It was a sad day when my Brother Tom passed away. I spoke with him approximately once a week and he was always upbeat. Many of the awards that Tom had were not known to the family as he never mentioned them.

He receive d excellent care at the Colonel Belcher and our appreciation goes out to them, and to two very special friends of Tom's who checked on him regularly and made sure he was doing well, Mr. Barry Pearson an Accountant and Mike Detheridge, a retired friend and retired Army Medic.

Ed and Marlene Rockburne,

Retired, RCMP, RCAF, and CSIS.

The Rockburne Family -

I write to express to the family the sincere condolences of the Patricia’s on the passing of Thomas Rockburne. I may have met Thomas at one stage, but my old head cannot be sure. He certainly had a varied career and a full life. We are glad he had the Colonel Belcher facility to reside in at the end.

The Regiment remember Tom's service, and the family I am sure is proud of that service. He did many things in the name of peace and security. His name will be read in this year’s list of the lost when we read that out on November 11th, 2021 in the Sacred Space in Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2021 edition of the Patrician’s Last Post section.

Thank you all for helping Tom in his life.

Brigadier-General Vince Kennedy (Retired)

Colonel of the Regiment

Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

Our Condolences to the friends and family of Tom or Rocky as he was known by our family. Tom shared many stories around our dining room table during family dinners over the years. He was never one to miss an outing to see everyone.

Sometimes we had to wonder if he was really blind with his keen sense of direction. When we visited before Covid restrictions he always wanted the update on what everyone was doing. Yes, he loved his cookies & donuts. He had me keep his container refilled of squares and chocolate candy that he loved when we came to visit. After my cousin Marjorie passed and Jean came into his life he was once again able to travel the world to show Jean where he had been during his days in the army. Oh the buddies he will be able to reminisce with again.

R.I.P Rocky

Don Evelyn Rondeau & Family

It was with great sadness to read of our dear friend's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. Our late father, my husband, my sister and husband, my family and myself became fast friends with Tom whilst my father's almost 4 years of living at the Colonel Belcher Veterans Centre. Tom was our Dad's, and often ours, dining room table mate and next door neighbour - Room #3. We loved kibbutzing, listening to Tom's adventurous life stories, sharing time down at the jukebox, playing cribbage, sharing a glass of juice or cup of tea, painting buddies, playing games in the recreation room and, oh yes, don't forget sharing the late night snack of ice cream with him. Our Dad loved his ice cream as well. His fun-loving and positive outlook on life was ever-present. We thoroughly enjoyed our times together with him and are so sorry that we were not ever able to come back to visit or to say 'good-bye' due to the COVID-19 restrictions. He has left an imprint on our lives. He was a valiant servant for our country and we will remember him with grateful hearts and fond memories. With virtual hugs, Ginny & Brian Winter and Pat & Gunther Bauer