April 29, 1924 - January 13, 2012

Tom's life journey on earth ended on January 13, 2012 in Ashcroft Health Care site surrounded by family and friends. He now has moved on to join his lovely wife Laina, and his son Robert on the next adventure.

Blessed to have him in our lives, and missing him already are: Son Grant (Shirley), Grandchildren Tanya (Ryan), Cameron (Selina), Shauna (Lee). Son John, Grandson Robert. Daughter-in-law Sandra Knowles and her son David (Amber). Great-grandchildren David and Nicholas. Daughter-in-law Phyllis (Graham) Rainey and Grandson Adam. Sisters Beth Stout, Anne (Gordon) Lloyd, Beverly Knowles and numerous nieces and nephews who all thrived on Uncle Tommy's stories. Also, honorary great grandchildren Parker and Kaden will miss him dearly.

Our Tom had an exciting and adventurous life filled with many travels beginning in Hedley, BC, where he met and married Laina in 1942. In 1943 he was deployed overseas for World War II. Upon his return the family lived in Copper Mountain, Allenby and Brittania Beach before settling in Ashcroft where he worked at Bethlehem Copper. Later, with his boys older and independent, Tom's life journey extended to work and travel in exciting countries including Nicaragua, Peru and Korea.

Upon retirement, Tom and Laina settled in Kamloops to be close to family and friends.

With Laina's deteriorating health, Tom chose to move to Ashcroft where he was welcomed by a new family at Thompson View Lodge. He fondly called it "Welcome to Paradise". Laina followed from the Overlander Extended Care Hospital, and was living at the Jackson House where Tom could spend time with his wife of 68 years.

Tom was a member of Mount St. Paul Lodge #109, Zarathon Lodge #105, Pusan Lodge #1675, Order of Eastern Star, Ada Chapter and Royal Canadian Legion #113.

Sincere thanks for the superior love and care given to Tom during his journey, to the staff of the Thompson View Lodge, Royal Inland Hospital 6-N ward, and Ashcroft Health site.

A Celebration of Tom's life will be held at the Ashcroft Community Hall, 409 Brancroft St., on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to establish a Scholarship in Tommyís memory to a worthy cadet of the 347 RCSCC Avenger. He was so proud of these young men and women. Donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, PO Box 77, Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0 who will establish the trust fund.

Thompson Valley Funeral Home Ashcroft entrusted with arrangements.