Obituary Overview
In Loving Memory
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear Tom at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. Tom was born June 1, 1941 in Peterborough, Ontario to Robinson (Bob) and Muriel Marston. Left with cherished memories is his loving wife and soulmate Phyllis. He will be deeply missed by his wonderful brother Brian (Dorothy) and his family. Also missing him are his cousin Nancy Villemaire and her husband Brian, who have been so caring through this difficult time. Tom was also supported continually by his brother and extended family and close friends. He was a cherished brother-in-law to Lois Kindree, Fairley Savard and Harman Kindree. Grandpa Tom’s family in Virginia held a special place in his heart; Heather and Stephen Tusing and daughters Isabel and Lyra, and Melinda and Aaron Buchanan and daughters Aven and Gwendolyn.
Tom grew up in Hamilton on Upper Wellington Street. He and brother Brian delivered the Hamilton Spectator for many years. Tom was also a Queen’s Scout and attended, with much excitement, the Jubilee Jamboree in 1952 in Britain. In 1963, Tom joined the Hamilton Sport Parachute Club and completed over 30 descents. Practice did not “make perfect”, but it was a thrilling experience. After working for one year at Hamilton City Hall, Tom attended Wilfred Laurier University, graduating in 1967.
Tom served as an English teacher at Central, Macdonald and Churchill high schools. For 25 years, he was a teacher/librarian and water polo coach at Churchill. Tom was often a source of quiet encouragement and solace for other staff members who came to him with their problems. A retiring colleague joked that he was on staff for two years before he found out that Tom was not the school chaplain.
In retirement Tom and Phyllis enjoyed travelling to visit family in Georgia and Virginia. Tom loved to read and was especially interested in military history. He also was an avid collector of cards and envelopes with special post marks from ships. This led to friendships with ships’ captains.
Tom was and is a gentle, loving soul who never wanted the spotlight. He was a quiet gentleman who so enjoyed long conversations sprinkled with self-deprecating wit, with family and friends, and he will be forever missed.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at the DODSWORTH & BROWN FUNERAL HOME- BURLINGTON (2241 New Street at Drury Lane 905-637-5233) on Saturday December 15, with visitation starting at 1 pm and service in the Chapel at 2 pm. Expressions of sympathy to the Royal Botanical Gardens or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.dbburlingon.ca
We wish you peace and blessings in your continued journey, my love.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Thomas Tom Marston 2018..
Source: Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home – Burlington Chapel
Death notice for the town of: Burlington, Province: Ontario