Thomas McLeod

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on August 22, 1937, he was the fourth child out of nine born to his loving parents, John and Elizabeth (nee Porteous) McLeod. He is predeceased by his siblings John, Alec, George, Mary, and Jenny. Tommy is survived by his devoted wife Christina “Christine”, his sons Tommy (Lorna) and Craig (Carol), his granddaughters Rori, Alex, and Skye, his siblings Eddie, Betty, and Cissie, and many countless dear friends, cousins, and nieces and nephews across Canada, Scotland, England, Italy, and Australia. Tommy had a wide circle of friends and family that brought him much joy throughout his life, including his childhood pals Norrie Sandieson and Tommy Gray (and families), golfing buddies Ted Purdon, Steve Carty, and Frank Keaton (and families), Jimmy Laurie and the Laurie Family, and his many friends at the Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club.

When Tommy was just seventeen and half years of age, he was drafted into the Royal Air Force’s 751 Signal Crew, based in Cyprus. He actively served for two and a half years, and he and his crew became known as the “Dustbin Bandits”. Their story has even been immortalized in a book.

It was once Tommy returned from his service in the RAF that his football career began. He started at Ardeer Thistle, where they had an undefeated season in 1959, and continued on to play professional for Dundee United, Bath City, Cheltenham Town, Greenock Morton, Hamilton Steelers, Inverness Caledonian, New York Ukrainians, and White Eagles. His career as a professional football player is what brought him to Canada, where he then met Christine, his wife for 57 years. Tommy and Christine met at the Palladium Dance Hall, where he swept her off her feet, and after two years, they tied the knot on August 28, 1965.

Tommy and Christine loved nothing more than getting together with friends. Together they threw numerous legendary parties, where they would often sing together with Tommy on the guitar. Their performances together would light up the room. In addition to playing guitar and singing, Tommy had many hobbies that he loved. He loved playing pool, snooker, and was exceptional at darts and golf. Tommy enjoyed playing football every Sunday morning at Sunnybrook Park, which he did well into his fifties, and he spent some time coaching football. His favorite hobby by far was spending time at the racetrack and watching the horse races. Remembrance Day was notably important to Tommy, where every year he would participate as a veteran in the service at Kew Gardens. Tommy also enjoyed travelling to Scotland, his beloved homeland. He was a huge animal lover, especially of his treasured dogs Piper, Hamish, Willie, and Ralph, and cats Murdoch, Haggis, Alec, and Smite.

For years he was the President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 42, also a member of the Todmorden Masonic Lodge, and an honorary member of the Ralston Bowling Club in Scotland.

Tommy had a few careers throughout his life; from a Union Steward with John Inglis to a Building Manager for the City of Toronto’s Metro Housing. His favorite career of all though, was working as a “Lollipop Man” or Crossing Guard. This was the career that he was most dedicated to and proud of.

Tommy will always be remembered fondly by so many friends and family.

A memorial gathering for Thomas will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C1L3, followed by a memorial service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Due to limited capacity at Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home, the memorial service will also be livestreamed.

Everyone is warmly invited to a celebration of life immediately following the service, at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 1/42, at Coxwell and Gerrard.

Please direct any donations toward the Toronto Humane Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackdanforth.com for the McLeod family.