Dr. Tom A. BARRETT

Dr. Tom A. BARRETT August 2, 1944 - January 31, 2015 Passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy. Beloved husband, adored father, brother, friend and respected doctor will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Tom is survived by his wife Marion, daughter Gillian, son in law Rob and son Nial. He is also survived by his brothers Denis, John, brother in law Billy along with their wives and numerous nieces and nephews back home in Ireland.

Tom arrived in Canada with a bang in 1972 following great success both scholastically and athletically in Ireland. He captained both his School and University Rugby team's while also earning a spot on the vaunted Munster Rugby side. Upon graduating with a degree in medicine from University College Cork, Tom interned in Pediatrics at both the Mercy Hospital in Cork and later at Vancouver General Hospital. In 1973 Tom found his calling when he entered family practice, as a family physician he treated every patient as if they truly were family and received the same appreciation in return. In 1974 Tom added to his duties when he became an instructor at the Department of Family Practice at UBC Medical School. In 1976, Tom joined a team of physicians at the Olympic Games in Montreal. This proved to be a proud and exhilarating experience for him when his peers voted him to lead the team as Chief Medical Officer. Through the years that followed Tom remained a respected figure in the medical community as a staff member of numerous Hospitals in the Vancouver area while simultaneously running his very busy medical practice with his partner and wife Marion. Most patients can attest to what a hallowed team they were.

In the mid eighties following his rugby "career" Tom found a new passion and picked up the game of golf. For nearly 30 years he could be found wandering the fairways of Point Grey Golf Club. At his club Tom will be remembered for his gregarious nature, generosity and love of a good story at the bar, however not necessarily for his golf skill by those he bested. He travelled annually with his dear friends and colleagues on numerous golfing adventures around the globe, however the courses in Ireland always held a special place in his heart.

Tom will forever be remembered as a kind, gentle and courteous man whose presence and cheer filled every room he graced.

The family would like to thank the extensive medical team who saw him through his journey. Dr.'s Harpur, Teal, Spacey and Mackenzie. Nurse Heather and all the staff from St. Elizabeth's. The family would especially like to thank all of the wonderful lifelong friends who visited and supported him through his tumultuous battle with MSA.

Thank You.

Prayer Service will be said on Tuesday, February 10th at 7:30PM at St. Augustine's Church, 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC where a Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ALS Society of Canada or the BCSPCA.