Mr. Tom Waddick
It is with
profound sadness and the deepest love that we mourn the loss of Tom Waddick who
died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020 with his loving
wife Carolyn by his side.
Born in 1946 in
Chatham, Ont. to his late parents Michael (Mickey) and Marion Waddick, Dad is
forever in our hearts as the bedrock of a loving family that held him in the
highest regard. He is survived by his wife and guiding light of 48 years,
Carolyn Waddick (Fitzpatrick); son Jaymie Waddick and his wife Kelly from Pain
Court, Ont., along with their kids Emma Waddick and Hunter Rossignol; daughter
Tina Jonmaire and her husband Randy from Buffalo, N.Y., along with their son
Cameron; and daughter Michelle (Milo) Pino and her husband Dan from Guelph,
Ont. along with their sons Thomas and Justin. He is also survived by his
adoring brothers and sisters-in-law Bernie Waddick (Wendy Waddick) of Victoria,
B.C., Barry Waddick (Penny Howson) of Oakville, Ont., and Mark Waddick
(Marylisa Waddick) of Lasalle, Ont., along with numerous nieces and nephews. He
is also remembered by his uncle Jimmy (and aunt Pat) Waddick of Chatham as well
as many cousins and extended family.
Dad fought hard
to stay with us for eight and a half years after his cancer diagnosis and
through it all, he stayed strong for his family. He will be remembered as a
gentleman who carried himself with dignity, integrity, strong faith, and the
highest moral character. Dad was as honest as the day was long. He valued
family and friendship above all and made a lasting impact on everyone around
him.
He worked
extremely hard and was proud to serve and contribute to his community. Dad
would often joke that after trying every high school in Chatham, education was
not his thing. When we look back at his life accomplishments, he taught us so
much about working hard and treating people the right way.
He joined the
OPP in 1964 and served in both Chatham and Wallaceburg over a seven-year
career. In 1971 after deciding to leave the police force, he bought a fuel
truck and joined forces with his dad—a two-truck operation that later grew with
his partner and brother Mark to become what Waddick Fuels is today. He was an
honest businessman and a tireless worker who earned the trust and admiration of
countless colleagues, customers, and friends along the way. Whether you were an
executive with Petro Canada or one of the hundreds of farmers and local
businesses he was proud to serve, Tom Waddick was deeply respected for the way
he conducted himself and business.
Dad will also
be remembered for the many passions that brought balance to his life.
He loved hockey
growing up and proudly represented his beloved Chatham Junior Maroons both on
and off the ice. An accomplished player with the Maroons during his younger
years, Dad would later volunteer as a Board Member with the Chatham Maroon
Alumni Association to support the continued success of his hockey alma mater.
No activity
brought more enjoyment and friendship than the game of golf. He and Mom were
proud members of Maple City Country Club for nearly 40 years and they shared a
deep connection to the game. After retirement in 2005, their golf and travel
adventures took them to ‘Wrinkle City’ in Florida where they built another deep
network of friendships through golf. Playing partners so often remarked, ‘Good
Shot Tom’ to Dad’s consistency on the course that the nod would eventually
inspire goodshottom@hotmail.com as his email address.
No passion held
greater importance than family and what began as a blind date in 1970, would
grow to become a 50-year partnership rooted in unconditional love. He was a
role model who instilled deep family values in his children and was adored by
the grandchildren he held as the lights of his life.
Whether it was
through family, business, sport or community, Dad forged the deepest of
relationships over his lifetime, and one would be hard pressed to find someone
say an ill word about the man. He was loved, respected, and admired and as his
family and friends mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that his soul
is at peace and his impact is lasting.
The family
would like to thank the many people that have supported Dad along his journey.
This includes the London Cancer Centre, Chatham oncology department, Blenheim
Medical Place and all the health care providers and many others who lifted his
spirit along the way.
A private funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the funeral home with Deacon Jerry Lozon officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. Cremation to follow with interment at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation-“Oncology/Radiology Department”, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance-“Cancer Care-Oncology”, and the Chatham-Kent Health Family Team-“Blenheim Medical Centre”. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderfuneralhome.ca
Thank you, Dad, for loving us all unconditionally and for reminding us that a round of golf, a game of cards or a drink on the patio are moments made better when we can share them with others. Until we meet again, we know you will enjoy your next heavenly Manhattan.
Private Funeral Service.
Officiating: Deacon Jerry Lozon
Celebration of Life: To be announced at a later date.
Expressions of Sympathy: London Health Sciences Foundation-“Oncology/Radiology Department”, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance-“Cancer Care-Oncology”, and the Chatham-Kent Health Family Team-“Blenheim Medical Centre
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tom Waddick 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Chatham, Province: Ontario