Toma Gazhdaj

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Tom Gazhdaj, who left us on March 17th 2025 at the age of 89. Tom was born on January 1st 1936 in Shkodёr, Albania. Tom had a deep love for his homeland and carried this pride with him as he journeyed to Canada in search of a better life. He met Rosina the love of his life on Granville Street. Together they built a beautiful family starting with their son Angelo and shortly after their daughter Anna who completed the 4 known as the Gazhdaj’s.

Tom was a proud Husband, Father and Grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Lazer and Lula, his mother and father in law Giuseppina and Antonio as well as his dear sister Luke, sister in-laws Rita, Regina and brother in law Ndue. He is survived by his loving wife Rosina, his son Angelo (Lisa), his daughter Anna (Nick). Tom will be dearly missed by his brother Angelo and his brother and Sister in-laws Frank (Ida), Maria (Tony), Chuck, Fred (Maria-Teresa), Yolanda (Peter), Joe (Shirley), Teresa (Sam). He is also missed by his cherished grandchildren Julia, Tomas, Steven, Olivia and great granddaughter Esme.

Tom was truly a silver lining kind of person. He had a rare gift for stopping to smell the roses and finding the positive of life's lessons. He embraced both the light and the dark with equal grace. Tom was a faithful Catholic who dedicated his Sundays to church. His devotion to God gave him strength and courage throughout his life.

In his free time you could find Tom basking in quiet moments spent fishing, enjoying time with family and good friends, picking the best watermelon to bring home, or tending to his garden. He will always be remembered on 16th Avenue for cooking the best steaks and his legendary bartending skills, knowing the perfect pairing to complement every meal. Tom was the life of any gathering, always raising a glass in a toast to celebrate life’s moments, big and small.

Rest easy Nanu, until we meet again.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, March 27, 2025 at St. Augustine Parish 2028 West 7th Avenue, Entombment will follow at Ocean View Burial Park, Grand Mausoleum. Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia. https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en