Obituary of Thomas Edward Stanley Mather

MATHER, Thomas Edward Stanley – Peacefully at Afton Place on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 in his 91st year. Tom was predeceased by his son Ted (2002) and is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Eleanor. He will be dearly missed by his daughters Carolyn (John Callaghan), Sarnia and Suzanne (John Brick), Edmonton. He leaves five grandchildren Andrew Callaghan (Becky), Bright’s Grove, Kate Callaghan (Adam), Petrolia, Michael Callaghan (Alison), Zurich, Switzerland, Allan Brick, (Hannah), Victoria, B.C. and Craig Brick, Cork, Ireland and 5 great-grandchildren Edyn, Charlotte, Calla, Maeve and Liam. Tom enjoyed a varied career in business and education which involved administrative positions with Consolidated Paper in Montreal, JD Irving in St. John and Algonquin College in Ottawa. Tom and Eleanor were trailblazers in the mental health field initiating the first DMD support group in the Ottawa area, volunteering extensively and promoting mental health awareness. The couple was honoured in 2004 at Rideau Hall with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. Life was never boring with Tom; he kept a watchful eye on global politics and, pursuing an interest he developed as a wartime meteorologist, he thrived in his role as a family weather forecaster. A man of many expressions, a quirky sense of humour was his trademark. Family and friends share great memories of summers spent at the much loved family cottage on Blind Bay near Parry Sound. A celebration and recognition of Tom’s life will be held on Thanksgiving weekend in Parry Sound with details to follow. Sincere appreciation to Afton Park and the one east team. Arrangements are entrusted to the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, Sarnia, 519-344-3131. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 210 Lochiel St., Sarnia, N7T 4C7. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Thomas Mather in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 18th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.