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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McPHEE, Thomas James - It is with great anguish that we announce the sudden passing of retired Petty Officer Tom McPhee, RCN on December 12, 2020 in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII.
Born in New Westminster, BC in 1945 and spending his childhood on the farm, Tommy was known to be a bit of a trouble maker along with his older sister Bonnie and younger brother Tupper, but it was all in good fun. It was a special bond as their family would make a number of moves through Tom's adolescent years.
As a teen Tom and his family moved to Oakville Ontario where he spent more time in the gym & football field than focusing on his schooling while at Perdue High.
In 1968 while doing warehouse work at Canadian Pollard Bearings, Tom would meet a young driven office worker who would put him in his place. Tom would respond well to the bombshell and start on a new path.
In
July 1968, Tom would join the Canadian Armed Forces and keep that office
worker as a pen pal. Seven months later, in February of '69, the driven
office worker would succumb to the charms of the man in uniform and Halina
Szulich and Tom were engaged. They would be married on Dec 27th of that same
year.
Tom proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy until his retirement in 1995.
In 1999 Tom finally saw his family grow again with the addition of his amazing daughter-in-law Laura (Tye). Shortly after he would begin work at Kent Building Supply in Dartmouth where he would make an impact on many around him. Remembered as a hard worker and one who would stand up for those around him, Tom would make many friends and earned the respect of those he worked with.
In April 2007 Tom's world would forever be changed when he met Princess Taryn, his granddaughter. With someone to spoil and look out for, Tom had a new spin on life as is evident to anyone who has witnessed the spectacle of his home at Christmas time. His love would soon spread with the birth of grandson Tyler in 2009.
The years would progress and Tom's family and friends would only love him more until December 12th when Tom would leave our world, with his wife at his bedside. Tom passed after suffering a massive heart attack, only possible for someone with such a massive heart.
Tom was preceded by his parents Lt. Col. James McPhee and Kathleen McPhee, sister Bonnie, and brother Tupper. He is survived by his wife, children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and wonderful nieces and nephews.
On your last sail, know you will be dearly missed by all those whose lives you've touched. We will see you again.
In lieu of flowers the family would ask that donations be made to Adsum House as Tom always held a special spot for those who could use help, especially women and children.
The ashes of PO Thomas McPhee were committed to the sea from HMCS SACKVILLE on 21 Sep 2023
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