Thomas Michael Jala

76 – Sydney

Thomas Michael Jala, 76, of Sydney, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 5, 2010 with his family at his side.

Tom left us with the wish that he wanted all to know he had lived a rewarding and interesting life.

Born May 16, 1934, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he was predeceased by his parents Nellie (Wyrozub) and Peter Jala.

Tom is survived by his wife Mary (Milburn) and sons David (Elaine) and Michael. He also leaves behind in-laws Michael and Inga Milburn and Jack and Ann Billard, and by his Milburn nephews Michael, Douglas, Tim, Christopher and Ned and all of their families. And, by his Billard nieces Janey (Proskow) and Krista (Gross) and their families. He is also remembered by special family friend Kim O’Shaughnessy. He is also survived by the Ontario side of his family: sister Helen and her sons Richard, Kenny and Brian.

Tom spent his early childhood in Winnipeg, Kelowna, Vancouver and Saskatoon, where he was immersed in the Ukrainian culture of western Canada. His parents relocated to Toronto where he spent his teenage years. Tom became a skilled welder and on later summer trips to Toronto would show his family the skyscrapers he had helped to build.

During his 20’s, he became active as a trade unionist and toiled with his trademark determination in the fight for workers’ rights. His lifelong dedication to worker safety would become part of his legacy. It was during his years in the ‘movement’ that Tom met Mary Milburn of Glace Bay. Tom and Mary spent a number of years in Europe, notably in Hungary, and he helped organize the 1962 international festival of the World Federation of Democratic Youth in Helsinki, Finland, where son David Peter was born. One of Tom’s proudest moments was escorting the first man in space, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, around festival events.

Upon returning to Canada, his second son, Michael William, was born in Toronto. In 1968, the family moved to Cape Breton where Tom worked as a welding instructor at the old Eastern Institute of Technology. Settling in Sydney, Tom finished high school and earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Masters degree, all from St. Francis Xavier University. He wore his ‘X’ ring proudly.

Tom went on to work at the College of Cape Breton during which time he developed training and safety programs for Cape Breton coal mines. His new niche in training led to a stint as Superintendent of Training with Suncor in Fort McMurray. Tom then established Performance Based Training Systems through which he worked as a training consultant on numerous projects with companies like Suncor, Canada Post, BP, Parks Canada and VIA Rail. His last job was as the head of training with Nova Scotia Power Corporation.

His working days came to an abrupt end in 1999 when Tom was diagnosed with a very rare tumor on his spine which led to life-saving surgery in Boston. Tom was left with limited mobility, but never lost his will and determination. He enjoyed Thursday night sessions with his friends of the Ashby Bridge Club and the odd night out at the Casino. Indeed, he survived almost two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. He finally succumbed after an incredible fight.

The family would also like to thank all his friends and caregivers who made things easier over the difficult times. Appreciation is also extended to the staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital and Waterford Heights, and special thanks to Dr. Murdock Smith and Dr. Peter Littlejohn.

Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, August 7. 2010 A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday , August 8, 2010 both in T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charity of choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.twcurry.com