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Thomas STONE Obituary
Tom passed away peacefully at Ottawa, on Saturday, December 6, 2014 in his 68th year. Survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Janet Vuori, and cherished sons, Michael (Alice Luo) of Toronto and James of Ottawa and his father, Dennis Stone, of Lethbridge, Alberta. Predeceased by his mother, Joyce Stone (nee Melross). Born in Kenora, Ontario, July 4, 1947, Tom moved with his mother and father to Huntsville, Ontario in 1953, graduating from Huntsville Public School and later Huntsville High School. A gifted athlete, Tom became an accomplished skier and taught skiing in Ontario and Vermont. Upon graduation from Waterloo Lutheran University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Tom was invited to participate in a university sponsored archeological dig in Israel. There he furthered his interest in archaeology and conservation. In the early 1970s, Tom was accepted into the inaugural Conservator-in-Training program at the Canadian Conservation Institute ('CCI') in Ottawa. Tom became a highly regarded leader in ethnographic conservation. His love of the north as well as his deep respect for aboriginal people and their culture was evident in all his work.
Tom was a gifted teacher who generously shared his knowledge and expertise with numerous conservators in various parts of the world including North America, Europe, Africa and Australia. Tom was dedicated to his profession and gave of his time to serve on the boards of various conservation organizations. In the early 1980s at CCI he met a fellow conservator, Jan, who soon became his cherished wife. They raised two wonderful sons and enjoyed numerous memorable trips together as a family. A week before his passing, Tom joyfully witnessed the wedding of his elder son Michael to Alice by podcast from his hospital bed. Tom's cheerful, gentle nature and his quiet sense of humour will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A private family funeral will be held in Ottawa. A public memorial service in Ottawa will be announced early in the new year. Internment will be in Mohr's Cemetery near Quyon, Quebec. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. The family wishes to thank the caring staff of the Ottawa Hospital (General Campus) in particular Dr. Scott Laurie, St. Vincent's Hospital, and the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre.
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50 Entries
Wing Fai Lai
March 9, 2022
I am very sorry to know that Tom has passed away. He taught me a lot while I was interned in the object laboratory in 2000 with Elizabeth. He also brought me to skiing and visited some interesting places. We played Crokinole every day. He was a very friendly and nice person. He will be missed.
Michael Shouldice
July 27, 2015
I was telling my son about a crazy thing Tom and I did as summer students at the Ethnology Division in Bells Corners in 73 and then came across this obituary. Truly sorry to hear of our loss. Tom was a super person. Bless you all.
Donna and Graham Hinton
January 28, 2015
Dear Jan,
I have many lovely memories of Tom but my most special is of building an igloo with him, on a frozen lake near Yellowknife in 1979.
CCI sent Tom to the arctic to assist us in opening the new museum. On the weekend, armed with the RCMP's survival manual from the 1950's and snow knives from the local shop, Tom and I, together with a few local friends, proceeded to cut blocks of snow to create a prototype which became a competition winning igloo a few weeks later. It was a fantastic day, but cold and I remember the tip of Tom's nose going white.
Year's later, Graham especially remembers a delicious dinner with you and Tom which included wild rice.
Tom was a very special friend. Our thoughts are with you,
Kristen Stockstill
January 25, 2015
My deepest condolences to Jan and to the rest of Tom's family, friends and colleagues. He was forever welcoming and willing to teach anything and everything he could- a trait most appreciated and cherished by we emerging conservators. Thank you Tom.
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Heather Garrod
January 25, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Tom was a very sweet man and will be missed.
Heather Garrod and family
Bonnie McLean
January 21, 2015
Jan
It was a great shock to hear of Tom's passing. Although I never worked directly with him at CCI I do remember your family's love of dogs and your interest in ours. Tom was a memorable man and my heart goes out to you and your family during this sad time.
Deborah Mohr-Caldwell
January 20, 2015
Janet and family,
We are thinking of you. God Bless
Lise Perron-Croteau
January 20, 2015
Dear Jan,
I learned recently that Tom had passed away last December. My heart goes out to you and your children. I will always remember Tom as the kind, gentle and consummate professional that he was and I hope that the memory of his love for you and your children will help you through this difficult period. Bon courage, Lise
Sandra Webster-Cook
January 18, 2015
Dear Jan
So sorry to hear of your loss. I send you and your family my warmest wishes for peace and comfort in the days and months ahead.
Carl Sclichting
January 17, 2015
Big hugs to you Jan
I never got to meet your boys. I hope i do sometime to see in them attribution of this amazing man. Like Barclay stated Tom was the best boss i have had. So many colleges and friends have described him and his legacy beautifully and thoroughly. I want to highlight something very special he possessed. He knew how to push the right buttons of people. He loved to get me by completely throwing me off guard in a reactionary panic. Bugger!
Nancy Covel
January 16, 2015
Dear Jan,
David and I have just heard this sad news. Our sincerest condolences to you, Michael and James. We have been thinking of you and Tom so much this past year. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.
Nancy
Bob Barclay
January 16, 2015
Tom was the best boss I ever had, and he was also a friend. Combining those two attributes is a rare skill, and one you encounter so few times in your whole life. I'm sure I wasn't the easiest of Tom's staff to control and channel, but he always directed me with kindness, honesty, humour and true friendship. He had that gift of allowing me a wide degree of latitude, yet never stifling creativity or seeming to toe an official line. Half the time, I didn't even know I was being supervised, and that speaks volumes on his subtlety. Others have described him as a gentleman, which truly incorporates all his attributes but still falls far short of a full description. No amount of management training, or courses on employee relations, or workshops in development of interpersonal skills can create a Tom Stone. They just come that way, and when you meet one he changes your life. It has been a rare privilege to have known Tom and to have worked alongside him all those years. Janet and I shared a very fine bottle of wine with Tom a while back, but sadly there's still wine untasted.
Ian and Holly Sulsbury
January 16, 2015
We would like to pass our condolences on to Tom's family. It has been some years since I had seen Tom in Victoria, BC but always enjoyed his company. My mother, Zoel, spoke very highly of Tom and I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Valerie Kaufman
January 16, 2015
Tom will be missed by so many and his lasting legacy of building good relationships with Aboriginal people will be remembered for many years to come. He welcomed me and supported me beyond the call of a work task. His deep respect for our cultural values was a huge gift while we worked on the International Symposium for Traditional Aboriginal Preservation methods. He demonstrated such a calm easy way of listening and valuing input from the Aboriginal Advisory group. With his leadership the Symposium was a tremendous success. Sincere sympathy and prayers for all who knew him and a big Masi Cho from me for being my friend.
Mary-Lou Simac
January 11, 2015
Dear Jan,
Sincerest condolences on the loss of Tom. He was a wonderful colleague - always so friendly and approachable. He made a huge contribution to the conservation and museum communities. We staffed a CCI trade show booth together once in BC, and I was very impressed with the number of people from the museum community who knew him. He had an impressive career, spanning so many years.
Tom was also a great crokinole partner at lunch time, and I recall numerous times when he had encouraging words as I demonstrated my less than perfect techniques!
The snow gently falling today reminds me of one of the last times I saw you both - cross-country skiing at Mer Bleue. I will always remember the happy smile on his face.
Hugs,
Mary-Lou
Elke Beck
January 7, 2015
Dear Jan,
my sympathy goes to your and your family for your loss.
I will always remember Tom as a passionate conservator and a gentle and humorous person with lots of patience for the crokinole novice...
Jan Hawley
January 5, 2015
I have just learned of Tom's passing and feel deeply saddened. I always enjoyed chatting with Tom and appreciated his in-depth knowledge, helpful advice, sound ethics and fascinating presentations as well as his charming smile and personality. I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Tom's family, especially Jan, and to his many friends and colleagues around the world. We shall miss him dearly.
Kerry Mueller
December 27, 2014
Dear Jan, Michael and James, Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss of Tom so early in his life. On the two occasions that I had a chance to get to know Tom he was obviously a devoted husband, father and dog lover who will be greatly missed.
Patricia Smithen
December 20, 2014
Tom was so kind to me during my 3 years at CCI so long ago. As a paintings intern, he tolerated me poking my nose into his studio and was always welcoming, taking time to talk through his projects with great humour, enthusiasm and expertise. A lovely man and a true colleague. Warm wishes to Jan and his family.
Lisa Nilsen
December 18, 2014
It was with regret I read the message from Carole Dignard on the Conservation DistList. I remember the kindness and hospitaly of both Tom and Jan during my internship at CCI in 1996. I and another Swedish intern, Anna, were invited to the family for Halloween, a wonderful evening. I send my warmest regards to Jan.
Mary Peever
December 16, 2014
Whatever the ethographic origins, Tom would often analyze an artifact by trying to put himself in the maker's place. This thoughful process and empathy for the culture, combined with his superb technical skills, gained Tom great respect and fondness.
I will always remember that glint in Tom's eye just before he'd drop a dreadful pun.
Sincere condolences to Jan, Michael, and James.
Heather Richardson
December 16, 2014
I never had the pleasure of meeting Tom personally, but so great was his influence on the field of ethnographic conservation many conservators from all over the world will feel sadness and loss at his passing. My condolences to Tom's family and also his colleagues at CCI.
Claire Neily
December 15, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of Tom Stone. He supervised me on a contract at CCI and was a mentor with lasting resonance. His knowledge and integrity, kindness and humour was cherished and will be remembered by so many. My thoughts are with his family and colleagues.
Heather Dumka
December 15, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I first got to know him as a relatively new conservator during the first Inuit Skin Preparation Workshop that he organized. I always enjoyed meeting up with him at conferences and at CCI over the years. He was a wonderful person, and I extend my sincere condolences to his family.
Marta Leskard
December 15, 2014
Dear Jan
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's death. I hope you and your family find solace in each other and in your memories of Tom, who was a good and kind man. With all my best wishes,
Rose Smart
December 15, 2014
It's so hard to imagine Tom being gone...he was such a forever young kind of spirit. Generous, positive, fair, and perennially interested. Anyone who knew him will miss him. I saw him rarely and will miss him still. Thanks, Tom, for everything you gave. Thinking of you, Jan
Mamta Bhatt Pandey
December 15, 2014
Dear Jan and family,
Very Sad to here about Tom,My sincere condolence.
Mamta Bhatt,Senior Conservator,IGNCA,New Delhi,India
Susan Fagnani
December 14, 2014
Dear Jan,boys and family,
Deepest sympathy on the loss of Tom.
His memory will sustain you through the
times ahead.
Love,
Susie & Matthew Oakville
Bruno Pouliot
December 13, 2014
It is always sad when cherished mentors leave us too soon, and Tom certainly was one for me, and I know, for many in our profession. I can rejoice however knowing that he left an indelible impression, a legacy demonstrating how kindness and understanding are crucial components of the work we do. I feel like my professional life was enriched knowing him, and I know how it must be hard for Jan and the rest of his family to have to say good-bye so soon. Hope that the wonderful messages shared by so many will somehow bring them comfort.
Robert Waller
December 13, 2014
Dear Jan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a true gentleman, well endowed with wisdom and patience. The world became better through his living with us.
Christine Feniak
December 13, 2014
My sincere condolences on the passing of a generous and kind man who always had the time and patience to share his knowledge.
Céline BONNOT-DICONNE
December 13, 2014
Mes plus sincères condoléances. Avec mon meilleur souvenir et toute ma sympathie à Jan et ses enfants.
David Grattan
December 12, 2014
Tom was a friend and colleague for many years. Always good humoured always engaged and interested in his conservation projects.Tom supervised my early inept efforts at conservation. As a result of our collegial relationship I developed considerable respect for Tom as a remarkably skilfull conservator - but also as one who was supremely ethical and who was passionate about the values of conservation. I would also like to mention his passionate engagement in the broader role of conservation in healing the relationship with aboriginal people. Tom has my undying respect as a conservator and as a human being and I am just so sorry about his passing.
Cliff McCawley
December 11, 2014
It was with great sadness that I heard of Tom's passing. I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Tom for 40 years, and working with him for most of that time.There were several admirable constants in Tom's life and work: unfailing good humour, impeccable manners, warmth, compassion, an enviable professionalism as a conservator, and a commitment to pass on to others his knowledge and skills. Tom worked with me in getting the CCI mobile labs ready for the road. What might have been a chore, became enjoyable and a success working with Tom. He was a man of integrity in all he did, and one can pay him no greater compliment than to say he was a man who made a difference. A difference to the lives and careers of many.
My heartfelt condolences to Jan, who battled with Tom to the last, and to Michael, James, and Dennis. Your loss is great; but his death cannot destroy the joy you shared in the past. My thoughts are with you.
Cliff McCawley
Glenna Campbell
December 11, 2014
My deepest sympathy Janet and boys.
Iona McCraith
December 11, 2014
I first met Tom in the early eighties when I interned at CCI in the mobile lab program for a year. He was then and has always been a kind, humourous, generous man. I benefited from his conservation knowledge many times over the years since then. He was always willing to share his expertise with others.
My sincerest condolences go out to Jan, her boys and the family and friends of Tom. May he rest peacefully.
Joanne and Robert Ready
December 10, 2014
Jan, Michael and Alice, and James; we the Ready Family are truly saddened by your loss of Tom! Our deepest sympathy! Memories, love and the warmth of one another will help move the future forward.
James Bourdeau
December 9, 2014
It is with great sadness that I send my condolances to Jan and the boys at Tom's passing. Tom will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a steadying and guiding force at CCI through most of it's first 40 years, and I am sure he was the same as a husband and father. I remember him for his professionalism, his incredible knowledge and experience and his kindness to everyone. I will miss his legendary dry wit I think most of all. My thoughts are with you Jan during this very sad time.
Diana Komejan
December 9, 2014
Dear Jan,
Tom was so much a part of Conservation for me. He was my go to person on so many treatments. His commitment to conservation went beyond his work at CCI as was demonstrated by his generous and professional contributions to The Canadian Association of Professional Conservators.
We are going to miss him.
My Deepest condolences to you and the boys.
Ela Keyserlingk
December 9, 2014
My deep heartfelt sympathy goes to you Jan and your sons, who have to face the great loss of a loving husband and father.
I will always remember Tom as an admired colleague at the Canadian Conservation Institute. I was lucky to get to know him better, to appreciate Tom's professionalism, integrity, compassion and warm humor on our memorable field trip to assess museum's collections in Yukon. Over the many years we worked at CCI, my memory of Tom will continue to fill me with great fondness and a warm smile. Thank you Tom for having been a steady compass for so many of us who worked with you.
Dee Stubbs-Lee
December 9, 2014
Jan and family,
My sincerest condolences.
Dee Stubbs-Lee
December 8, 2014
Dear Jan,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss and our loss. Tom was a great man whom I respected and admired. Often were the times that I found myself taking extra time while fixing his pc so that he and I could share a laugh and a great chat mostly about our crokinole opponents.
I will go as far as saying that Tom is certainly one of the main reasons why CCI became the place that it is today and not just because of his incredible work but because of the way he was able to bring people together and to make CCI a family where all its members took care of each other.
The word class is what I will always associate Tom with and on a personal level, although I did not see him often these past few years, I will feel this loss for a long time.
May he rest in the peace he deserves knowing that he raised two great boys and cared for and loved you his wife very much.
May God bless him and his beautiful family…
Rick
John Moses
December 8, 2014
My condolences to Tom's family and colleagues. He was a gifted teacher and I had the privilege of training under him and others at CCI in the mid-80s. He had immense respect for the First Nations materials he treated in the lab, and the communities from which these originated. This shone through in all aspects of his work. Nia:wen, Tom, tanon onen ke wahe. Thank you, Tom, and we'll see you again.
Sandra Lougheed
December 8, 2014
Tom Stone, my conservation mentor. It is so unfair that such a good person is gone too soon. It seems like yesterday I was on my first CCI mobile lab trip with Tom, cruising the gravel roads of the North West Territories, heading to Peace River Alta. He taught me so much, not only on the CCI mobile labs, but in the ethnology lab, where I was privileged to learn from the best. He gave a lot of himself to others, not only sharing his conservation knowledge but as an exceptional human being. Jan and your boys …. So sorry for your loss… May his spirit live on in your hearts and in your memories
Cynthia White Thornley
December 8, 2014
My heartfelt condolences are extended to Tom's family. Tom contributed so much to the world of conservation science and Canadians will be forever in his debt.
Cynthia White Thornley,
Executive Director, Heritage Group,
Department of Canadian Heritage
Joanna P McMann
December 8, 2014
I first met Tom when he instructed a workshop I was taking on metal conservation. My first impression was of a quiet, gentle man. During the course of the workshop we learned we were both WLU grads. A couple of years later I was fortunate to have a fellowship at CCI and got to spend time with Tom as one of my projects was carried out in his lab. Though he met a lot of people in the course of his work he remembered me from the metal workshop and that I too was a WLUer. We'd often share a joke about the pace of my CCI project. Tom retired during my time at CCI and it was an honour to attend his party and see how respected and loved he was. He kindly gave a presentation to fellows and interns about coins and their conservation and was always available, even after retirement, to give advice and encouragement. My thoughts and prayers are with Jan and their boys and family. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Chris Paulocik
December 8, 2014
Tom was like the brother I never had. Although we had a relationship of mutual respect we frequently engaged in friendly jabs with each other concerning the hockey abilities of the Toronto Maple Leafs versus those of the Ottawa Senators. I will always remember the last trip that Jan, Tom and I took visiting his old ski haunts reliving those earlier years when Tom was teaching skiing in Vermont.Tom was much loved for his kindness, gentleness, story-telling and his sense of humour. I miss him already. Love, Rhonda.
Season Tse
December 8, 2014
Good bye dear friend - an excellent conservator and teacher, a wise, humourous and gentle man. We are so sad that you leave us so soon.
Roy and Ellen MacGregor
December 8, 2014
We grew up with Tom in Huntsville. We remember a gifted, graceful runner, a fine skier and an even finer human being. He was soft spoken and kind. Bright in school, accomplished as an athlete and, in his career much admired for his artistic talents. He once invited Ellen, also an artist, to tour the Canadian Conservation Institute facilities and could not have been a more gracious host and teacher. A good man, gone far too soon.
Bruce Blundell
December 8, 2014
Tom will be missed by all of his high school friends and those that knew him later in life.
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