La célébration de
Thomas Albert Armour
27 août 1939 –
7 décembre 2018
Peacefully on December 7, 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital in his 79th year. Born in Montreal, he was the devoted son of James Armour and Mary Theresa (Rae) Armour (nee O’Brien). Tom will be lovingly remembered & greatly missed by his daughter, and by extended family, dear friends and former colleagues. He began his radio broadcasting career in 1959 at CJQC in Quebec City, then moved to CJSS in Cornwall, Ontario. Returning to Montreal in the early 1960’s, he was an on-air constant for the next 50 years, broadcasting news on CFCF and CJAD. He brought great integrity to his work & was dedicated to keeping the journalistic bar set high. Tom covered some of the biggest news stories of the 1970’s including the October Crisis and the near-disastrous Apollo 13 mission. Throughout his career, Tom was an enthusiastic and generous mentor to many up-and-coming journalists. His bottom line message was simple: stick to the facts and make sure those facts are crystal clear. Former colleagues describe him as a consummate professional, the voice of reason, and a news broadcaster who was solid as a rock for his listeners. Attempts to lure him to television news were graciously but consistently declined. Tom loved radio and said that was where he wanted to be. Always a patient and indulgent Dad, he invariably agreed to the seemingly endless stream of stray animals brought home by his daughter. Tom loved reading, stand-up comedy and music, especially jazz. Although intrigued by travel, he loved nowhere more than the City of Montreal. He was gifted with a sharp intellect and was appreciated by many for his ability to listen and maintain confidences. Tom especially valued and enjoyed his lifelong friendships. In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be no formal service. A private interment will be held at a later date. Many thanks to the St. Mary’s Hospital 5th floor medical team for their excellent and sensitive care in his final days. Much appreciation is also extended to the staff at Le Boulevard Residence for their kindness and support. If you wish to make a donation in Tom’s memory, the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation at stmaryshospitalfoundation.ca or a Public Television Station would be potential options.
Signer le livre d’or
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Thomas Albert Armour 27 août 1939
7 décembre 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Outremont, Province: Quebec
The story of Tom’s life refers to him as being “an enthusiastic and generous mentor to many up and coming journalists”. I was one of the lucky ones!! I had the pleasure of working with Tom at CJAD in 1968/69 when I was getting my feet wet in the business. Just being around Tom shift after shift you couldn’t help but learn the right way of doing things. Everything Tom did in the radio business he did with class. His on air sound and presentation were among the best in Canada! Tom, all I can say 50 years later is I’m still doing it the same way today as we did it back then. Thanks! Rest in peace..
Prior Smith
Lakefield, Ontario