Obituary of Thomas Alexander Cumming

October 14, 1937 – Toronto, Ontario

May 11, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Tom Cumming, much-loved husband, father, and granddad, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2020.

Tom was born in Toronto, the middle of three boys, to Al and Anne Cumming. After graduating from the University of Toronto Schools, Tom continued his education at the University of Toronto, receiving his Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering and Business.  In 1964 Tom met his future wife Mary, with whom he shared the next 55 years.  Together they raised three daughters, Jennifer, Allison, and Kate, with Tom’s career taking them overseas to Dublin and London before making Calgary their home in 1975.  

Tom immersed himself in Calgary’s business community, first as Senior Vice President with the Bank of Nova Scotia, then as President and CEO of the Alberta Stock Exchange.  During that time, he served as President of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and led several delegations with Canadian Economic Development. Tom retired in 1999 but remained busy serving as Chairman of Alberta’s Electricity Balancing Pool, and Director of the Alberta Capital Market Foundation. He also served on various boards including Pengrowth, Predator Drilling, and was a founding member of the YMCA Heritage Club.

Tom’s most valued role was that of husband, father, and granddad to his girls. He adored his granddaughters Maya, Sasha, Haiden, Jamile, and Katiuzca, especially when they visited the family cottage on the Severn River.  Here you’d find Dad enjoying a walk in the woods, a peaceful kayak, or a ride in the tin boat.  He shared a love of travel with his wife Mary, exploring Europe, the Middle East, and Central America. As an adopted Calgarian, Tom loved long drives in the mountains, a great day on the ski hill, or an afternoon at a Stampeders game.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the YMCA Calgary Endowment Fund https://www.ymcacalgary.org/endowment. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Tom Cumming, 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.