Thomas A. MCQUEEN

Thomas Alexander McQueen, 85, of Victoria, British Columbia, passed away on September 26, 2025 with his sons and family at his side. A devoted father, grandfather, physician, and friend, Tom will be remembered for his keen mind and zest for life.

Born on March 19, 1940, in Galt, Ontario - then a small town - Tom was the youngest son of Ivan and Margaret McQueen and the youngest brother to Jim, Bob, and Roy. He excelled in school, attending Galt Public School and Galt Collegiate Institute before pursuing medicine at Queen's University, where he graduated in 1965 (MDCM). He went on to earn his Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons designation in 1974, qualifying as a plastic surgeon.

Tom began his medical career in Vancouver with an internship (1965 - 66), followed by a year of surgical residency and a year of surgical research in hyperbaric medicine. He then did an internship in Deep Cove, British Columbia and spent a formative year in general practice in Ocean Falls, a small remote community on the Central Coast of British Columbia. In Ocean Falls, supported by his wife Peggy, a licensed nurse, Tom was the dentist, veterinarian, GP, emergency physician, and obstetrician. After that year, he took a locum position in Drumheller, Alberta and three months later he and Peggy moved to Scotland, where he had been accepted into a program for reconstructive surgery and burns. Returning to Canada, Tom completed three years of reconstructive plastic surgery training at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, working under Mac Alton and Henry Shimizu.

Tom ultimately made his home and career in Victoria, British Columbia, joining Paul Gareau, Alastair Baird, John Wellman, and a little later Harlow Hollis, as partners in a growing plastic surgery practice. Eventually Tom went on to establish his own successful private practice. In addition to performing elective surgery, Tom carried out emergency and non-elective reconstructive surgery for patients in the Victoria area. He cared deeply for his patients and colleagues and helped advance the standard of care in the community. For a handful of years in the early 2000's Tom made semi-annual trips to Prince Rupert B.C. to support rural medicine as a specialist. He retired from active practice at age 74, but continued to support other surgeons in the Victoria area on part time basis as a surgical assistant until he was 80. In retirement, Tom dedicated time to volunteer service, including delivering Meals on Wheels, and relished active time with his eight grandchildren.

Curious, athletic, and endlessly caring, Tom embraced life beyond the clinic. He loved golf and pickleball, playing each up to four times per week and always walking the 18 holes - even six weeks prior to his passing. In retirement he reacquainted himself with the piano and took up the guitar, banjo and ukulele - all of which he played regularly until his passing. He was an avid gardener, reader, and traveler, touring around the globe. Those who knew him will remember an adventurous soul, a talented athlete, and a brilliant mind, paired with a generous heart.

Tom is survived by his sons Christopher McQueen (Andrea Decore), Scott McQueen (Kim McQueen), and James McQueen (Danielle McQueen), and by his cherished grandchildren: Isabel, Matthew, Jack, Kate, Ellie, Clifford, August, and Perry. He is also remembered by extended family, dear friends, and generations of patients. Tom and his family would like to thank the staff at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Vancouver Island for their kindness and excellent care.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens (4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C.) on October 18 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.