THOMAS JOSEPH PASHBY

PASHBY THOMAS JOSEPH , CM, MD, CRCSC, DSC (HON) 'Doc' passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 24, 2005. Predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years Helen. Beloved father of Bill (Liz), Bob (Penny) and Jane. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Kathy (Dan), Christie (Max), Karen, Brad (Leslie), Leslie (Andy) and Julie and great granddaughter Grace. He is sadly missed and proudly remembered by his friends, colleagues and patients whose lives he touched over 90 years. 'Doc' was born in Toronto. He was the only child of Norman and Florence Pashby. He attended Riverdale Collegiate where he met and fell in love with Helen Christie whom he married in 1941. He enlisted in the RCAF after graduating in medicine from the University of Toronto. In 1945 he moved to the home in Leaside where he lived for the past 60 years. It was here that he and his 'Katy' raised their children. After obtaining his certificate in ophthalmology, he treated the eyes of thousands of grateful patients at The Hospital for Sick Children, The Toronto Western Hospital and Scarborough Centenary Hospital as well as his private practice offices in North Toronto and Don Mills. He was a very strong family man and provided a wonderful life and role model for his children. He enjoyed his 55 years of summering on Georgian Bay and dozens of family winter vacations involving many trips to Disney World. He coached and sponsored hockey and baseball teams in Leaside for over 40 years. His interest in sports led him mid-career to develop a passion for eliminating catastrophic injury in sports. For his ground-breaking work in this area he was a recipient of The Order of Canada and inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Upon his retirement from his medical practice at age 85, he continued to be very active in the sports safety field pushing for rule and attitude changes and acting as a resource for people around the world. This work will continue through The Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Fund which was established in his honour in 1989. He was very proud of his children, the 'extras' and his grandchildren. As leader of the Pashby Team he encouraged everyone in all their endeavors and was sincerely interested as he watched their lives unfold. He adored his 'Katy' who was his sweetheart of 70 years. He had very good judgment in everything he did. His was a full life with many accomplishments and many good times. A private family service was held on August 26, 2005. Donations may be made to The Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Fund, 40 King Street West (WTP), Suite 4100, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3Y4 in Doc's memory.