MUGRIDGE o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-05-07 published
MUGRIDGE,
Thomas "
Tom"
Patrick
(July 22, 1941-May 4, 2008)
Tom died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife and best
friend, his eyes taking in the view of his beloved Rocky Mountains,
after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 66 years
old. Tom was our husband, father, grampa, brother, mentor and
friend. Born in Red Deer, Alberta, he attended a one-room prairie
schoolhouse in Condor, Alberta. before joining the Canadian Army
Militia at the age of 15. Tom had a 25-year career in the Canadian
Military, serving in Gagetown, Borden, Bermuda, Chilliwack, Shilo
(Brandon), Kingston and Hamilton. He rose quickly through the
ranks from apprentice electrician to Master Warrant Officer.
While stationed in Chilliwack, he earned his private pilot license
with multi-engine and night ratings. Tom retired from the armed
forces in 1985 and attended the University of New Brunswick,
graduating with a Bachelor of Education degree. Later he worked
as a senior inspector for Industry Canada, Weights and Measures.
In all, Tom gave 43 years of loyal service to the Government
and people of Canada, for which upon his retirement from the
Public Service in January, 2007 he was recognized by Prime Minister
Stephen Harper. However, his most prized achievement was the
Peer Recognition Award he received from his colleagues at Measurement
Canada in 2002. Tom's outstanding trait was his unique mixture
of strength, gentleness and his deep compassion for the human
condition. He was a man of great integrity, patience, wry humour
and kindness. Even in his final days, when he knew his time was
close, his main concern was for the welfare of his family.
Besides his loving wife of 33 years, Samantha-jane, Tom is survived
by sons Jeff and Garry (Lynne); grandchildren Eric, Sarah, Stacey,
Laura and Brian; brothers Dan (Frances,) Dick (Theresa
LALONDE)
and Jerry (Susan;) brother-in-law Robert
SHIRLEY
(Eva
RODIER)
nieces Kelly
RANCE,
Bonita
FANZEGA and Samantha (Doug)
ROTHWELL
nephews Paul and Stephen
MUGRIDGE and William
MUGRIDGE; mother-in-law
Nettie SHIRLEY and devoted canine friend "Chelsea." He was predeceased
by his first wife
Yvonne
BROWN; and by his parents Bill and Isabella
MUGRIDGE.
"One could do worse than be a swinger of birches." - Robert Frost
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
(1307 - 14th Street S.W.), Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, May 8,
2008 at 2: 00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
The family thanks the caring staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre
in Calgary, and
of Cochrane Community Home Care.
In living memory of Tom
MUGRIDGE, a tree will be planted at Fish
Creek Provincial Park by Mcinnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane
Funeral Home, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.
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