Thomas Edward MCBRIDE

THOMAS EDWARD MCBRIDE 1949 - 2022 Tom died, truly loved and at peace, at Hospice Simcoe in Barrie on May 4, 2022, after a lengthy illness. Beloved husband of Barbara Robillard, loving father of Kristian Robillard (Natasha) and Will McBride (Oksana). Dearest Papa to Gabriel and Violet Robillard. Predeceased by his parents, Ted and Liz (Hutchinson) McBride. Tom is survived by his younger brothers, Ian (Anne), Rob (Danièle) and Hugh (Robin); nephews, Brendan and Colin McBride; and nieces, Jennifer, Molly, and Katie McBride. Tom was born in Cornwall, Ontario and raised in Rio de Janeiro, and Burlington and London, Ontario. He began his career with H&R Block in Toronto before moving to Barrie and purchasing the company's local franchise in 1977. He grew the business to 13 locations and 27,000 clients across Simcoe County before selling it in 1989. Following a brief venture in manufacturing, Tom established what would later become McBride Robillard Financial Solutions Inc. He was a member of the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting, Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Planned Giving Counsel of Simcoe County and Advocis Canada, from which he received the National Quality Award. "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." The quotation, from Winston Churchill, was among Tom's favourites, and with passion and boundless energy he lived those words. He served as President of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. As Chairperson of the Capital Campaign for Gilda's Club - Simcoe-Muskoka, he helped raise $3.5 million for the organization, which serves those living with cancer. He saw the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie through an extraordinary period of growth as President, Board of Directors, including the construction and move to a new gallery encompassing the old Carnegie library building. Latterly, he served as Chairperson of the Georgian College Board of Governors. Tom was also active in politics. He ran three successful election campaigns for Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, served as President of the federal Liberal riding association from 2004 to 2007 and ran two campaigns for MP Aileen Carroll. Tom received the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism in 2015. He was honoured in 2019 with the Fellowship of Georgian College, a prestigious designation bestowed on individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to education. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Tom loved time with family and friends, especially at his beloved fishing camp in Quebec, and bonfires that were just a little too big. He had a passion, also, for history, politics, and environmental and social issues. He was always learning. Tom's curiosity was insatiable. Thanks to Drs. Mike McConvey, Rob El-Maraghi and Matt Follwell and to the nurses and staff at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) and Hospice Simcoe for their compassionate care and dedication. Celebration of Life to take place at the Barrie Country Club on Monday, May 9 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., 635 St. Vincent Street North, Barrie. Zoom Meeting ID: 849 8666 7254. Passcode: 572571. For virtual guests, tributes begin at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RVH, Hospice Simcoe or Georgian College.