September 9, 1923 - January 7, 2021
It's with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Tom Edmondson, Tom passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Jan. 7th, with family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas Edmondson & Elizabeth Ann (Law), brothers Bill & Arthur, son-in-law Bob Eyford.
Tom is survived by his wife of 74 years Doris (Dakin), children Judy, Lynn (Brian), David (Liven), Sandy (Steve), Sharon (Dale). Also 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren and numerous friends across the country.
Tom had an interesting colourful life. Born in Winnipeg, he was the middle child to older brother Bill (died in plane crash in Iceland during the second world war) & younger brother Art who remained in Winnipeg until his passing.
After graduating high school tried his hand at being a Furrier for the Hudson Bay Company in Hazelton B.C. When our country went to war Tom soon followed his older brother and volunteered for service. His skill sets were easily recognized and he soon earned his Wings in the RCAF. He flew many missions in the North Atlantic giving protection to conveys and on submarine patrols along the east coast of our country.
While stationed in the Maritimes, Tom met the love of his life Doris at a dance in Dartmouth, NS and they soon became a couple. After the war they were married in Winnipeg. Tom was an excellent student and after returning home he got his opportunity to attend the University of Manitoba majoring in geology.
During this time he spent several months working with a geologist for a mining company, canoeing Northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta. The knowledge and experience he learned in university helped him throughout his professional life.
Tom & Doris started a family in Winnipeg and Tom began a career in sales at the Service Clothes Shop, a men's clothing store. (He also moonlighted at Shelmerdine's Nursery in Charleswood Manitoba, piquing his interest in gardening.) While working in sales he applied for a position with Simpson Sears Canada who hired him and moved his family to Burlington Ontario in 1956 and then transferred him to Edmonton in the 1958. Tom left Simpson Sears in 1965 and he began working for the Federal Government and stayed working for them until his retirement in 1983.
After retiring Tom & Doris moved to Parksville, BC to enjoy the milder climate which also allowed Tom to pursue his hobby of gardening and to continue with his incredible thirst for reading. They then moved to Port Alberni in 2001.
During their retirement they took many trips and cruises. They visited the Caribbean, Baltic Sea, Iceland, and Hawaiian Islands while cruising. They vacationed in Australia & New Zealand and took several cross country trips to the Maritimes by train and car. Doris and Tom also found time to camp and to drive their camper van to Alaska. Members of the sunshine club also kept them active with bus and camping trips. Tom was also a longtime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, earning his 30 year pin.
The family would like to thank the staff of Westhaven care home for their care and showing Tom kindness and respect during the past 3 years.
There will be no service at this time, celebration of life will take place at a later date when Covid19 restrictions are relaxed.