Obituary of Thomas Alan Windsor

July 6, 1965 – Olds, Alberta

January 5, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

The morning of Friday, January 5, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer, Tommy went to his eternal home. Since being diagnosed in August 2023, he defied the prognosis from every Doctor he met. Tommy’s positive attitude, sense of humor, and wit was shown right up to his last breath.

Gone far too soon at the young age of 58, is a special man many know by the name of Tom. More importantly he is known as son, Tommy, honey, brother, Pappa Tom, Uncle, brother-in-law, and friend.

Tommy is survived by his wife Sandy Windsor, of Calgary, stepdaughter, Stephanie (Ty), stepson, Justin, grandchildren, Keldon and Ember; siblings, Merrilee (Jim), Dawn (Tom), Laura, Bill (Kathleen), and Anne (Nigel); as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a great-great-nephew.

Tommy was born in Olds, Alberta, on July 6, 1965. He called the Calgary area home since moving there in his early 20’s. He and Sandy started dating in 2008. February 19, 2013, they snuck away on a trip to Las Vegas, returning with rings on their fingers and an announcement that “they had wed”!

Shortly after graduation, Tommy was employed by Bow Bender Magazine. His position there consisted of obtaining advertising, and in addition, he was responsible for writing the column “Equipment and Stuff”. This column depended on his personality, expertise, and experience in bow hunting. These qualities gained the trust of archery manufacturers who sent him pieces of archery equipment to be tested and then reviewed in the column. After attaining his Millwright Trade Certification, he moved to Calgary, pursuing work at Cargill, IPSCO and the United Steelworkers 6673 Union. With his dedication, knowledge, and strong work ethics, he once again built trust, relationships, and excelled in every job. We have learned only recently how much he cared for those he worked with, the opportunities he opened, the backlash he would give the union by defending others in what he believed to be “right”, and the acts of kindness he would do for those who just needed good. It is clearly visible; Tommy is highly admired and respected by his colleagues.

By six years, Tommy had a hardy bamboo fly rod in hand and fished as long and as hard as his dad and his big brother Bill. Because he was so little, Dad or Bill would carry him to the spot of choice where they would leave him to cast the dam or creek, and when time, they would head back to “the spot” to carry him out. The name “Big Fish Tommy” was designated due to always catching the biggest fish. His love of fishing never faded, although when work got in the way, he continued to cast his rod every chance he had. In 2003 he started “Bow River Hookers”, where he guided on the Bow River. Why not bring in some money while doing what you love to do. Vacation destinations were not chosen based on beaches but rather they were based on “how good is the fishing”. Fishing in Australia, New Zealand, Florida, Vancouver Coast, and Mexico were highlights.

Tommy was four years old when he got his first gun, of course it was not a real gun, because the legal age was twelve. The gun was a double barrel pop gun that shot corks. That gun came with several wind-up ducks that he used for target practice as they waddled across the kitchen floor. Tommy was always with Dad and Bill, he hunted with that pop gun just like it was a real gun. He insisted on having his own blind, just like the big hunters. On a particular occasion while hunting ducks, the three were settled in their blinds as a flock of ducks flew overhead. Dad and Bill were hoping the flock would take a turn to allow them a chance to knock one out of the sky. They knew their chances were diminished at the sound of the “POP!”. Tommy had jumped out of his blind, took aim and... POP! Tommy had his own 12 gauge shot gun as soon as he was legal, primarily hunting pheasants. Big game was a target at that time as well; he used Dad’s 6mm. WW Guides was established by the two brothers; they guided primarily for bear and elk, and by then, the guns had been replaced by a compound bow.

Tommy had an incredible sense of humor; you never really knew if he was telling the truth or pulling your leg. He kept his visitors and caregivers smiling right up to his last breath. He led people to believe he was an unhappy, grumpy fellow, hiding the fact his heart was big. His humility hid his success, his talents, and his contributions.

The family has been made aware of a side of Tommy that we did not know existed. Tommy has always been the “little brother”. The one we all protected. The one who stirred the pot, even threw some of us under the bus on occasion. Seeing the respect, gratitude, and love people have for him is a gift.

Save a place for us Tommy, we’ll be there soon.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Tommy’s family here.

In living memory of Tommy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.