Obituary of Thomas Patrick Mugridge

Tom died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife and best friend, his eyes taking in the view of his beloved Rocky Mountains, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 66 years old. Tom was our husband, father, grampa, brother, mentor and friend. Born in Red Deer, Alta., he attended a one-room prairie schoolhouse in Condor, Alta. before joining the Canadian Army Militia at the age of 15. Tom had a 25-year career in the Canadian Military, serving in Gagetown, Borden, Bermuda, Chilliwack, Shilo (Brandon), Kingston and Hamilton. He rose quickly through the ranks from apprentice electrician to Master Warrant Officer. While stationed in Chilliwack, he earned his private pilot license with multi-engine and night ratings. Tom retired from the armed forces in 1985 and attended the University of New Brunswick, graduating with a Bachelor of Education degree. Later he worked as a senior inspector for Industry Canada, Weights & Measures. In all, Tom gave 43 years of loyal service to the Government and people of Canada, for which upon his retirement from the Public Service in January, 2007 he was recognized by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. However, his most prized achievement was the Peer Recognition Award he received from his colleagues at Measurement Canada in 2002. Tom’s outstanding trait was his unique mixture of strength, gentleness and his deep compassion for the human condition. He was a man of great integrity, patience, wry humour and kindness. Even in his final days, when he knew his time was close, his main concern was for the welfare of his family. Besides his loving wife of 33 years, Samantha-jane, Tom is survived by sons Jeff and Garry (Lynne); grandchildren Eric, Sarah, Stacey, Laura and Brian; brothers Dan (Frances), Dick (Theresa Lalonde) and Jerry (Susan); brother-in-law Robert Shirley (Eva Rodier); nieces Kelly Rance, Bonita Fanzega and Samantha (Doug) Rothwell; nephews Paul and Stephen Mugridge and William Mugridge; mother-in-law Nettie Shirley and devoted canine friend “Chelsea”. He was predeceased by his first wife Yvonne Brown; and by his parents Bill and Isabella Mugridge. “One could do worse than be a swinger of birches.” – Robert Frost – Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W.) on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family thanks the caring staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, and of Cochrane Community Home Care. In living memory of Tom Mugridge, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.