Thomas J. Bombardier 1956-2021

1956 - 2021

Thomas J. Bombardier 1956-2021

San Diego , CA — The family of Dr. Thomas John Bombardier sadly announce his passing on November 2, 2021 in San Diego. He died peacefully with his family at his side after a long illness. Tom was the son of the late Gerald and Marguerite (Higgins) Bombardier. Tom graduated from Granby (MA) Jr. Sr. High School, Amherst College, and Albany Medical College and received his ophthalmic training at LSU in New Orleans.

Tom Bombardier was a truly gifted and loving person who never forgot his humble roots. Above all, he cherished his and John's sons, Gerald and Hank, who live at home in La Jolla, CA.

Tom was a visionary and entrepreneur who could realize an opportunity and develop a plan to bring a solution to reality. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Tom established the largest eye practice in the Holyoke area. Long before LASIK, he developed expertise in Radial Keratotomy surgery to eliminate the need for glasses. In his practice, Tom set a new standard for professional excellence and patient care that still exists in the region today. Recognizing that change was on the horizon for surgical care, Tom sold his medical practice and began Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America. In ASCOA, Tom used his great skills to organize groups of physicians and build surgical centers throughout the nation. Most recently, Tom had begun a new company to treat depression with an innovative, magnetic radiation technology. Tom thoroughly enjoyed Provincetown on Cape Cod. Recognizing Provincetown's uniqueness, he formed Ozland Realty. Ozland became one of the largest house and condominium construction companies in Provincetown.

Tom was a philanthropist and political activist. He felt that all people who drew wealth from society had a responsibility to return a major portion to the community. Among others, Tom was a major contributor to the Provincetown Library Children's Room Project and Granby Free Public Library Building Project. Dr. Tom silently supported the college education of many deserving students. His intervention allowed many skilled tradesmen to start their own businesses. Tom was a recipient of the Jeanette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award for his dedicated pursuit of human rights. Included in his political causes was his quest to promote laws to allow the marriage and legal acceptance of all couples who love each other.

Tom was generous. Tom believed that love should be without condition. For many years, he provided his parents, Peg and Jerry, with a warm place to escape the cold of winter. He freely shared the use of his homes and possessions. He gave his nieces and nephews terrific Christmas presents. Early in his career, Tom was heard saying, "When I bought the red Ferrari, I thought that I would enjoy driving it. I never believed that I would get so much more enjoyment out of seeing the joy that others got by using it."

In addition to his children, Tom leaves his former husband, John Fowler of San Diego, three brothers, Richard (Patricia) Bombardier of Granby, MA, and children Rick and Michael, Drs. Garry (Cynthia) Bombardier of South Hadley, MA and children Chris, Missy Harris, Scott, Jeffery, and Dr. Glen (Laurie) Bombardier of Florence, MA and children Mary Shellman, Andrew, Mark, Nathan and sister-in-law, Pamela Bombardier of Hadley, MA.

Our father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend was very special in so many ways. We loved him. We miss him and will remember.

Burial arrangements will be private and limited to the family. Donations may be made in Tom's name to the Provincetown Library at 356 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, the Granby Free Public Library at 297 East State Street, Granby, MA 01033 or any charity of your choice.