Dr. Thomas Dignan

To the family of dear Tom Dignan .. I just came across his obituary. Worked with him Uof A , played RB , shared many a story and laugh . He was always so real and taught me a lot about life . He will be missed . Nancy Goin

Tom was my friend and a mentor. I worked with him as a nurse at FNIH, and was privileged to see him in action many times. We worked side by side on many projects, and I will always remember him with fondness.

Dale J. Hache

Tom was my Uncle. I love him very much and think of him often and fondly. I've always been so proud to talk about him and reminisce about him. I'm so sorry for this loss. All my love, Shannon

I met Dr. Tom a number of years ago as I was researching cannabis for a hip replacement I was to get. Full of knowledge and ready to teach, he taught me a lot, but I was most impressed with his love of medicine and helping indigenous people get equal medical help. He truly was a pioneer and the legacy he leaves behind will truly be felt by so many for seven generations.

My son saw this yesterday and sent it to me. So sorry for your loss Cheryl, Heather and all the family. I met Tom at the first Native Physicians meeting some decades ago. I saw him last when he received the NAAA award. I drove to Saskatoon (or was it Regina) from Winnipeg so I could be there to see him all decked out getting the well deserved honours. I was so pleased that he was awarded the Order if Canada as well.

Tom was such a good guy, and a great mentor for students. And, he had a teasing sense of humour. Many years ago when I worked for the federal government in First Nations health administrator, Tom laughed and said, “Why don’t you get a real job. “ Of course he meant I should do clinical work if I wanted to make a difference. I used to get a chuckle “that he eventually got the health admin bug too!” I have a lot of good and funny memories of Tom. I hadn’t seen him in quite a number of years but he was always in my heart. I will miss him. I, and Doug Shore, loved spending time at the cottage; it was in the turkey season!! Hugs to you all.

I am so very sorry to hear of Dr. Tom's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Tom for the last ten years in his role as co-chair of our advisory committee. He was an extremely kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable man, who inspired those around him to fight for Indigenous health equity and a health care system free of racism and discrimination. I am so very grateful for his mentorship and friendship. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace Dr. Tom.

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Tom in Thunder Bay at Anishnawbe Mushkik. He was also the first PCP that my husband had upon return to Thunder Bay and his diagnosis of PKD. Without people like Tom in our lives, my husband surely would not be here.

Not only was Tom a phenomenal Nurse & Physician, he was an incredible human being. The many chats I was able to have with him are some that I will never forget. Always with a wise word and one of the smartest people I had ever met.

Our hearts break for Tom's family and friends. Rest Easy Sir until you can give me gentle "crap" again. Will miss you immensely.

I graduated from St Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1972 with Tom. I remember him being very passionate about everything he did and how he loved to debate with anyone willing to participate! He accomplished so much in his lifetime! His passing is a big loss for his family, friends and his Indigenous community! May he Rest In Peace knowing what an impact he made here on earth!

Cheryl and families
Len and I are so sorry for your loss. We knew Dr Tom when he lived in Thunder Bay. He was a neighbour of ours when we lived at Marino Park Condominium! We often had visits a glass of wine or two and great conversations. If it hadn’t been for Dr Tom Len and I would never have our wonderful doctor that he recommended to us Dr Lorna Gillen. We are forever in his debt for that! We thought the world of him. Our hearts are broken for your loss!
Len Beland and MJ McCracken

My condolences to the family. I worked with Tom in Muskoka and considered him a friend. He will be missed.

I would have the pleasure of running into Tom while I was at the Valhalla. His wisdom and kindness was obvious even before he spoke. I always looked forward to our conversations. It saddens me that we will not meet again here. My condolences to his loved ones.

My condolences to the family. I met Tom in Thunder Bay through mutual friends. Tom was a interesting man I only wish we could have had more time. Rest In Peace...

My heartfelt condolences to you and yours. Tom was a great man that helped my children and I , and my late beloved brother . We lived in Bracebridge, On . Sending healing hugs to Tom’s family . RIP Dear Tom . You will be forever missed . Thank you Tom for being a great friend to my family.

Was very saddened to hear this news. My deepest condolences to his family.
His work was vast and his accolades many. His work, on behalf of the indigenous population, was evident and passionate. I had the pleasure of working with him at Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch in Thunder Bay as it was known then.
You will be missed.