Thomas Martin Hendrick

It is with profound sadness that the family of Tom Hendrick, recently of Kelowna, British Columbia, and former long-time resident of Calgary, Alberta, announces he passed away peacefully at the age of 64 on February 21, 2022 at Hospice House Kelowna. Tom was surrounded by his family during his very brief and sudden illness.

Tom will be missed terribly by his loving family including his wife, Jennifer (Stark) Hendrick; two children Jason Hendrick (Sarah Durham) of Calgary, AB, and Elizabeth Hendrick (Eric Rogers) of Fredericton, NB; two step-children Kelsey Meyer (Rohn) and Kevin Drozdowski (Ashley) all of Calgary, AB; and four precious grandchildren: Cameron, Andrew, Conrad, and Sophia. Tom is also survived by his five siblings: Bob Hendrick (Arley) of Kemptville, ON, Catherine Revells (late Mike) of Nepean, ON, Janice O’Connor (late Joe) of Wainwright, AB, Dianne Hendrick of Ottawa, ON, and Jim Hendrick (Angie) of Henderson, Nevada; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Connor and Mary Hendrick (nee Morris) and several uncles and aunts.

Tom was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on February 13, 1958, and grew up in Old Chelsea, Quebec. He was one of six children born into a large farm family in the Gatineau area. In his youth, Tom played Junior A Fastball as a pitcher with the Hull Volants. He also worked at the ski hill at Camp Fortune where he met his first wife, Alexandra Gwilliam. After graduating high school, Tom attended Algonquin College in Ottawa. Tom and Alex moved to Calgary, AB in 1979 where they raised their family, and made many life-long friends. He finished his education at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and began a very successful 40-year career as a sales executive working for various Information Technology and Cybersecurity companies such as NCR Canada Ltd., GE Capital IT Solutions, Dell Canada Inc., Crowntek, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Secureworks.

Tom’s athleticism was evident throughout his lifetime. He continued playing ball in a community slow pitch league and the family spent many winter weekends skiing at Lake Louise. Tom also loved coaching kids in baseball and was an official on deck at his children’s swim meets for years. Boating and water sports while vacationing with close friends in Osoyoos every summer were some of his favourite memories. Tom was an avid golfer; however, as much as he enjoyed golf, he always said there was nothing better than playing hockey with his buddies in Calgary and Kelowna. Besides his passion for sports, Tom loved live music, concerts and performances. He also supported many community initiatives by volunteering for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, swim club fundraising casinos and others.

In 2017, Tom married his beloved wife, Jennifer. The Hendricks moved to Kelowna in the fall of 2019 and settled into a wonderful life where they created many precious memories. Moving to the Okanagan Valley was a dream of the couple and a home on the golf course was the perfect place to eventually retire. Tom often said he couldn’t be happier in his new home and community where the couple enjoyed golfing, cycling, hiking, wine-tasting, exploring the area, and socializing with dear new friends and neighbours. Family was everything to Tom and he embraced Jenn’s children and grandchildren as his own. He especially loved ‘little gaffers’ and had a special fondness for babies. Tom and Jennifer cherished their visits with family and friends who will always remember his soft caring heart, positive attitude, gentle ways, humility, generous spirit, fun sense of humour, and beaming smile. He was a truly kind, thoughtful, patient, and selfless man who was loved, adored and respected as a role model.

Tom’s quiet strength and courage were reflected in the way he faced several serious health challenges over the years. He died peacefully in the night with his wife by his side just one month after being diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the doctors and staff at Kelowna General Hospital and Hospice House Kelowna for their gentle compassionate care in Tom’s final days.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services. The family will be hosting a celebration of Tom’s life in Calgary, AB, on Saturday, May 28. Due to the ever-changing pandemic situation, please email [email protected] to be added to the email list for details and updates about attending in person or online.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tom Hendrick’s name to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary.