Obituary of Donald Thomas Tom AYLESWORTH

September, 1, 1941 – Calgary, Alberta June, 23, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta Donald Thomas Aylesworth, a co-founder of Foothills Academy, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, in the loving arms of his family. Born in Calgary to parents Agnes and Wes Aylesworth, Tom was raised in Bowness, where he formed life-long friendships. Active in both Land and Sea Scouts, Tom achieved the level of Queen’s Scout and served as a leader and supporter of the Scouting movement for many years. He was also involved with the Bowness Boys’ Choir (as President and Trustee). He was the recipient of the Masonic Medal of Merit a number of years ago for his contributions to Calgary Lodge as Mentor for many years. Tom also served as Chairman of the Board of Nickle Family Foundation from 1995 to 2010. Tom attended Kansas State University and the University of Calgary, graduating in 1967 with a degree in clinical psychology. In 1968 he completed the Professional Teaching Certificate, and spent a dozen years with the Department of Special Education at the Calgary Board of Education, working with special needs and learning-disabled students. In 1979 Tom co-founded Foothills Academy, today a thriving school for 270 students with learning disabilities. Tom served as Business Administrator of Foothills Academy from 1979 to the time of his death. He is survived by and will be deeply missed by siblings Sam (Diane) Aylesworth, Carol (Allan) Cameron, Sigrid (Glen) Mundy, Art (Debbie) Aylesworth and Frank Aylesworth, and sisters-in-law Arlene and Wendy Aylesworth. Tom also will be missed by many cousins, and by countless nieces and nephews and their children – for whom he was a favourite uncle. He will also be missed by his other family – the staff, students and supporters of Foothills Academy. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Wes, by brothers Bob and Allen, and by nephews Randy Cameron and Sam Aylesworth Jr. All who knew Tom will miss his consistent good humour, his very effective yet understated leadership, and his unfailingly generous support for all who needed support. A guiding light has passed from our lives. The family wishes to thank the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Dr. Geddes, Clinical Trial coordinator Nicole Dunse, and all of the other competent and gracious professionals who supported Tom throughout his thirty-five day struggle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. You were all very kind and thoughtful. Thank you. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Wednesday, July 8th, 2015, at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre, 5225 101 Street N.W. in Calgary, at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire memorial tributes can be made to a charity of your choice or to the Nickle Family Foundation, Box 438, Suite 234, 5149 Country Hills Blvd. N.W., T3A 5K8, where a Legacy Fund to support students at Foothills Academy is being created in Tom’s memory. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Tom Aylesworth, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: 403-241-0044.