Thomas Riley BRETHOUR

Our family is sad to announce the death of Thomas Riley Brethour, who died peacefully in Ottawa, Civic Hospital, at the age of 66. Born in Toronto, Tommy was the son of Riley and Peggy Brethour, and the mischievous and much-loved brother of Andy, Cathy, Molly, Liz and Pat. He grew up in a house of talkers and would spend the rest of his life charming, arguing and joking his way through the world. A well-respected real estate broker, Tommy threw himself into work with the same enthusiasm that he approached everything he cared about. He loved art and music, and spent many happy hours at the National Arts Centre. Tommy was also a skilled cartoonist, with a sharp eye for caricature, especially of himself with the distinguished Brethour family nose. Most importantly, Tommy was a loving father and step-father to Jeremy, Dylan, and Mauri; and grandpa to Loic, Rowan and Liliwen. He was especially patient and empathetic with small children, and loved being silly with his grandkids. Tommy will be remembered as the funny, generous, thoughtful and occasionally difficult person that he was. His life, while marked by ups and downs, was full, determined, curious and uniquely his own. He raised three kids, traveled the world, collected an entire house of books, and entertained (and exasperated) his family with truly terrible jokes. In his last few years, Tommy dealt stoically with health problems caused by type 1 diabetes. Donations to the War Amps or Diabetes Canada in memory of Tommy would be appreciated. We love you dad, we'll miss you, rest easy wherever you are.