Thomas McMullin

82, Sydney

It is with deep sadness, I announce the passing of my Dad, Thomas McMullin peacefully on Jan. 31, 2014 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.

Tom was born on Feb. 16, 1931 the fifth child and second son of the late William and Caroline McMullin. He grew up in Reserve Mines part of a family of eight. Like many of his brothers and sisters, Tom learned to make music for entertainment; he played the guitar and fiddle, but favoured the piano and became masterful at it. As a young boy living near the airport his eye’s turned skyward and he developed a lifetime love of aviation which he passed on to me. Tom learned to fly in 1951 becoming a flight instructor and eventually flew DC-3’s for Nordair.

In 1959 he married his childhood sweetheart, Carmen (Botte) McMullin who remained his loving and faithful wife until she predeceased him just three months ago. To avoid the travel and settle down in Sydney, Tom moved into air traffic control in the early 60s. He continued to teach flying for years after that in Sydney. In 1964 they adopted their only child, (Me), Glenn McMullin. Tom was the greatest father a boy could hope to have. He was a quiet stoic and strong personality who was very humble and did not like attention or recognition. Tom loved family, friends and a good party and hosted many gatherings at their house. Tom was an intellectual, very well read with many talents, many of which we would have to discover by accident. For example once I could not find the illustration needed for a school report so Dad drew a picture to the desired specifications in pencil and it could have easily hung in a gallery. Even Mom was surprised and when asked where he learned to do that he said simply, “I liked to draw as a boy.” He never spoke of it again. Tom liked many kinds of music but favored the classics and would spend hours in the basement playing them on the piano. Tom was a man of few words and led by example, the epitome of a loyal loving family man who everyone could always count on when help was needed.

Left to miss him along with me are my wife, Samantha and daughter, Rebecca, who he always asked about first, also his sister, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Petrie of Toronto. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

Along with his wife and parents Tom was predeceased by his brothers, Francis, Joe and Elmer McMullin and his sisters, Mary, Betty and Josephine. He dearly missed them all and spoke of them often.

I would like to thank Dr. Steven MacDougall and Dr. Susan McLeod for their wonderful care over the years. Also thank you to Dr. Ann Francis D’Intino for her special care in the final weeks. The staff of CBRH floor 4B and 4E that provided my Dad so much comfort in his final days. A special thanks to cousins, Greg and Donna Botte for their time and help with Dad over the years and especially at this difficult time and also my cousin, Bill Buckland, for being there whenever we needed help.

I would like to extend thanks to Charlene MacDonald of Continuing Care as well as management and staff of County Homemakers for the amazing care they provided Dad in the last few years.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Tom’s life will be held at TW Curry’s Parkview Chapel on Feb 4th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Private interment will take place at a later date.