Thomas David Wheatley

WHEATLEY, Thomas David - 63 of Beaver Bank. It is with broken hearts we announce Tom’s sudden passing, at home, with his loving wife Connie at his side. He was one of the finest men to ever grace this earth. Cherished husband, son, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Some lights shine so intensely they burn out too soon. Left to mourn, his devoted wife Connie; mother, Lorna; children, Carol, Mike (Cheryl), Laura-Lee (Tim) and Kelly (Dave); sister Laurie (Case); brother Bob (Terry) and grandchildren Alex, 23, Aiden, 9, Rosy and Julie, 6; best friend Jamie (Sandra); as well as several nieces and nephews. Tom had taught Alex at the age of 2 to say “I Hate Shopping” and could be seen pulling him along in a double wide stroller with Alex on one side and a case of beer on the other! He was known for his wonderful hugs, putting his whole heart into it. Tom was predeceased by his grandson William; and father Geoff. Tom was born in Montreal and graduated from McGill. He pursued a career in Financial Services and was a Sr. Consultant with Price Waterhouse; General Manager, Bowne Internet; and VP at BMO, working/living in Montreal, Toronto and California. He oversaw several Bank mergers and process/technology solutions in the US and Canada. He and Connie travelled the world, but their favorite destination was their vacation home in Barbados. Tom especially enjoyed the pool and ocean view. A true Renaissance man, Tom enjoyed running, acting in theatre, golf, photography, football, the Canadiens and a cold beer. He loved all types of music; owning over 3000 cd’s and knew the words to thousands of songs. He ran 18 marathons before a devastating head injury in Toronto as the result of a fall; 10 days after running the Boston Marathon at age 52 in 2006. He emerged from a brief coma only able to move his thumbs and this amazing man with sheer determination relearned speech, walking with a walker, talking and swallowing exceeding expectations. He became a familiar sight walking down Tucker Lake Rd. with assistance. He endured many surgeries and treatments with grace and dignity and a wicked sense of humor. Tom had tremendous support from family and friends, physiotherapist Sue, and nurses who became very fond of him, Theresa, Carlene, John and Missy. Aiden taught him to use the XBOX again and he loved getting art work from Julie and Rosy from Ontario. Tom and Connie returned to Beaver Bank shortly after his accident and enjoyed the last 11 years at Tucker Lake hosting many family events. They celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage last summer in their home. To have Tom in your life was a special gift; he touched and influenced so many people. Donations in his honor may be made to Brain Injury NS (BIANS) or a charity of your choice. There is no service by request. A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held from 2 – 5pm on Friday, January 26, 2018 in A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home. Canadiens fans wear your jersey! Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com