Thomas was born & raised in Toronto, Ontario. At age 29, he moved to BC’s Lower Mainland with his loving wife, Denise, where they happily lived their lives, together as one.
Thomas couldn’t just be Thomas, he was dubbed several names…Tommy, Tom, Uncle Tom, Fitzy, T-bird, Mr. T… Each name was said with utmost love, care, respect & a little humour for who he was to an uncountable amount of family, friends, neighbours, co-workers & not least of all…the Care staff within his & Denise’s later years. Chartwell Carrington House, The Cedar’s & T.R.I.M (The Residence in Mission). All of which are within Mission, B.C.. Tom would, and still will, ring a tune in our minds as one of the most caring & giving people that had come to be a part of our memories & lives. Sharing many of his own personal experiences of the “Good ‘ol days” reflected lessons of how to strive to be the best of ourselves. He was “over the moon” with gratitude for each person who gave their positive self & for being a part of his life.
Thomas’s lovely Mother was Helen (Hamilton) FitzGibbon. She was fully loved & appreciated for her care & efforts. As for his biological Father, Thomas never knew him due to his passing away in the 2nd World War. Still as a child, 7-8 yr old Thomas did become Michael Jerome FitzGibbon’s stepson. Tom didn’t have siblings but he did have many cherished Cousins, Aunts & Uncles and his Grandparents that were all a big part of his positive memories from Toronto. Some of which he was devoted to, up till his last of days.
In 1957, not long after graduating from high school , Tom was eager to reach for the skies. Hence he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He trained on the Canadair Lockheed T-33 Silver Star (T-Bird) and the CT-114 Tutor, becoming as sharp and sleek as the jets he piloted. But as fate would have it, a childhood lung surgery decided to ground his high-flying dreams. With the same determination, Tom requested to navigate his way to the RCAF Computer Tech Department. It was there, amidst the hum of machines and the light of monitors, that he met the co-pilot of his life, Denise Marie Ida Pruneau. They formed a lifelong duo, marrying on August 7, 1961, in Toronto, and shared their lives built on love, mutual respect & pure pride for each other. In 1966 Tom & Denise became Godparents to Denise’s brother’s youngest daughter.
Among Tom’s interests were planes, trains & yes, automobiles. The older the better but modern vehicles drew his interest too. As did spine chilling movies & war movies. Tom was a drummer who played in two bands in many public settings. He had the rhythm & talent to swing those beaters/drumsticks but a higher focus for him was to fly. He also loved photography & making videos. No matter what the event was, he would have his camera & or camcorder handy. Without his desire to do this, many of us would have missed out on so many “black & white and colour” memories & captured beauty of nature. Birds, flowers, historic lands, along with vintage vehicles and planes that often had him buzzing around car shows, airshows & airports like a kid in a candy store. Cameras clicked, capturing the shine of chrome while he had the twinkle in his eyes. On occasion, Tom’s event pictures had “hand up” towards his camera which would have him snicker while getting his “work of art” done anyway. Preserving the moments he cherished with his family & friends, at various events over many years, will always be treasured.
Tom requested his release from RCAF which was given on April 2nd,1968. Denise’s RCAF release was in 1962. Tom & Denise moved to Coquitlam-Maillardville, BC, where Tom was already loved & welcomed by his family-in-law. This became even more favourable since they moved in with Denise’s Mom, his known Mother-in-law, Ida Marie Pruneau. Several years later, their 1st house was purchased in Clearbrook, Abbotsford, BC… where Ida moved in with them. Tom’s time with his Mother-in-law was never ending. His complete love, appreciation & the utmost respect lived on after she passed. Living fairly close to their Goddaughter turned into a priceless gift for all three of them. In saying that every one of their nieces & nephews were beloved & treated like one of their own.
After a couple interesting jobs, Tom became a BC Transit Bus Driver in the early 70’s, which he loved. It was, as said by Tom…”My plane with wheels!” He navigated the roads without accidents, was kind to each person who entered his bus, ensuring his passengers were safe & secure. He befriended people of every age, race, colour, or gender. He was someone who would listen to people & appreciate them. His retirement came to be in February 2002
After several years in Abbotsford they moved to Langley, BC., loving it there as well. As a retired couple they bought a camper van & took a trip across Canada which ended up giving them even more timeless memories and pride for their Country. Sadly, during this trip, the possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease had notably come into play with Denise. The decision to move close to their niece/God-Daughter, her husband & family, in Mission, BC., came to be in August of 2016. As time passed on, Denise was moved to the full care home, T.R.I.M. Soon after, Tom was offered to move in with his niece & family which lasted 4yrs before he was needing more care. Hence, his move to “The Cedars” care home which was next to “T.R.I.M”, Denise’s higher level of care home. A mere 7 minutes drive away from the family. Due to Tom’s pressing health concerns & his onset of dementia, the continuous devotion & longing that he & Denise had, pushed for him to be accepted to live at T.R.I.M. On June 7th, 2024, Tom was moved in and Denise was able to be moved up to his ‘Neighbourhood’ 10 days later giving them 8 months together before Tom passed away.
The main Resident Care home that benefited from Tom’s photography was Chartwell Carrington House. He’d develop several copies of the pictures of residents, staff, families and guests who’d visit, so they could pass them on if they’d choose too. Numerous events over the years made for a multitude of pictures to be shared. Having those photo’s will help so many residents, staff & guests reminisce of those times past and so many of these people have acknowledged & thanked Tom again over the years.
At the age of 86, the afternoon of Feb 22, 2025 came to let Thomas move on. This day gave heartbreak along with a sense of peace for so many family, friends & care staff to lose such a wonderful Man. Knowing he was at rest was what could help ease any sorrow. Days before his passing Tom’s niece/Goddaughter asked him…” When your day comes to pass, will you come to see me as a Hummingbird?” He thought for a moment and sweetly, with a wholehearted expression, said “No, you’ll see me as an Eagle” Made perfect sense.
Always with love T-bird, may you follow your passion and fly like an Eagle
Not least of all, Tom would be gratefully acknowledge the staff at Bakerview Community Crematorium in Mission, BC. As he would know the same compassion & respect he was given, will be given to his wife Denise when she is ready to move on. Thank you very much for all your support.
A Celebration of Life will not be held until Denise passes which gives us a chance to share our memories of them together. If there are any wishes to make a donation, please do so by giving to the War Amps, Humane Canada, SPCA, Food Bank Canada… These charities and many more were Tom’s & Denise’s way of giving back.
Magnolias on Main