Obituary of Thomas Edward ROCKBURNE C.D.

September 8, 1926 – Ottawa, Ontario
January 25, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas (Tom / Tommy / Rocky) Edward Rockburne, C.D. Tom passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the Colonel Belcher Veteran Centre, Calgary, AB, at the age of 94. 

Born in Ottawa, ON on September 8, 1926, to Louis Joseph Rockburne and Clara Melvina Rockburne (nee Taylor,) Tom started his military career during WWII; first joining the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa on February 2, 1942, serving until November 26, 1942, he then served with the Merchant Navy of Canada from 1942 to May 1944. Following that, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving from December 1945 to March 1946. Finally, he enlisted in the Canadian Army, serving from April 1946 to April 1970 with the PPCLI. During this time, he was deployed to both Japan and Korea during the Korean War, and to Germany during the Cold War. After 27 years of service with distinction, Tom retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and began a 20-year career with Canada Post, eventually retiring in Calgary. Tom received his first medal in 1944 following his deployment in WWII. He would receive his last medal 75 years later in 2019 – the Canadian Peacekeeper Service Medal. His service was also recognized with numerous international medals and honours, including from the Governments of South Korea and Australia. 

Post-retirement, Tom kept busy as a veteran’s advocate and a community service leader, completing 60 years with the Royal Canadian Legion. His exemplary volunteer services were honoured in 2015 when Tom received the Ministers of Veterans Affairs Commendation and again in 2019 when he received the prestigious RCL Branch Service Medal. In addition, he was awarded the Canada 100 Medal (1967), Canada 150 Award (2017), the 50-year RCL medal with 55-year bar (2019), City of Calgary Citation, and an Order of St. John Vice Priory Vote of Thanks from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta (2019). 

Throughout his life, Tom had 75 years with the Canadian Naval Veteran Association (Ottawa and Calgary), 65 years with Burma Star Association of Canada (Calgary), 60 years with Korean Veterans Association of Canada (Calgary Chapter) and 48 years with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry Association (Calgary Branch). Tom also belonged to the Canadian Airborne Regiment Association (Edmonton) and was involved with a career mentoring program to help youth across Canada. This included mentoring students from the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Columbia College, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, University of Alberta, as well as new or potential recruits of the Canadian Forces and Army, Naval and Air Cadets across the Calgary region.

Tom was predeceased by his two beloved wives, Majorie Thelma (nee Besner) in 2001 and Jean Clay in 2014, as well as his brother Louis (Thelma) and his sister Irene (William). Tom is survived by his son Gordon of Toronto, ON, brothers, Lawrence (Clara) of Ottawa, ON, Ronnie (the late Irene) of Perth, ON, and Edmund (Marlene) of Maitland, ON; as well as several nieces and nephews. 

A special thank you to Tom’s dear and long-time friends, Barry Pearson and Michael Detheridge, as both were like honorary sons to Tom. They advocated for and assisted Tom with any needs and enjoyed reminiscing over many cups of tea (with cookies or double chocolate donuts) about any subject, especially his military service and Canadiana. Further thanks go to Dave Ingram, Kathy Herbert and Tina Tung from Branch 275 Forest Lawn Legion for ensuring Tom could attend his Legion and Association meetings. 

Tom’s family and friends give heartfelt thanks for the wonderful care Tom received from the staff at the Colonel Belcher Veterans Centre where Tom resided since 2015.

Tom’s happy whistling and ever-present smile will be deeply missed by all. 

A memorial service will be announced once restrictions surrounding COVID-19 allow.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s name may be made directly to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, www.cnib.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Thomas’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Thomas Rockburne, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.