Thomas William Mathews
Thomas William Mathews 1951-2019
Our dear Tom has passed away on December 21 as a result of pancreatic cancer. Tom is survived by his beloved wife Lorna, his step children Anthea Dacruz-Smith and Ian Smith, daughters-in-law Maria and Jacqueline, his grandchildren Jacob, Rio, Evie and Egan, his sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Bryan Parlor in Ottawa along with their children William, Laura and David, and his sister Janet in Vancouver.
Tom was born in Oakland, California. His parents William H. Mathews and Laura Lu Tolsted met in Berkeley when they were both pursuing graduate studies in geology. Tom moved to his father’s hometown of Vancouver when he was several months old. He graduated from UBC, then moved to Toronto to work, then moved to Edmonton when he married Lorna in 2006.
Tom was a unique and wonderful man. A prodigy in mathematics and science, Tom enjoyed his career as a computer programmer and was involved with climate research and stratospheric ozone research. Tom amazed us with his knowledge of history, geography, and current events. He remembered his life in detail and loved to tell stories. For 26 years Tom ran marathons with a personal best of 2:37:25. He participated in the cross-Okanagan Lake swim as recently as this summer. As a family man in his later years, Tom was loving, loyal and conscientious. He was the patriarch.
Tom received excellent and compassionate care at home from the palliative care team and the family is so grateful.
***Due to the coronavirus public health risk, we regret to advise the Memorial Service has been postponed until further notice. We will announce when a new date is determined***
Lorna and Family.
We are very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in this time of grieving for your loss of Tom.
Dear family of Tom. I just learned this saddest news.Both I and my wife Monique (Loiselle) send you our deepest condolences, with many fond memories of our times together at Environment Canada, Toronto. He was such a delight!
I had tried to find both Tom and his sister Margaret, who both attended Lord Byng Secondary School students with my brother and I.
Deeply saddened. Rest in Peace Tom.
Thank you for your kind condolences, Peter. Tom’s celebration of life will be held Saturday May 2 here in Edmonton. Please feel free to contact me at Lorna.mathews@gmail.com.
My name is Valerie, sister of Lorna and sister-in-law to Tom. Tom brought happiness and contentment to Lorna and her extended family. We will all miss Tom very much.
I liked Tom, and am sorry to see him go. The only way I can picture him is with a smile! May we meet again in a sunnier place. To his family: I am so sorry for you loss. With my love, Anita
Thank you for your kind condolences, Anita Mary. We certainly miss Tom’s smile too. I have just updated Tom’s obituary to show the date of his celebration of life. It will be held Saturday May 2 at 2:30 pm at the U of A Faculty Club in Edmonton. All are welcome.
Dear Lorna and family.
We wish to extend our sincere condolences and sympathy over the terrible loss of your beloved Tom. May you find strength and peace from the love of your friends and family.
Dennis and Rolande Gartner
With our deepest sympathy to Lorna and family..We are fortunate to know this wonderful couple in the 2 trips to Vietnam/ Laos/ Myanmar. Tom and Lorna had signed up for the last one to Thailand/ Malaysia/ Singapore in Jan 2020 but did not make it due to Tom’s illness. Tom did amaze us with his deep knowledge about Gepgraphy and Science. Tom was a true athlete and I never forget him when thinking about his running/ swimming achievement! I had a couple head on with him in the pool in Rangoon when he did not have his swim goggles on! Our group now has missed one good man…RIP Tom, our dear friend..you are forever missed – Hoa & Peter