Tom was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan on June 6, 1936. He enjoyed a happy childhood on the farm near Simmie with his parents Charlie and Ida and brothers Ron and Harry. He moved to Kelowna in 1944.
He and his first wife, Del, had two sons, Brian and Ian.
In 1988, he married MaryAnn Nottingham, and the couple moved to Winfield where they spent their time visiting with neighbours and tending their beautiful yard. Later, they moved to Sunrise Village in Kelowna where Tom, lovingly, kept their corner lot garden and lawn inviting and inspirational for passers-by.
Tom was a dedicated family man and supported all of his family in every way that he could. He had many stories of his life as a child in Rutland and his work on the tugboats. With his later work as grader and road maintenance worker for the highways department, he learned every road in the area and enjoyed touring with visitors and reliving the many winter road adventures. A road trip of any kind was always welcomed by Tom.
Tom was predeceased by his first wife, Del, his sons, Brian and Ian, and his second wife, MaryAnn. He will be deeply missed by his step-daughters Margaret Surinak of Fort St. John and Christine Dixon (Gary Grout) and Linda Dixon (Dan McGrath) all of Nakusp. He will also be affectionately remembered by his many step-grand-children, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Tom also leaves behind his brother Ron’s children and their families, all for whom he had great fondness and appreciation.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tom’s extensive medical team who cared for him so well in his last few years.
Also, special thanks go to his niece, Beverley Ivens, and his good companion, work partner, and neighbour, Dean Fitzpatrick, for their friendship and ongoing care of Tom.
Tom’s wish was to be interred with MaryAnn at the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Cemetery. A tea will be held on Saturday, October 19 between 1 and 4 at the Sunrise Village Clubhouse.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.12.1