Tom Routledge D.D.S.

Tom Routledge D.D.S. obituary

Tom Routledge D.D.S.

Tom Routledge Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Mar. 14, 2018.
Tom Routledge D.D.S. January 30, 1955-March 10, 2018. Tom passed away in the Burnaby General Hospital Palliative care unit at the too young age of 63. He was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, Grade 4, in November 2017 and lost his battle with this most aggressive Brain Cancer.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Tom attended Kerrisdale, and Laurier Elementary Schools, Churchill High School and UBC. In 1976 Tom headed to the University of Toronto to pursue his dream of being a dentist. After graduating in 1980, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a dentist, at the Base, and at Royal Military College, in Kingston Ontario. Tom returned home in 1984 to open his general practice in Coquitlam. Affectionately known to his patients as Dr. Tom, he was a gentle, caring and empathetic dentist. He was thrilled and humbled to treat the children and then the grandchildren of his original patients. Tom was also an enthusiastic Forensic Odontologist. He considered his work with BCFORT, where he helped re-unite families with the remains of their missing loved ones, as his most important contribution. He was proud to have been recognized in 2015 by the Lieutenant Governor of BC for this Forensic work when he was awarded the British Columbia Community Achievement Award.

He loved sports, most especially soccer, Fire Halls and above all his family.

Tom was pre-deceased by his parents John and Isobel.

Mourning this terrible loss are his High School Sweetheart and wife of 41 years Barbara, his adored daughters Rachel and Allie, as well his many relatives, friends, and colleagues.

We will all remember him as an extraordinarily kind and generous man who always tried to do good.

A Memorial service for Tom will be held at the Burquitlam Funeral Home. 625, North Road, Coquitlam B.C. on March 17, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, www.braintumour.ca

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

Sign Tom Routledge's Guest Book

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March 18, 2018

Don & Joan Sears posted to the memorial.

March 17, 2018

Donna Elwood posted to the memorial.

March 17, 2018

Pamela Tetarenko posted to the memorial.

25 Entries

Don & Joan Sears

March 18, 2018

Dr.Tom was mine and my husband dentist for thirty plus years. I first went when Tom had his practice at Coquitlam centre because he had evening appointments and l could go after work. I appreciated that service. Always a kind and gentle man. He will be missed. Our condolences to family and staff.

Donna Elwood

March 17, 2018

Dr. Routledge was the only dentist in my life that I felt trust in. He was patient and caring, and such a competent dentist for the past 30 years that I've gone to his clinic.
My condolences to his family and friends; he will be missed.

Pamela Tetarenko

March 17, 2018

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Tom, a caring and compassion ate dentist to us for more than 20 years.
Our condolences to his family and friends. The world won't be the same without you Dr. Tom, RIP,
the
Tetarenko's

Steve Touhey

March 16, 2018

So sorry to hear this... we will mis Dr. Tom

Kristina Girardi

March 16, 2018

Dr. Routledge was our dentist for over 25 years. He was such a sweet man - he always took an interest in getting to know our family. He was such a pleasure to talk to and was an exceptional dentist. Our sympathy and thoughts go out to his family, friends and office staff (Trish) during this difficult time. He will be missed.

~The Girardi Family (Roberto, Manuella, Kristina & Deanna)

Steve Dabecki

March 15, 2018

We were so sad to hear of the new of our Dr Tom. He's been our family dentist from the first time we arrived from the UK 23yrs ago. We arrived as a family of 3 and now a family of 5, and Tom has been a friend to the family ever since. All of our family offer our sincere condolences to Tom's family, his friends, and of course his colleagues at the practice. You are a great guy Tom and will be greatly missed....

Steve, Shelagh, Stefan, Alex, Amy Dabecki.

The Weir family

March 15, 2018

Dr. Tom was our family dentist for over 30 years. He was recommended to us, and we in turn recommended him to many others. He was always interested in what was happening in our lives, as well as making sure our dental care was first rate. Dr. Tom was much more than just a dentist to so many. His kind manner and patience were also reflected in the office staff, particularly Trish and Wendy, your first warm welcome when you entered the office. He will be missed by so many...a life well-lived, but gone too soon. Our heartfelt condolences to all the Routledge family and to his office team. Thank you, Dr. Tom, for everything.

March 15, 2018

Out thoughts and sympathy are extended to the family and dental staff, friends of Dr. Routledge. He was a dedicated and special dentist whom will be missed by many. May God Bless and provide peace and solace. Mary Louise and Joe Veltri

Cindy Cassidy-Sorensen

March 15, 2018

We are so sadden by Dr. Tom's passing, he was our family Dentist for our 25 years. He was always so gentle and kind and eased my fear of Dentist. Heaven has gained a truly remarkable man. May he rest in paradise!!

Sincerely,
Jeff & Cindy Sorensen

Shauneen Kellner

March 15, 2018

Dr. Tom has been our dentist for over 30 years. I don't know how I'm going to go forward without his dedicated care. My condolences to his family as well as his practice especially Trish on their loss of this wonderful gentleman.

The Kellner and Bodenschatz family

Paul and Grandson Hayden

Paul Marshall

March 15, 2018

Dr. Tom has been our family dentist since the early 1980's. We are saddened by the loss of such a kind and gentle soul. Our condolences to the family and a huge hug and thank you to Dr. Tom...we send you peace and love.

Gerri Lennax Chisholm

March 15, 2018

Words cannot express my sadness. I am so sorry for your loss. The world has lost one of the best .

Deborah Lees

March 15, 2018

Sorry to hear about the passing of Tom condolences to his family may God comfort you at this time
Deborah Lees

mistry family

March 14, 2018

We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.Dr Tom Routledge and staff were like Family to all us in the Mistry Clan.He will be missed by all of us.Such a great man.Our sincere condolences to his family.

Basil Lee

March 14, 2018

Will truly miss a colleague, mentor, and friend. My deepest condolence to Barb and family.

Deb M.

March 14, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and staff and patients of Dr. Routledge. Dr. Routledge was a wonderful dentist who gained the confidence of his patients by his sensitive chairside manner.

He turned my wimpering fear of dentists with scary instruments into a trust and faith that I could release my terror grip on the chair and know that I was always in the best hands of a kind and skilled professional who knew exactly what he was doing and who understood the importance of cultivating an enduring and trusting relationship with his patients. He went beyond his daily dental practice to use his talents to do important work in the community at large and I admired him for it.

I was so proud to call him my dentist. He chose staff that reflected his kind personality, and my thoughts are with these wonderful people at this difficult time.

Thank you to the Routledge family for sharing him with us. It is a great loss to our community, and I will miss him deeply.

Lisa Nightingale

March 14, 2018

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He truly was a kind and generous man and I have wonderful memories of my time working at the Coquitlam Dental Clinic with him. My sincere condolences.

Kathi Por

March 14, 2018

I only had the pleasure of working with Tom for 2 Yrs. He was taken from us much to soon. My father passed 24 Yrs ago from cancer at the age of 61. I know the pain.
Tom was my Saturday Boss, never once did he Boss me. He was an incredible Dr., human, and an amazing Dentist! I miss you dearly! One day I'll see you again!
Heartfelt hugs to the family, as I know, these are very difficult times.

Elaine She

March 14, 2018

Andy and I are both grateful that Tom had graced our lives with his existence. He would always have a positive impact in influencing our present and future actions. He had been a wonderful friend and business partner. Our deepest condolences to Barb, Rachel and Allie.

March 14, 2018

My heart is so sad to hear the news that Tom has passed. One of his first patients in 1984. He looked after me my kids and now my Grand Children. Tom became a regular in our life and I looked forward to the warm welcome, how are the kids and just saw your Grandkids yesterday! Tom you will be so missed. My deepest condolences to his family and staff.

Margot Olah

March 14, 2018

Dr. Tom Routledge was not only an outstanding dentist, he was an outstanding man. Our family only ever felt the best comfort under his care. He was kind, gentle and had the most amazing chair side manner. I had been at his practice since the beginning in 1984. He will be missed dearly by all.
Our most sincerest condolences to his family.
Margot Olah and family

Brian Jones

March 14, 2018

I remember Tom fondly from school and UBC. What a sweet guy.

Carol and Dick Morris

March 14, 2018

We are so sorry for your loss.. Tom was our family dentist for over 30 years, starting at Coquitlam Center.

Sincerely,
Carol and Dick Morris

Pam & Jeff M and family

March 14, 2018

So incredibly sad to read of Dr Tom's passing, our trusted dentist for 30 years. Heartfelt condolences to all his family and colleagues at this very difficult time.

Marlies & Brendan Dick

March 14, 2018

Tom was my family dentist for over 30 years. Starting out in Coquitlam centre. His daughters went to school with my boys. Tom's practice was always like home. He was a gifted dentist and a lovely man. We are so sad for everyone's loss. Thank you Tom for looking after my family

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Burquitlam Funeral Home

200 Bernatchey Street, Coquitlam, BC V3K 4C3

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Sign Tom Routledge's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 18, 2018

Don & Joan Sears posted to the memorial.

March 17, 2018

Donna Elwood posted to the memorial.

March 17, 2018

Pamela Tetarenko posted to the memorial.