After 99 years and a very full life, Tom has gone to join Charlotte, his bride of 69 years.
He is survived by his children Tom (Suzanne), Peter (Robin), Paul (Robin)and Mary-Lou Wightman (Sandy).
He is predeceased by his loving wife Charlotte, and daughter Marilyn Walters.
He will also be missed by his grandchildren Ken Bartel (Penny), Tammy Rogerson (partner Rick), Donna Pearson (Mike), Kelsey, Hayley, Madeline and Caitlin Horne; Sarah and Erin Horne; Kelly and Ross Wightman, Brenda Hais (Ron) and David Meyer.
Great grandchildren Drew and Kayla Rogerson; Trevor and Sydney Pearson, Kirsten and Brian Hais.
He will be fondly remembered by his surviving sister Florence Shade and brother Bob Horne.
Tom was born and raised in Victoria, the second eldest in a family of seven.
His father arrived in Victoria in 1884 on the S.S. Beaver and his mother came to B.C from Indian Harbour, Labrador. He received his post secondary education at Victoria College Normal School and a Bachelor of Education degree from UBC. Tom's 40 year career as an educator began at Willows Elementary in Victoria, with stops in Langley, Singapore, North Vancouver and Nigeria.
He traveled the world and touched on all but one continent, Antarctica.
He was fluent in several languages, including Japanese.
His education career was interrupted with 8 years of military service in South East Asia.
He attained the rank of Major while serving with the Canadian Intelligence Corps (S-20 & Nisei) overseeing Japanese war criminals, before returning home in 1947.
Tom and Charlotte moved to Langley where he accepted a job at Langley High School as a teacher and administrator until 1962.
He took a one year leave to explore a career change in construction in Edmonton before returning to Langey in 1953.
August 1961 found the family traveling to Singapore where Tom taught Biology at the Teacher's Trianing College under contract with the Canadian government (CIDA).
After 5 years he returned to the classroom at Delbrook Seocndary in North Vancouver.
He retired in 1970 and took another CIDA posting for 2 years in Uyo, Nigeria.
They settled in West Vancouver where Tom was actively involved with the Kiwanis Senior Centre, tending the gardens and residents with great care.
Reitrement gave him ample opportunity to pursue his life long love of gardening, travel and family.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Crescent Gardens in South Surrey for their caring and compassion during his 5 year stay.
No service by request.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of a wonderful loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and educator.
In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society.