Thomas Forbes McMenemy

Tom McMenemy passed away November 3rd, 2019 from heart failure surrounded by loving family. We are grateful for the exceptional care in the Foothills Hospital ICU. Tom will be fondly remembered by his sister Johanna McMenemy and niece Maureen; his children, Callie B. Elwayns (Chris Ionescu), Byron and Russell McMenemy; his grandchildren, Andreas Adams, Melody Shepherd (Alex Long-Scott), Hannah, Jack and Phoenix McMenemy, and James Gagyi (Melissa Gagyi); his great grandchildren Emma, Gryphon, Timothy, Charlotte and Haley; and his friends in Calgary and Victoria.

Tom was born in Campbell River B.C. and spent his formative years growing up in Port Alberni with his parents Clare (Peggy) and Herald McMenemy, and siblings Johanna and Harold (Jr). Tom was a prankster in his youth and will be fondly remembered for his generosity, his antics, and his sense of humor. He moved to Calgary in 1956, a City he grew to love and call home. Tom married Marvel Tollington and had three children Colleen (Callie), Byron and Russell. He was divorced in 1987. Tom was a successful realtor in Calgary for Block Brothers followed by a 30 year career working at Canada Post in Calgary and later in Victoria where he lived for 6 years before retiring at 71 years old and moving back to Calgary where his heart and his family were. 

Tom had an incredible mind, his memory at 81 was better than most 30 year old’s. He was an insatiably curious explorer, teacher, historian, and researcher who dove deep into learning about the cosmos, astronomy and possible alternate realities. Tom was deeply fascinated with politics, American history, the British Monarchy and everything related to Canadian trains, and the B.C. Ferries. He knew the King James Bible inside and out, literally reading it back to front 3 times. He never stopped learning and sharing his deep curiosity, opening the hearts and minds of family and friends. Tom lived a simple life, but he was never bored with so much to explore and understand. He always said, "we just don't understand the physics of what is possible in the universe". We are sure he is having a great time finding all the answers now!

Thank you  for all your wisdom, your time, your genius, your heart, your intense curiosity, your long talks, every book, and every article you ever brought over to discuss. You opened our hearts and minds to explore life and all its possibilities. Tom was incredibly independent, living on his own, and driving the streets of Calgary in his red Mustang until just days before he passed. Tom’s laugh was so sweet and funny. His stories and debates will be missed at the kitchen table at Sunday Family Dinners. Dad/Tom, we love you. 

A few of Tom’s favourite sayings:

“It’s never as good or as bad as it seems”

“No-one can take the blessing of God on your life away from you”

“If you like someone they can do no wrong, if you don’t like someone they can do no right”

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