Obituary of The Honourable Thomas Baird MCMEEKIN

He will forever be loved and respected by his family, and in particular his wife of 47 years, Alexandra (Sandy) McMeekin (nee Gunter). He leaves a legacy of courage, strength and integrity to his children Hilary (Joseph Kuhach) and Greg, siblings, godchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. His spirit lives on in his grandchildren Benjamin Thomas and Sophie. Born in Winnipeg, MB, Tom and his younger siblings John and Abigail were raised in Calgary, AB by their parents John and Peggy. Living in Elbow Park, Tom attended Rideau Park School and Central High School. He then attended the University of Alberta, pledging to become a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959. After working for a year in the energy sector, Tom moved to Ontario and graduated with a law degree from Queens in 1963. Tom articled with McLaws, McLaws, Deyell, Dinkel, Floyd & Moore in Calgary and was admitted to the Bar in 1964. He then spent a year practicing law in Banff with Nesbit, Beaumont & Church, after which he moved back to Calgary and joined the firm Mason, Lamarsh & Kryczka. He was with Mason & Co. for 10 years until he was appointed to the Provincial Court of Alberta in 1976. The Royal Canadian Navy played an important role in Tom’s life. He joined the Sea Cadets in February 1952 and in the next successive summers he traveled to Ontario, Nova Scotia and Europe. In 1956 he was the only Alberta Sea Cadet awarded with the Navy League Scholarship, something presented to cadets who are educationally and physically outstanding. He later joined and spent summers with the University Naval Training Division during his university education. After graduating, Tom joined the Naval Reserve and when he retired to focus on his family, he was Lieutenant Commander at H.M.C.S. Tecumseh. One special role that he remembered fondly began in 1968 when he became Honourary Aide-de-camp to The Honourable Grant MacEwan, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. He continued in this role until April 1971. In January 1981 Tom was diagnosed with chronic and progressive multiple sclerosis. This debilitating disease had a profound impact on Tom; however, it didn’t define him. He never complained and consistently strived to work beyond his disability, support his family and contribute to the community. In January 2004, Tom moved into Carewest Sarcee and two years later he moved to the Colonel Belcher long-term care facility, where he lived until his death. Tom always put others first and was an active member of the community. He served on many boards and committees and was a member of the Zetland Masonic Lodge. In February 2002, Tom was awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal and in September 2005, he was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal, in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to their community or to their fellow Albertans. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at The Anglican Parish of Christ Church (3602 – 8th Street S.W. Calgary, ABT2T 3A7) on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make contributions in honour of Tom McMeekin to the University of Calgary MS Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, 1403 29 St NW Calgary, AB T2N 2T9.