Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the entire Waddick Family with the passing of Tom Waddick!
Death Notice courtesy of Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Ltd
Mr. Tom Waddick
It is with profound sadness and the deepest love that we mourn the loss of Tom Waddick who died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020 with his loving wife Carolyn by his side.
Born in 1946 in Chatham, Ont. to his late parents Michael (Mickey) and Marion Waddick, Dad is forever in our hearts as the bedrock of a loving family that held him in the highest regard. He is survived by his wife and guiding light of 48 years, Carolyn Waddick (Fitzpatrick); son Jaymie Waddick and his wife Kelly, along with their kids Emma Waddick and Hunter Rossignol; daughter Tina Jonmaire and her husband Randy, along with their son Cameron; and daughter Michelle (Milo) Pino and her husband Dan, along with their sons Thomas and Justin. He is also survived by his adoring brothers and sisters-in-law Bernie Waddick (Wendy Waddick) of Victoria, B.C., Barry Waddick (Penny Howson) of Oakville, Ont., and Mark Waddick (Marylisa Waddick) of Lasalle, Ont., along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by his uncle Jimmy (and aunt Pat) Waddick of Chatham as well as many cousins and extended family.
Dad fought hard to stay with us for eight and a half years after his cancer diagnosis and through it all, he stayed strong for his family. He will be remembered as a gentleman who carried himself with dignity, integrity, strong faith, and the highest moral character. Dad was as honest as the day was long. He valued family and friendship above all and made a lasting impact on everyone around him.
He worked extremely hard and was proud to serve and contribute to his community. Dad would often joke that after trying every high school in Chatham, education was not his thing. When we look back at his life accomplishments, he taught us so much about working hard and treating people the right way.
He joined the OPP in 1964 and served in both Chatham and Wallaceburg over a seven-year career. In 1971 after deciding to leave the police force, he bought a fuel truck and joined forces with his dad—a two-truck operation that later grew with his partner and brother Mark to become what Waddick Fuels is today. He was an honest businessman and a tireless worker who earned the trust and admiration of countless colleagues, customers, and friends along the way. Whether you were an executive with Petro Canada or one of the hundreds of farmers and local businesses he was proud to serve, Tom Waddick was deeply respected for the way he conducted himself and business.
Dad will also be remembered for the many passions that brought balance to his life.
He loved hockey growing up and proudly represented his beloved Chatham Junior Maroons both on and off the ice. An accomplished player with the Maroons during his younger years, Dad would later volunteer as a Board Member with the Chatham Maroon Alumni Association to support the continued success of his hockey alma mater.
No activity brought more enjoyment and friendship than the game of golf. He and Mom were proud members of Maple City Country Club for nearly 40 years and they shared a deep connection to the game. After retirement in 2005, their golf and travel adventures took them to ‘Wrinkle City’ in Florida where they built another deep network of friendships through golf. Playing partners so often remarked, ‘Good Shot Tom’ to Dad’s consistency on the course that the nod would eventually inspire goodshottom@hotmail.com as his email address.
No passion held greater importance than family and what began as a blind date in 1970, would grow to become a 50-year partnership rooted in unconditional love. He was a role model who instilled deep family values in his children and was adored by the grandchildren he held as the lights of his life.
Whether it was through family, business, sport or community, Dad forged the deepest of relationships over his lifetime, and one would be hard pressed to find someone say an ill word about the man. He was loved, respected, and admired and as his family and friends mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that his soul is at peace and his impact is lasting.
The family would like to thank the many people that have supported Dad along his journey. This includes the London Cancer Centre, Chatham oncology department, Blenheim Medical Place and all the health care providers and many others who lifted his spirit along the way.
A private funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the funeral home with Deacon Jerry Lozon officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. Cremation to follow with interment at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation-“Oncology/Radiology Department”, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance-“Cancer Care-Oncology”, and the Chatham-Kent Health Family Team-“Blenheim Medical Centre”. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderfuneralhome.ca
Thank you, Dad, for loving us all unconditionally and for reminding us that a round of golf, a game of cards or a drink on the patio are moments made better when we can share them with others. Until we meet again, we know you will enjoy your next heavenly Manhattan.
