Our sweet son, dad, brother, uncle,cousin and friend passed of natural causes suddenly on New Year’s Eve morning in Toronto. We are comforted that he is resting in peace with his mother in heaven. Our hearts are heavy and we feel deep pain losing such a special man, who was so young. He died with some family by his side. Tom grew up in Ontario, in Fairport Beach (Pickering) steps from Lake Ontario and Frenchman’s Bay. In Tom’s 60 years he had many achievements and interests. Tom had a BA in political science at Bishop’s University. In various phases he had passions for carpentry, wood-carving, photography, cycling, hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, listening to music, going to plays at Stratford and Niagara on the Lake and reading. He embraced his Irish heritage, culture, history and music. Tom had a keen analysis of social issues and deep values for social justice. Before retiring in October 2017, Tom had worked over 30 years for the federal government with the Federal Court, Office of Information Commissioner, and most recently Office of the Privacy Commissioner. He worked hard and was highly respected. He travelled to Ireland, China, to the Caribbean, parts of the US and across Canada, including spots off the beaten path. He visited Grosse Ile the site where many Irish immigrants fleeing the famine died in the 1800s. He was a volunteer with Katimavik at age 18, courageously travelling with a group of Canadian youth to 3 communities across the country to fix playgrounds, assist charities and plant trees. He also did volunteer work in Africa, in the Ivory Coast with Canada World Youth. Other volunteer work was with unemployed adults and youth in Quebec. His love of the French language and culture began during his Katimavik experience. Tom became fully bilingual and settled in Gatineau Quebec, where he and is former partner Dominque Vachon raised their two children. In his whole life, Tom was most proud of his children, Gabriel (23) and Juliette (21). They are the loves of his life and they are precious to the whole family. He was so active with them growing up always on the go with adventures and visits to grandparents and aunties and uncles in Toronto and Quebec. He enjoyed spending time with them and loved their conversations and watching them grow. He also had a special bond with our Dad, Tom Sr., aged 94 who lives in Scarborough. Tom travelled frequently from Gatineau to Toronto to visit dad and our large family and to help out in any way. Tom was precious to our dear mom, May, and was a gentle and loving care-giver until she died five years ago. Tom is deeply loved and will be missed by his six siblings, their partners: Dede (John); Michael (Ellen); Mary (Harry); Cathy; John (Tracy) and Ann. He was also dearly loved by his nephews and nieces and their partners: Scott (Dominque); Shane (Maloree) and Claire. Tom was loved by his Aunt Peggy and cousins in Canada and their partners and children. His cousins in Northern Ireland and England are praying for him and the family. He was also loved by a number of special friends in Quebec and Toronto. We will cherish all our times together, and our memories of his gentle manner, warm smile, huge hugs, laughter and great stories. He gave us unconditional, generous love, and asked for little in return for himself. Tom never realized how bright his light shone on all of us. It will continue to do so. Tom will be loved and remembered forever.

Visitation is being held on Monday, January 8 at 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Simple Alternative Funeral Centre, 1057 Brock Road, Pickering, ON, L1W 3T7.

Funeral Mass on Tuesday, January 9 at 11:00 am, followed by a Reception and Remembrances, at 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. At Holy Redeemer Church, 796 Eyer Drive, Pickering, L1W 3C2.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to AMI Quebec (Action on Mental Illness-Agir contre la maladie mentale) https://amiquebec.org or to the charity of your choice.