It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Thomas Harold Morgan, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Tom passed away on December 9th, 2021 at the age of 86 at the North Island Hospital in Comox.
Tom was the only child of Harold and Margaret Morgan and was born on August 3rd, 1935 in Bootle, Lancashire, England. He never forgot his humble beginnings in a working class neighborhood and always considered himself a “scouse”, proud of his Liverpool roots. As a young student Tom excelled in his studies which resulted in a placement at Bootle Grammar School. This opportunity allowed him to continue on to teacher’s college where he specialized in Physical Education. A gifted teacher, Tom loved working with children and spent a large portion of his 35 year teaching career working with elementary students. Although he taught in a variety of locations, Tom spent the bulk of his career in Edson, Alberta where he was vice principal at Evergreen Elementary School for many years.
Tom loved physical activity and began playing sports as a child. He played soccer and rugby, was a sprinter on his college track and field team and pursued numerous personal activities like mountaineering, golfing, skiing, hiking and kayaking. He was a lifelong supporter of the Liverpool Football Club and continued to watch their matches right till the end.
Tom’s adventurous spirit was evident in his desire to see the world and he travelled extensively during his lifetime. He left England with his young family in 1966, immigrating first to Australia and then, two years later, to Canada. Summer holiday trips included travelling to the east coast of Canada, camping throughout the western United States and visiting family back in England. Once retired, Tom travelled further afield to destinations in Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
At his core, Tom was a people person who loved being around others and helping those in need. During his years as an educator Tom helped numerous students learn and develop skills which would help them throughout their lives. Once retired, when Tom relocated to the Comox Valley, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and dedicated a large portion of his time to volunteer activities. Groups he supported included The Sonshine Lunch Club, L’Arche Canada and the Adult Learning Centre. He did several trips to other countries such as Mexico and Guatemala volunteering labor and time. Tom was very active with the Anglican Church and his commitment to helping others was guided by a strong Christian faith.
Anyone who knew Tom was familiar with his quick wit and keen sense of humor. He loved to banter and laugh with others. Tom maintained a positive outlook throughout his life and was continually grateful for the gifts he had been granted, most importantly his family and friends. He will be missed by us all.
Tom is survived by his daughter Helen ( Blake), son Graeme, grand daughter Jillian, grandson Morgan (Rachel) and great-grandchildren Luka and Laela.
A memorial service will be held for Tom at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Wednesday December 15th, 2021 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to L'Arche Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.