Thomas Stafford

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas King Stafford on April 5th, 2025, after a courageous battle with a prolonged illness. Surrounded by his loving family, Tom departed this world leaving behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and an immeasurable impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Tom is survived by his devoted sons, Barry (Natalie Blouin) and Christopher (Jessica Donovan), and his cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Benjamin, Theodore, and Eleanor. He will be deeply missed by his doting sisters, Ann, Maureen, Judy (Mark Abbott), and Lynne (Patrick O'Neill), along with his beloved nieces and nephew—Alannah, April, Ariana, Joey, Chantal, Michelle, Erin, Noemi, Kathryn—who adored their "Uncle Tommy," also known as the undisputed "Popsicle King."

Also mourning his departure is Beverley Howard, the mother of his sons, and a host of friends from every chapter of his well-lived life.

Born in Ville St-Laurent, Montreal, Tom graduated from Father MacDonald High School and went on to earn a business degree from Loyola College. He built a distinguished career in the insurance industry, rising to the position of Regional Director for Quebec at Royal & SunAlliance.

His leadership was not confined to the boardroom; from 1974-1979, Colonel Tom served as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment and then Commander of District 1 until 1987. It was in the army where Tom formed lasting friendships with comrades Barry Downs, Charles de Kovachich, Pierre Fecteau, Bill Cloutier, Jim Dodd, Dominic Varvaro and many more, maintaining these bonds throughout his lifetime.

Tom's happiest moments were spent at his cottage in Ivry-sur-le-Lac in the Laurentians, where he could be found on his deck overlooking Lac de la Grise, often lost in a book, listening to Doo-Wop music or French news radio, and entertaining his many visitors with snacks and beverages.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at CHSLD St-Georges for their compassionate, high-quality care in Tom's final years and to Michel and Laurie Marcel for their caring support and meaningful friendship.

A funeral service will be conducted at Le Centre Funéraire Côte-des-Neiges, 4525 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, on April 16th, 2025. Visitation at 9:30am, Eulogies starting at 10:45am followed by a Lunch Reception 12pm-2pm. We warmly invite all family members and friends to attend and share in this solemn gathering.

Additionally, a family celebration of life, including the spreading of ashes, will be held later this summer at his cherished cottage, where we will continue to remember and cherish his memory in a place he loved deeply.

Tommy leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love that will continue to inspire and be cherished by his family, friends, and colleagues.