Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Christopher Gaffney

Thomas Christopher Gaffney obituary

Thomas Gaffney Obituary

THOMAS CHRISTOPHER GAFFNEY In his 67th year. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, teacher, globetrotter and mentor to many. Tom left us peacefully at Toronto Grace Hospital on Sunday, July 19, 2009 after a hard fought battle with Lewy Body Disease -- a rare, untreatable and ruthless malady. He leaves behind his loving wife Tina, daughter Beth and son Christopher. Brother to Donna (Gallagher) and her husband Art; father-in-law to Jenni; Uncle Tom to Kevin, Kelly, Kathy, Kim, Erin, Sean, Dani, Glen, Tim and Conor. Tom adored his two granddaughters, Molly and Maeve. Tom brought much joy to all whom he met. Tom was predeceased by his father Thomas Senior, mother Margaret and sister Mary Lou (Kearns) and her husband Norman. He had an uncanny ability to listen, and enjoy those whose lives he touched. Dad's mantra was 'Carpe Diem' and he lived by that motto. His love of the world's diverse cultures took him to many exotic locales. Tom retired in 1999 from Seneca College where he taught Humanities - namely Philosophy and English - for 30 years. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of the Jane subway. A memorial and celebration of Tom's life will be held in Turner & Porter's Chapel at the same location on Friday, July 24, 2009 at 4 p.m. Donations can be made to the Parkinson Society, the Alzheimer Society or the Toronto Grace Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Unit).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star from Jul. 21 to Jul. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gaffney

Not sure what to say?





27 Entries

Mel Lee

August 1, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many of us from Our lady of Sorrows and Michael Power High School are with you at this time of sorrow.

To name a few, Paul Smith , Jim Holmes, Mel Lee

Adam Merifield

August 1, 2009

Tina, Beth & Chris:

The sincerity & depth to which people spoke of Tom at his service couldn’t have been more inspiring. Nicole & I were choked up over the huge impact Tom made on so many people.

I know for a fact that my Dad always admired Tom’s unimposing wit … a creative intellect who didn't judge others against his own gifts. Tom always brought out the best in my Dad, and memories of Tom will always conjure up memories of the “good old days”.

It goes without saying that Nicole and I were deeply touched last summer when Tom (& Tina) came out to our Wedding brunch. Knowing his condition at the time and the clear discomfort he endured to show support didn't go unnoticed and won't be forgotten.

My copy of the photo of Tom, wearing his Carpe Diem shirt, sitting in a tent, holding a beer ... is safely stowed.

Still so down over this …

Tom O'Brien

July 28, 2009

Dear Tina and Family,
How sad it was to hear of Tom's passing.
Although I hadn't seen Tom for some time, we became very close friends when we met at Michael Power High School and we socialized regularly for many years after. Your Tom was a man of great integrity and a true friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you struggle through this most difficult time in your lives.

Gary & Mary-Joan Westlake

July 25, 2009

We were so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We were long time friends from high school days and shared many happy times and laughs together. Our deepest condolences to the family.
"Memories are forever"

Liz MacLennan

July 25, 2009

I'm very sorry to hear about Tom. He was a beloved friend, colleague and office-mate through many years of teaching at Seneca's King Campus in the 70's and 80's. He is at the heart of fond memories of a time when our work was satisfying and our friendships were significant. He was a wonderful man; the experience of knowing him enriched many lives.

Vincent & Christine Patten

July 24, 2009

Oh Chris, we're so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Please know you have our deepest sympathies.

July 23, 2009

Chris, Paul and I send our deepest condolences. Just heard the news tonight, and we are so sorry for your loss. It does sound as if you are a true copy of your father's spirit and his love of life.
Laurie and Paul (Chapman) Blyskis

July 23, 2009

Beth,

We are so sorry to hear about your dad. What an amazing man he was and such an important part of your life. We are here for you during this tough time. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Love,
Blair, Lisa and Anne Mullin

July 23, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Tom and I were friends when we were in high school. I have many wonderful memories of those days.
Margaret Rutledge, Toronto, Ontario

Richard Gilbert

July 23, 2009

Beth, I'm so sorry to hear to hear of your loss; I know how much your dad meant to you. Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can do for you.

Stuart Clapham

July 22, 2009

Chris,

My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. I unfortunately never had the privilege of meeting Tom but I know he had a big impact on your life. You will always have the great memories of the time you spent together.

Colm Lanigan

July 22, 2009

Chris,

I am very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. I am leaving for Bhutan this weekend and will have prayers said and flags hoisted in memory of your father.

Colm and Sonam

Crystal Harris

July 22, 2009

Chris and family,

So very sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much he meant to you and your family. Take care of each other through this difficult time and hang on tight to your memories... With our love and thoughts,
Crystal, Gary, Blake & Trent

Derick Scott

July 22, 2009

We will remember him fondly for his kind caring and considerate nature. He will be sadly missed. We are sorry for his family's loss.
Derick, Jamie and Cassidy

Brian Crowe

July 21, 2009

I remember Tom's courage dealing with the tragic fire that killed 3 students in our class at Michael Power. He had always been a leader but surviving this ordeal with such grace elevated him to heroic status among his classmates. He had more influence than perhaps he ever knew and I have always been grateful for this profound gift. Thank you Tom.

Jackie Fisher

July 21, 2009

Chris, Beth and Tina, we are very saddened to hear of Uncle Tom's passing. We have very fond memories of your family and are thinking of you.

July 21, 2009

Dearest Chris and family,
Our thoughts,prayers and support are with you at this time.

~Laura,Stefan & family

Paul O'Neill

July 21, 2009

I have many fond memories of Tom from the early family days, to the later regular meetings over a beer at Shakey's. He was a very warm and thoughtful person and I enjoyed his company. Condolences to Tina and to Chris and Beth

Heather Dockeray

July 21, 2009

Tina and family: It is with great sorrow to learn of your loss. Knowing Tom from Seneca College for several years, I found him to be a true humanitarian - kind and caring. He touched everyone in a very "special" way. May the memories bring you comfort. Affectionately, Heather Dockeray

Rick Lockhart

July 21, 2009

Chris, I'm saddened by your loss. I know through our conversations the positive impact your Father had on you through out your life. I know he undoubtedly touched the lives of many more through his 30 years of teaching.Regards. Rick Lockhart

Cindy Green

July 21, 2009

Tina and family
Thinking of you fondly,
Cindy Green, ECE Seneca

Harry Mantttari

July 21, 2009

You brought much joy and happiness to our family and shared thoughtful stories of hockey & travel with Lucas and Thomas. You will be missed by all. Harry, Maria, Lucas & Thomas

Kevin O'Connor

July 21, 2009

Chris, I am sorry for your loss. My best wishes to yourself and your family. Kevin O'Connor

Jenifer Merifield

July 21, 2009

I always admired Tom's high integrity and the support he gave to our family when we needed it most. Deepest condolences to Tina, Chris and Beth.

Don Butler

July 21, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Noel McIntyre

July 21, 2009

Our thoughts go out to you at this time of sadness and we know that in time you will remember a life well lived.
Noel, Tabatha, Keira and Sophia

Linda Merifield

July 21, 2009

I will miss Tom very much. He is an inspiration to us all!
Love Linda

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

Memorial Events
for Thomas Gaffney

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.