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Political Science. He was a championship curler and played for the Varsity Team at U of M. Curling would become a life long passion.

Tom was a renaissance man of broadcast journalism covering News, Weather, Sports, Current Affairs as well as Arts & Entertainment. He began his career at CBC, Regina where he hosted his own morning, afternoon and music programs. Thereafter, he moved to CFAC, Calgary where he was morning news editor. At CBC Regina and Calgary and CKY Winnipeg he became Sports Commentator covering international events such as the Pan American Games and the World Ski Championships. His tenure at CBC Winnipeg included hosting Information Radio and the phone in show Questionnaire. He was host of local Winnipeg shows, Arts Encounter, Summerside and the film series Made in Manitoba. Tom had a deep passion for Jazz and became the host of the nationally acclaimed programs Jazz for the Record, Music to Listen to Jazz By with Lee Major and Jazz Radio Canada with Mary Nelson.

After he retired from the CBC, Tom moved back to Calgary and he became involved with the Foothills Academy Society for learning disabilities, volunteering his efforts in fund-raising events such as the annual Run, Walk and Roll. He also enjoyed spending his time scanning his shortwave radio for international newscasts and riding his bike.

Tom’s passion for his career was only matched by his devotion to family. During a time of great difficulty for his daughter Sharel, he and his second wife Sally Ward McCulloch became legal guardians to Sharel’s children Sarah, Walter and Paul. Tom and Sally eventually parted ways. However, the “third time is the charm” as they say, and on February 25, 2006 Tom married Wendy Gusdal Allison. He fell in well with the big extended Gusdal family and Wendy's Pinawa friends where they attended many vacations, anniversaries and events. He made these new friends easily and especially enjoyed the Manitoba connections. Tom and Wendy loved curling, golfing and especially watching the grand kids play hockey and basketball. He will be missed dearly by step-sons Brent (Laura) Allison, Scott (Michelle) Allison and grandchildren, Tessa, Mattias, Natalie, Sam, Ben and Grace as well as the family dog Blazer!

Tom shared seven children with his first wife DeAnn Gershbein (nee Bates) whom he married in 1956. He was a loving father to children; John (Gayleen) McCulloch, Glenna (George, deceased) Davis, Sharel McCulloch (deceased), Byron (Glenne, deceased) McCulloch, Kyle (Mary Hidalgo) McCulloch, Liana (Robert) McCulloch and Chris (Tanya) McCulloch, grandchildren; Thomas L., Theodore, Viva, Anthia, Sarah (Phil), Walter, Paul (Monica), Katie (Daniel), Emma (Brady), Brendan, Caleigh (Thomas), Robert (deceased), Tyler, Amber, Spencer (Ivy), Jennifer, Kimber (deceased) Stirling, Kiefer, Kenzie and Dakota, and great grandchildren; Emilie Claire, Eva, Austin, Asher, Thomas O., William and Oliver.

Tom was predeceased in life by his parents Donald McCulloch of Norman-Keewatin, ON and Esther Eufemia Simonson of Winnipeg, MB, brother Carl (Betty) McCulloch and his sister Marion (Bill) Sharpe (nee McCulloch).

He is lovingly remembered by his nephews and nieces; Ken McCulloch, Brian (Suzanne) McCulloch, Gaye (Keith) Sharpe, Kim (Lynn) Sharpe, Kelly (Joyce) Sharpe, and Bill (Donnalee) Sharpe; and 35 great-grand nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life will be will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross (10620 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary Alberta) on Saturday January 13th, 2024, at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foothills Academy in Calgary at

foothillsacademy.org.

Cremation is in the care of Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home and Crematorium.