Thomas Edmond "Tom" KENNEDY

05/27/1941 - 05/05/2023

KENNEDY, Thomas Edmond "Tom"
May 27, 1941 - May 05, 2023

It is so hard to say goodbye, to sum up this extra-ordinary life in such a short story. Life was akin to a song for Tom. Tom's chorus; the parts that repeated, the things that allowed Tom to share his love and caring ways, they are the things that brought him great joy and gave him fulfillment. Family, friendship, career, music, golf, Gyro, the fiddle orchestra, hockey, sports, sailing, wine, great food, hosting parties, gardening, dogs, and seeing various countries of this world through his own eyes, and sharing all of it with his special gal Kathy, were some of the aspects of Tom's chorus. The verse was Tom's story unfolding; starting with his youth filled years in Vancouver, fine tuning his athleticism and love of sports, discovering his talent for the violin and playing with the Vancouver Youth Orchestra, his Vancouver College days, and his many adventures around all the four corners of Vancouver, often on bicycle. Throughout his life, Tom crossed many things off his "bucket list" even doing things he never thought he would want to, but enjoyed nevertheless, such as participating in a 3 day cattle drive at the infamous Gang Ranch in the Cariboo. Tom excelled in his career with BC Tel, he enjoyed friendships among a great group of individuals who were involved in some of the most cutting edge evolutions of the tele-communications industry. This was an experience which he marvelled over time and time again. Tom's retirement opened a new vista for him and Kathy, allowing them to fill their desire to travel, to golf, as well as spend time with family and friends. A life so very well lived, thoroughly enjoyed, with adventure yet grounded through his much loved and enjoyed homes. Tom never tired with his view of the trees; cedars, fir and pine, he loved the way they made him feel and how they humbly housed so much wildlife. The bridge or contrast in Tom's life can be attributed to some personal and close family health struggles, his life worries, aging into his 8th decade, some of the struggles that were ushered into his later life, and losing loved ones throughout the years. Tom's melody was his signature…his "song". The most memorable and catchy part of his life will forever remain his smile, kindness and gentle ways. Tom's melody carries the tune of a true gentleman, one with integrity, who embodied trustworthiness along with deep knowledge and modest confidence. His song is that of man who whole heartedly loved and appreciated his wife Kate for just over 59 years. He was both proud of and adored his 2 children Graeme and Meg along with their families. Tom loved living, he held great gratitude and reverence for his friends, elders and peers. Tom will forever be loved, dearly cherished and will remain in the hearts and memories of his family and friends.