Condolence From: Don MacAlpine
Condolence: I stumbled across this notice as I prepare to re-write books about forestry and human ethics. I am a little surprised and disappointed to see no comments posted by students of this professor. His thick European accent may have made him difficult to understand. His insistence on the best, not the mediocre, in his forest statistics classes did not enamour him with many students. Still, in later years when I rarely encountered him in person, I could have nothing but respect for him. Playing the piano at one forestry event, I believe it was Dendrology Professor Leo Vidlak's retirement party, he briefly engaged me during a break to insist that we do not need 'professional forester' labels to establish moral behaviour of scientists of any kind. My life experiences lead me to finally understand his wisdom in this precept, as we enter an era of scoffers and deliberate manipulators of the sciences critical to our human beings. While 'professional scientists' stay silent... I had always hoped to touch base again with this man of such human stature. The stature of a man is gained greater height by what is inside his being. I am sorry to hear of his passing before that revisit could happen. My message to the family and his friends can only be that he was a treasure to humanity whom I and many others will not forget... Don MacAlpine, 1971 rookie student, Lakehead University, School of Forestry, currently residing in Saskatchewan, Canada
Thursday August 09, 2018
Condolence From: Yves Prévost
Condolence: I have fun memories of Tom. Met him first when I was doing a post-doc at Laval University in 1987. He told me he was from Lakehead University. What a coincidence as I had just applied for a job there. Well I got the job and met up with Tom again at the Uni. We became friends & colleagues over the years. Tom worked as a statistician & contributed significantly to the graduate projects that I supervised. As well, Tom was enthusiastic about sailing. He proudly owned a LASER sailboat (one-person dinghy). I took up sailing and Tom without hesitation loaned my his LASER. We even went sailing together in the one-person LASER. We also had many conversations about travelling as we both enjoyed this very much. He had many stories about his adventures in China. Over these last years we exchanged Christmas cards. This past year he did not return one. I thought something must be wrong. Tom will be missed. I enjoyed his company and discussions with him. Tom was an interesting person.
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Condolence From: Charlie Wilkins
Condolence: Just got the sad news, and have been thinking about you all -- Saakje, Audie, Graydon and Evan -- and especially of course about your dad, who I cared about very much and will miss greatly on my visits to Thunder Bay. He was always so generous in allowing me to use the house, which over the years began to seem like home. I remember many times when he was there and I was too, sharing one of the fine meals he'd make, as well as a toast to life and health, listening in the darkness, later, as he played the old hymns that he loved...or sitting by the living room fire, chatting away about everything. I'd water the plants faithfully when he was gone. I said to him once, "Tom, I spend more time keeping these plants alive than you do." He said, "I know you do; that's why I like having you here!" I stayed at the house over the Christmas holidays this past year, while he was out west with Saakje, and left him a bottle of brandy... which prompted his customary warm response... in this case: "We shall open it on New Years Eve and, even though things are not going so well, will 'take a cup of kindness yet' ..." Which was so typical of him... positive and grateful, even in tough times. He did a lot for me, and I won't forget it... At the moment, I'm down here in southern Ontario and am sorry I can't be there for the service tomorrow... For now, best to all of you... Affectionately, Charlie
Tuesday July 04, 2017
Condolence From: Charlie Wilkins
Condolence: Just got the sad news, and have been thinking about you all -- Saakje, Audie, Graydon and Evan -- and especially of course about your dad, who I cared about very much and will miss greatly on my visits to Thunder Bay. He was always so generous in allowing me to use the house, which over the years began to seem like home. I remember many times when he was there and I was too, sharing one of the fine meals he'd make, as well as a toast to life and health, listening in the darkness, later, as he played the old hymns that he loved...or sitting by the living room fire, chatting away about everything. I'd water the plants faithfully when he was gone. I said to him once, "Tom, I spend more time keeping these plants alive than you do." He said, "I know you do; that's why I like having you here!" I stayed at the house over the Christmas holidays this past year, while he was out west with Saakje, and left him a bottle of brandy... which prompted his customary warm response... in this case: "We shall open it on New Years Eve and, even though things are not going so well, will 'take a cup of kindness yet' ..." Which was so typical of him... positive and grateful, even in tough times. He did a lot for me, and I won't forget it... At the moment, I'm down here in southern Ontario and am sorry I can't be there for the service tomorrow... For now, best to all of you... Affectionately, Charlie
Tuesday July 04, 2017
Condolence From: Judith Eigenbrod
Condolence: I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. He was an important part of my childhood, as were you all! He was also a good friend to my father who enjoyed skiing and hiking with him. My thoughts are with you all today.
Judith
Tuesday July 04, 2017
Condolence From: Kelsie
Condolence: It is Tuesday morning, the day of the funeral and I'm filled with sadness thinking of your loss. I wish I could be there to hear all of the fond memories and stories you are sure to share today. I, like my sister, have fond childhood memories of spending time with your family at 16 College Street and of your father. He had a great laugh and smile which I see in all of his children. My deepest sympathies on this very sad day. And I hope my Dad is representing the McKays well by giving everyone great big hugs as that is what I would be doing. With much love, Kelsie
Tuesday July 04, 2017
Condolence From: Alan Gilchrist
Condolence: Hello, I am sorry and saddened for the loss of your father, a friend of mine. As an instructor and thesis director we did well, I enjoyed and appreciated his style. Later we skied at Mount Baldy, shared stories and meals, sailed on Stuart Lake BC, and visited and traveled on his trips west. Tom was a man of faith and I am sure he has moved on to be with our Creator where we can meet with him in prayer.
Tom, I am sorry to have missed you over the last year or so but know that my thoughts and memories will be with you.
All the best to the family, Tom was a friend of mine.
Alan Gilchrist
July 2, 2017
Sunday July 02, 2017
Condolence From: Lilo Vidlak
Condolence: So very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I really appreciated his kindness and thoughtfulness. I have many fond memories of our trips to !Grand Portage, especially when the leaves were in full colour in the Fall. Many fond memories from when both Tom and Leo worked in the Forestry faculty at Lakehead University.. I will miss you Tom. God bless.
Sunday July 02, 2017
Condolence From: Lindsey McKay
Condolence: I heard the sad news and am thinking of all of you, and of your Dad. This is as close to poetry as I get. A few cherished memories:
The warm fireplace at 16 College
tea and treats on the table
the long hallway, perfect for smash 'em up derby
the long dining table where the McKay team lost the board game every single week
remembering your Dad's smart European style and cheery manner,
and his amusement in signing for my Canadian passport.
The lattice he generously worked on at our camp just prior to Ashley's wedding
and the laser zipping across the lake
The friendship between our fathers
His deep love, joy, and pride in each of his children
His fun and determined spirit
and so much more.
Hugs to all of you from,
Lindsey (McKay)
Saturday July 01, 2017
Condolence From: Deanna Spanjar
Condolence: My husband, Koert, was a childhood friend of Tom's. I heard many stories of their youth. Because of Koert's bad writing habits they lost contact and only kept up when Truus was alive. Tom visited us when we first were married. I remember that we talked and played cards for a long time and I know we could have been friends had he lived closer. The last contact was in October when Koert died. May his memory be for a blessing.
Friday June 30, 2017
