Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years Betsy; his beautiful daughters, Debbie, Laurie ( Bryan), Risa (Larry); his brothers, Vic (Marianne), Joe (Sybil), and John (Jeanie). Tom especially loved children and was affectionately known as Grandpa Charlie to his wonderful grandchildren, Lulu, Reider, and Tiegan. And he always enjoyed interacting and talking with, and counseling, his numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom lived a full life on his terms, with passion, purpose, and sometimes, stubbornness. He loved each of his family, he cared about those he worked with and encountered, and he was unassumingly generous. He had a sense of humor that was both funny and, when necessary, biting.
Tom always lived in the Montreal area. He was born in Park Extension and spent the majority of his life on the South Shore. He worked for his father's company, Virball Electric, as a qualified electrician until he chose to return to higher education. He graduated from McGill University, Electrical Engineering 1971 where he was President of his graduating class. When you switch on your lights in the morning somewhere in Quebec or even North East US, Tom had something to do with this. He was the executive for Foundation and Janin in charge of the Baie James LG2 Electrical and Mechanical construction project to deliver electricity to your homes.
Tom always ached to run his own show. At his core he was an entrepreneur, so he left a successful career in his early 40's to purchase the KOA Campground of Montreal Sud. For the last thirty years, Tom, Betsy, Debbie, and Bernard have developed this campground into a world-class camping facility in Quebec. He loved driving around the campground on his golf cart and chatting and visiting with campers, and, sometimes, reading them the riot act. Tom will be remembered by his regular campers who trek from the US, Europe, and all parts of Canada. He was a welcoming host, knowledgable and helpful, friendly, able to banter at the drop of a hat or have a conversation on virtually any topic.
He touched many and will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Tom's name be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 1:00PM to 5:00 PM.
COLLINS CLARKE MACGILLVRAY WHITE FUNERAL HOMES
307 Promenade Riverside
St-Lambert, QC J4P1A7
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