Obituary of R. Thomas (Tom) MORRISSEY

August 9, 1951– Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
August 8, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that the family of R. Thomas (Tom) Morrissey, announce his passing after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tom is survived by his sons, Joshua (Josh) Morrissey and Jacob (Jake) Morrissey; several cousins, and extended family and friends. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Loretta; and sister Candice Morrissey.

Tom was born to Roy and Loretta (nee Maier) Morrissey on August 9, 1951, in Moose Jaw, SK, and was raised in Regina, SK. After graduating from Campion College in Regina, Tom moved to Calgary to attend the University of Calgary, graduating with a Bachelor of Science. Later, Tom furthered his education with a Master of Education from Gonzaga University and completed the Canadian Securities Course from the Canadian Securities Institute.

Tom enjoyed two very distinct career paths. The first, teaching and coaching high school and junior high in the separate school system in Calgary, capitalizing on his tremendous love of helping kids. Some of his greatest memories and proudest moments came coaching High School Basketball at Father Lacombe, guiding the team to a 4A provincial championship in 1983. His second career path took him into business and finance, owning a successful direct marketing firm, and later, in wealth management, as a financial advisor.   

Sports were a massive part of Tom’s life, and in his youth, he played hockey, baseball and football, captaining many of the teams he played for. As he grew older, he was best known for his abilities on the football field as a Quarterback. Later, Tom renewed his childhood affection for animals, owning horses, and with his love of horseback riding, he competed in gymkhanas around southern Alberta. He proudly rode in the Calgary Stampede Parade as a member of the Calgary Western Riders, immensely impressing his young sons watching in the crowd.

All who knew Tom appreciated his enormous pride and joy in his sons, Josh and Jake. He was a dedicated father and hockey Dad who loved coaching his boys! Tom’s true calling and passion was coaching, and in 2005 he started his own camp for Defence players, D-Rules. Over fifteen years, Tom’s D-rules camps hosted over 850 players, and his innovative coaching style helped many young players to improve and reach their dreams. Tom’s care and attention to each player that he coached and mentored, his infectious energy, and his passion for the game will be his lasting legacy with D-Rules. Tom, Josh and Jake shared many great memories on the ice together with D-Rules, and the boys will be continuing the camp in his honour. 

Tom had a deep affection for his sons’ partners, Margot Seaman (Josh) and Danik Chynoweth (Jake). Tom also shared great memories in recent years with Dauna Jones, and cared immensely for her and for her daughters, Shelby and Tessa, and their wonderful Golden Retriever, Bentley.

A Memorial Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., for family members and friends, with a Reception to follow at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on here. If friends so desire, please consider a donation to the Glass Half Full Foundation, which will be making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in Tom’s honour. https://www.easydonate.com/glasshalffull/donate.

The family would like to acknowledge Jaime and the staff at Qualicare for their attentive care during Tom’s final days at home. They would also like to thank all of the great doctors and nurses here in Calgary who showed him so much support and provided him with outstanding care. A special note to Liz and Dave Bean from Tom’s sons: “no words can express our gratitude for your friendship and extraordinary devotion to our father and family throughout this last year in his battle with cancer and beyond”.

In living memory of Tom Morrissey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
 

Tom's memorial card can be viewed using this link