Tom was born the fourth of eight children in Guelph, Ontario to Tom and Gladys. They travelled from Guelph to Vancouver in 1935. Tom grew up in New Westminster and Alderside in Port Moody. He was married to Patricia O'Brien in 1954. Tom and Patricia were blessed to be married for 67 years. They began their married life in IOCO near Tom’s first place of employment, Imperial Oil. Tom's primary role here was as a lab technician, but nothing brought him more satisfaction than his additional role as a first aid attendant. In 1962, they moved to Hailey Street in Coquitlam, where he helped build a home for the family and raised their five children Michael, Timothy, Maureen, Christopher, and David.
Tom and Patricia were very active parishioners at St. Joseph’s, Queen of All Saints, and later St. Michaels. While Patricia was busy as a sacristan and training the altar boys, Tom occupied his time as a member of the Knights of Columbus, just like his father, Thomas Snr. and now his son carries on the tradition. Tom was proud of his 4th degree status with the Knights of Columbus. He never tired of his duties with the Knights which at times included barbequing chicken, flipping pancakes, chaperoning altar boys or painting walls with “one coat” of paint. Many of the St. Michaels kids will remember Tom's years as Mr. McCloskey the Bus Driver.
For years he enjoyed working at the Pacific Coliseum and the PNE Fair with his good friend Bill Sviatko. He especially enjoyed working the concerts and cheering on the Canucks. Tom told many stories of the famous individuals that he came across over the years. However, the experiences and friendships that were a result of his time at the Coliseum were what Tom valued most.
Tom found comfort in the outdoors and nature, whether it being paddling a canoe, rowing a boat, or putting bait on a hook for one of his children and grandchildren. Tom liked his hikes and for years told stories of his adventures – notably the time he took his friend Peter Leong on the Bowron Lakes who had never done anything of the sort! Dad lost hours tinkering in his garden, creating bird baths out of concrete – Dad loved his concrete – so much so he built a fishpond and would enjoy his time in the afternoon watching his fish. In Dad's wood shop is where time stood still for him. He wasn’t afraid to try whatever was in his imagination and often people would be gifted with a nativity scene of some sort of wooden cutout for their garden. If you were around the McCloskey home at dinner time – you knew Mom would be ringing the dinner bell in full force as dad was happily lost in his wood shop oblivious of the time!!!!
Tom believed in the importance of volunteering and offering services to the community. He found many ways to help in his parishes and in the community. The two things he spoke often of were his time as a volunteer firefighter and his nights donating blood. He fondly talked of his years as a volunteer for the Port Moody Fire Department sharing many stories with his children and grandchildren. Driving down Ioco Street with Tom was a guaranteed chance for him to talk about the good old days and the families who lived in the houses. Tom liked to point out the small old fire station and tell you a story or two of his time as a firefighter. Tom and his brothers also spent many nights donating blood - a worthy reason for a "Brothers Night Out". They were rewarded by the Governor of Canada for their contribution of well over 100 pints each! How many lives do you think they saved together?
For 25 years, Tom's true calling was found in his role as Santa at Lougheed and Surrey Place malls. Many families are blessed to have photos with the best Santa there was. On more than one occasion laughter was had when dad was found on people's walls at Christmas parties. After retiring from playing Santa at the mall, he continued with his family and the care homes that he lived in. Many from the St. Michael's community will remember him as St. Nicholas and always enjoyed his annual visit for photos.
In his later years, he loved his time at Rocky Point watching the going ons and being an “unofficial” supervisor at the boat launch. There wasn’t a person he wouldn’t talk to in Klahanie and enjoyed all his interactions with whomever it may be. The last couple of years dad was a regular shopping up and down Shaughnessy Street in Port Coquitlam and down at the Coquitlam River. He loved to see what was new and we joked he was the Site Supervisor on the construction of the Port Coquitlam Rec Center.
Dad loved his adventures on his scooters and there was a time or two where he would tell you “So I ended up on the Lougheed and didn’t know where exactly I was . . ..". Thankfully Dad's wits and his guardian angel kept him safe. Dad kept that sense of adventure up until the very end.
The family would like to thank all those who provided Tom’s with wonderful care over the years at Eagle Ridge Hospital, Hawthorne Care Home, and most recently at Shaughnessy Care Home. The care Dad received over the years was remarkable and it made the challenging times so much easier. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for knowing dad and respecting his Dignity!
Tom had a deep love for his family, his brothers and sisters, and his extended family. He has left behind many who will miss his faithfulness, joy, gratefulness, gentle chuckle, and simple love for family and life.
Santa has left his chair peacefully surrounded by a large family and has gone to join his wife Patricia and family in a well-deserved rest.
Prayers will be offered on Monday, August 29 at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 30 at 11:00 am at St. Michael's Parish in Burnaby (9387 Holmes St.)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sisters of Life. https://sistersoflife.org/donate/
Or, Knights of Columbus https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/charity/index.html to chapter 3804 where his son is a fourth-degree Knight carrying on the tradition.
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