It's with sadness that Carol and I have just learned about Tom's passing.  Our sincere condolences to both your family and colleagues.

I'm stating the obvious when I say Tom was a trail blazer, advancing the environmental sciences into the political and social agendas of corporations and government alike.  By his skillful oratory and penmanship he expressed his conviction that the Environment had rights worth protecting.  He was the Environment's penultimate champion.

It's said "that one's judgement is only determined after one's influence has past."  With that statement ringing in my head, I can tell you Tom influenced me and I've influenced over 30,000 treatment operators so far in my career and so I expect his influence to 
perpetuate forward exponentially. I'm only one, but Carol can say the same when she worked for TRICIL, (an early Ontario waste management company). Tom's publication was factored into how that firm's executive operated in Canada. It made a difference.

Tom expressed the best possible ideals while remaining pragmatic, and never accepting of the status quo as anything but a place from which to advance. As you each move forward in dealing with his death, Tom Davey's values live on, thoroughly instilled in those whom he acquainted. We grieve for the loss of the body and wonderfully rejoice in Tom's spirit and his life lived.  Blessings and peace be upon you.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Tom was easily one of my favourite people, a bright light in his writing and in his endless supply of innovative and creative ideas.  He was also a humble man- whenever we talked about science and chemistry he would claim to be unable to understand, but he'd also add his own take and invariably come up with his own version of the topic, and his was the more sensible and workable plan.

I loved our talks over a lunch or drink and I knew I was lucky to have him as a friend and an ally in the environmental battles of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I'll miss him. We'll all miss him.

So sorry for your loss, Sad news. Your Dad was a big influence on my career as Arnie & Guy & I started Hazardous Materials Management magazine. He blazed many trails for all of us and will be fondly remembered and missed. Sincere condolences,

My condolences to you and your family. Your Dad was also a mentor to me and one good guy. He always had time for me and was very friendly. He will be missed by many people in the industry as well as his family and friends.

I just read the article in your magazine about the passing of Tom. I am very sorry for your loss. He was such a nice person and a great reporter / editor.  His articles were amazingly bold and informative. I wish all journalists would have the same courage and vision. Please accept my sincere and deep sympathy.  He will be missed.

I am really sorry to hear about the loss of your father Tom.  Although I only met him  a few times over the past 30 years I know he was a great father, man and conveyor of critically important information for our world. So thanks to your entire family for all that you have contributed to make our world better and for our grandchildren (yet to come).

I'm very sorry to hear of Tom's passing and you have my deepest sympathies. Tom was a remarkable man, and he will be greatly missed. I hope the coming days will bring you rest, give you peace and help you draw strength from the caring hearts around you, and in time, all the good memories will comfort you.

He was a neighbour of mine, and I would love our "chats" on many subjects, particularly on the environment.  I won't soon forget him.  My deepest condolences.

Penny,  I am sad to hear of the passing of your Dad.  I know the struggle your family faced with the slow loss of his real presence in your life.  I hope your good memories carry you through this time of year and further.  I'm sending prayers and good wishes your way: from Garry's cousin.

My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I can remember him well from early in my career walking around CANECT, always very willing to pass on advice to those new to the enviro industry. He is now in a place to get back to work and to work in peace!

My heartfelt condolences to you and your families on the passing of Tom. I was shocked to learn the sad news upon my return from vacation. It was unfortunate how he suffered in his final days, but rest assured he is in everlasting peace now. I am sure it was tough on the family seeing him live through his pain. 

He was a good friend, a man of principles, fearless in his opinions and helped our industry tremendously during difficult times. Beyond all, he taught us about life values, ethics and doing what was right. I sincerely admired Tom's friendship and enjoyed our discussions on history and the future. He was an amazing man and you should be very proud of him. I will miss him dearly. May his soul rest in divine peace.

My sympathy on the death of your father. He was, I agree, a very optimistic and positive person: a doer, with the brain to get things done well. He will, of course, live on through his children and grand children. My thoughts are with you and your family.

I just wanted to send you a quick note to express my sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. What a great man and what great contributions he made to the industry and community. He impacted so many people through his words and I know that you are all very proud of him and will continue to honour his legacy. May he rest in peace.

I want to offer my very heartfelt condolences to you both, and to your family. The loss of a loved one is never easy. I remember Tom from my first days at Aer-O-Flo when he periodically showed up in the office to visit Harry Marshall and the crew. I am saddened by Tom's passing, and he will be sorely missed.

Sorry to hear about Tom Davey's passing.I had an opportunity to meet and chat with him once at the Icebreaker of a WEAO Conference, seven years ago. It was a few good minutes and I really enjoyed the conversation and was impressed with his memory. As you had noted: “We hope he is now in a place where his mind is sharp again and he is writing his memoirs.“ I am sure he must be in a better place, and amidst a group of like-minded writers/ journalists who enjoy what they did/do.

My sincere condolences to you and your family. He had a long and successful career. He is now in a better place. May he rest in peace.

My most sincere condolences to you and the Davey family. I had but brief direct interactions with Tom over the years but will certainly remember him for the passion and enthusiasm that he consistently conveyed to me when we spoke.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a great man and did so many wonderful things for the industry in Ontario and Canada.I was just thinking about him the other day as a matter of fact. You can be very proud of your dad as I am sure he was of you.

I remember Tom from when I started in the water industry back in 1987.  Tom had a wonderful ability of remembering "everyone's name" and approaching you at the WEAO and WEFTEC conferences and having pleasant chats about the industry. He always made us feel good and that we were embarking on the most noble profession, that of keeping our water clean. I believe that he also used the information from the various "chats" he had to prepare his editorials in ES&E magazine that were always regarding the state of the water industry and that more work needed to be done by legislators to improve the quality of our water.

Tom's editorials managed to discuss the current state of the water industry and combined it with humour to deliver a powerful message that the business of water is and will always be of paramount importance to Canadians and others in this rapidly evolving world. With Tom, the adage "the pen is mightier then the sword" was something he took to heart and applied it to all his editorials and with his pen changed the water industry to become a much more rigorous and accountable industry that it is today.

The Davey family is the legacy of Tom and you have kept up the great work that your father began. Keep up this great work, challenge the industry and know that your creative works will honour your father's memory and his actions for the next generation.A truly great man...

My heartfelt condolences to the Davey family for Tom's passing. Tom was an exceptional man that made a difference in so many ways. I grew to know Tom well through my dealings with his magazine and was a great admirer of the energy, passion and wit that he brought to his work. I always looked forward to conversations with Tom, knowing that he would leave me with inspiration, enlightenment and a smile.

Dear Sandra and family
I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  He was a true friend and a real soldier of environmental protection.  He will be truly missed by all of his many friends.  My sincere condolences to you all.

Sandra,Steve,Penny and family. My sincere condolences on the news of Tom's passing. Like so many in our industry I was blessed with the opportunity to meet and chat with Tom on many occasions. His insight into our industry, wit, and unique turn of a phrase will long be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing Penny. I know how much your father meant to you and how much you loved him......he was a lucky man to have had such a wonderful life. Sending you Love and hugs. XO

From: Mike Stadnyckyj 

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. He was the first editor that I worked with at the start of my water career (19 yrs ago) and he treated me like an equal from day one. I greatly appreciate all of the mentorship he provided and still use many of the skills and values that he shared with me over the years.

Was so sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Tom. He has always been a legend in my mind and I have always been proud to tell friends and colleagues of my great uncle who left for Canada, became a police man, later started an environmental magazine, was invited to meet the Queen, etc, etc....He was certainly part of the inspiration that pushed my family to move to Shanghai and then latterly Singapore. Even my son is named Tom in part after him. Anyway his legacy will live on in us all I am sure.

My condolences to the Davey family.  Tom will certainly be missed by all who knew him or had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful man.
Carrie Greenlaw (Lakefield, ON)

Dear Sandra, Penny and Steve, I am truly sorry and very saddened by Tom's passing.  Please accept my deepest condolences.  Tom was an exceptional person, tireless advocate of engineering profession, my mentor for many years, inspiring, charismatic, visionary, innovative, and witty even when embracing new challenges.  Tom loved his family, friends and profession.  He was passionate about the world's wellness.  He was sharp, quick on his feet and lots of fun to be with. My memories of Tom are endless and wonderful.  Tom's legacy will live for ever.  I feel very fortunate, enriched and proud to have known Tom.

We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your father.  
Sincerely Kim Yaremko

My deepest sympathy to the family. A truly dedicated, well respected professional in the water industry. Tom always had kind words to share. He will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences Sandra, Steve and Penny.  I have wonderful memories of fun times spent with Tom.  Tonight I shall raise a glass or two in his honor; a fine person whom I am proud to have known.  
RIP buddy!

I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful man of warmth, wit, and generosity. He was a role model and a mentor for me in my teenage years, and his passion for writing, politics, and environmentalism continues to inspire me today.

I am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Tom was a great person and you must be proud of his legacy. My first encounter with Tom was through a book I found in Rick Reeves' office when I joined Can-Am Instruments in 1995: "For whom the polls tell...". I've read it and I told Rick: I'd like to meet this witty man! A few years later Rick introduced me to him, at a trade show. 
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

My love to Sandra, Penny and to you Steve. Tom, your father and my godfather, was a remarkable man in so many ways. Please God, he is now at rest and reunited with the mother and the sisters who loved him so dearly and who were so intensely proud of him.


I'm so sorry. I loved my uncle Tom very much and he will be missed in England and Canada. Love to you all.

Your father Tom I remember as a completely engaging, interesting person to talk to, before and even after his unfortunate struggle with Alzheimer's. Last time I saw him was at Colleen's 50th party and he, although stricken with this terrible disease, obviously still had his wonderful sense of humour. His wonderful spirit will be missed by anyone who knew him.

We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was the best neighbour anyone could ask for, we shall miss him always. He has left behind a wonderful family that we will continue to cherish through the years.

We were saddened to hear about the passing of your dad. We hope you feel the warmth of friends and family at this time. Please pass along our sympathies to your mother as well. Alzheimer's takes a terrible toll on both the victim and their families and perhaps one day there will be solution. I know they appear to be making headway but it never seems fast enough for those afflicted.
 
I remember my first impressions of your dad at the PPE meetings and thinking that here was a man who was just bursting with knowledge, energy and enthusiasm. We talked quite a bit about his past and I am a bit of a buff at listening to such stories. We shared quite a bit at those times and I remember how happy he was to attend our meetings at the Toronto Police Association building and in particular going down to the lounge afterwards. (Full of cop mementos)

My deepest condolences on your loss. It's sad to have your dad pass away, as I did a few years back. You had a good relationship with your dad, with many memories you will have for your life. We will miss Tom at the cottage.

I'm so sorry to hear this news but I'm glad your dad is no longer burdened by his struggle with Alzheimer's.  It's almost liberating to know that your dad can now move forward with the next phase of his journey. I know that the past number of years has been very difficult for your dad and of course his family. I went through a similar situation with my dad many years ago and to this day I never think of him as sick or tired. Rather, I think of him the way he was when he was full of life and enjoying himself. I know you'll feel the same way about your dad once enough time has passed.
 
Take care of yourself Steve and please pass along my condolences to both Penny and your mom.  I had lots of interesting chats with your dad over the years and I'll never forget him.

We are so sorry to hear this news. Take comfort in the fact that Tom is at peace now and probably getting a head start on writing his earthly memoirs. Our memories of him are of the time when he was vital, funny, engaged in life and passionate. Please let us know what we can do to help. Our thoughts are with you.

Very sorry to hear of your father's passing. I didn't get a chance to get to know your Dad very well as when I got involved with WEAO and joined the Board, he had already started reducing his activities. However, whenever I spoke to him, he always had a smile and a word of encouragement for someone who was relatively new to the industry. He was always encouraging of younger people and always had a warm story to tell.  He will be greatly missed by many.  

You can be very proud of the legacy of the magazine that you and he built and will continue to prosper. My father went through a similar long illness before his death a number of years ago and I can appreciate that this is a very difficult time but you and your family. You can take comfort in the fact that his long period of suffering is over and focus on the good times that you and he had together.

Sandra, Steve, Penny and family, we know how much you must grieve Tom's passing. However, Tom's spirit was strong - strong enough, in time, to transcend this current sadness. Judy and I will always remember Tom as a man of strong character and great 'gusto'. He was kind and thoughtful and a great supporter of all good things. Tom's energy was a force to be reckoned with - one that does not necessarily go gently into that good night,  but which must surely remain present as a flame to light and warm the hearts and minds of all who knew him. We feel privileged to count ourselves among that number.

Sorry to hear about your dad Steve,he always managed to find time to chat with me at conferences,he was very knowledgeable on many topics.I am sure you will carry on his legacy.

Bill Girard       Cornwall, Ontario

I feel very privileged to have known Tom. He was a compassionate and thoughtful man with a strong commitment to the social good. I enjoyed discussions with him and perhaps, most of all, admired him in his role as mentor, especially to young people. In this, he leaves a legacy that will carry on. My condolences to the family.

We were very sad to receive your news but pleased that Tom did not suffer and that his family were with him at the end. I have advised our Edith & Beth of Tom's passing and they also send their condolences.

Please pass on our family's sympathy and, in particular, to your mother,Sandra, who has just lost her life partner.

So sorry to hear about your dad's passing. A real void in your life but such amazing memories you have...that is a blessing......take care and know you are being remembered at this difficult time.

Please accept our condolences on your loss. Your dad was a great person, and in my case a great motivator. He was always challenging me around writing style, and I think it made me a better writer. If Lisa and I can be of any help to you and your family during this time of sorrow, please let us know.

Steve and Penny
I am very sorry for your loss.Your father played a very significant role in the water and wastewater industry here in Canada. Please pass my condolences on to your mother.

You have my deepest sympathy and condolences, Steve. He was quite a man, leaving a legacy to be extremely proud of. I will treasure the very fond memories of such an interesting, humorous and engaging person.

I am so saddened to hear about Tom.I was not aware that he was seriously ill.I have very recent feelings about losing a parent as you know and my heart goes out to you and your family.  The key thing is that he is in no pain - that is important for when you remember him in the future.

My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom.  His editorials in ES&E  throughout all those years were inspiring to read and remarkably knowledgeable.  His contribution to the Environmental world is outstanding.  My sympathies to Sandra, Penny and Steve.

Dear Sandra, Steve and Penny- Tom was one of Canada's  Environmental Engineering's best spokesman and supporter. He will always be remembered by the thousands of people he has met and worked with over his many years - 

He has passed this on to you - so carry on
Bob Goodings - Gore & Storrie Toronto

Tom - a thoroughly entertaining and erudite character who will be long remembered for his enthusiasm and unflagging support for those of us working to keep the place clean ...

On behalf of all of us at Endress+Hauser Canada, we extend our sincere condolences to the Davey family and all Tom's friends and colleagues. Without the dedication and passion for environmental issues that Tom championed over his long career, organizations such as ours ... and the research and development of technologies, systems and services that benefit the environement would not have been possible. He will truly be missed and leaves us all with big shoes to fill. Our symapthies to the Davey Family.

Tom leaves us with a remarkable and memorable legacy, both in the good work of his life and his proud prodigy to carry on that good work. He will be missed but not forgotten.

People like Tom live forever through his many accomplishments and amazing contribution to the water world.
Deepest sympathy to Sandra, Steve, Penny and Family - may God help you through this difficult time. 
With thoughts and prayers.

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. He was a literary pillar in our industry and he will be missed by many of us. My condolences to his family, friends, and admirers of Tom's hard work.

Sandra, Penny, Steve and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Tom.  He was an ardent supporter of the engineering profession, an excellent journalist and a singular resource on the history of our industry. I will miss his wit and humour and I will particularly miss our discussions of WW2 history, which I enjoyed immensely. His memory will live on in all of us who knew and admired him.

Sandra, Penny and Steve - Tom was a wonderful man and I am very lucky to have known him.  He will be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom was a gentleman through and through.  He always had a kind word to say and showed interest in your life.  His legacy will live on.

Dear Sandra and Family,

I have read the many wonderful tributes to your husband Tom Sandra and I am sorry not to have had the pleasure of knowing him.

I join all the other's in their tributes and you are in my thoughts, with much love, Nan

Sandra, Penny, Steve please accept our condolences. Tom was such a great communicator, passionate about his writings and accomplishments. His sense of humor was amazing. You will always be in our prayers.

As a recent Journalism graduate, I first met Tom in the 1980s when I learned about his environmental magazine and did a bit of work for him. He provided welcome insight into my new career. We reconnected again when he was a member of the Richvale Writers and again later when he launched the Aurora Writers group. Learning of his passing is a shock. My sympathies to Sandra and family.

Tom, you'll be missed by thousands of Canada's environmental industry professionals. You were a guiding light to many who looked forward to reading your wise editorial words. Never shy, you spoke openly and lucidly of the many complex issues of the day and were revereed by many. What a wonderful contribution you made. Thank you for all that you gave us.
Rest in peace dear friend.
br />

Dear Penny,
I too understand the pain and sadness of loosing a father who meant the world to us.   I like to think we are better people for having such wonderful fathers to guide and love us throughout our lives.  
My heart is with you and your family.   


Dear Penny, 
We are very sorry for your loss.  May the good memories of you father live on in you forever.
Love Tia & Jeff

Sandra and family, please accept my sincere condolences. I always enjoyed chatting with Tom about environmental issues and concerns. He was passionate, caring and so very knowledgable and always willing to pass on advice. He left a wonderful mark on the world and he will be missed.

Sandra and family I send my love, thoughts and prayers.  Tom was a good friend and mentor to me., I'm so glad that I met him and will always remember and be grateful for the huge encouragement I received from him.


My special friend has gone but will never ever be forgotten. His smile will live on forever. My sincere condolences to all of the Davey family. I'm a true believer that he will watch over you. Talk to him he will listen.

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Davey family. Tom was a passionate and enthusiastic writer. He added so much "spark" to the early beginnings of the Aurora Writers' Group and was so willing to share his writing experience and passion with beginning writers in our community. He will be missed.

We are very sorry to hear of your father's passing, Steve and Penny.  I remember a very intelligent, high spirited man who loved to engage in great debate.  I always enjoyed my conversations with him.

Steve, Penny and Mrs. Davey - you are in our thoughts and prayers.


Sandra, Steven and Penny. We want to express our deepest condolences to you all. Tom was a great man and we have awesome memories of him and of when he and my dad would get together. They are in heaven now whooping it up and having a grand old time I'm sure because I can hear their laughter still! Thoughts and prayers with you all. Love, 

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Davey family. Tom was such an interesting man with a wonderful wit. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. The engineering profession that he supported so strongly and the water industry will miss his wit and his insight.

An accomplished writer and thinker who became a point of reference to the Canadian water and environmental industries. Tom, your legacy is in good hands with Steve and Penny.

Tom and I shared many adventures over many decades, even to us both living in Tasmania in our mid thirties sometime in the mid 1960s.I have vivid memories from earlier than that throughout the 1950s of us being conscripted into the Royal Air Force. After the interlude of national service Tom and I continued our adventures, riding motor bikes in Europe and spent a fair deal of time in the Alps. 

My mind goes back also to the evenings we spent in Tom's house with his mother Nellie looking after us as if we were kings instead of rowdy teenagers. And that reminds me of the sad occasions many years later when I visited Nellie in the nursing home when she was suffering from Alzheimer's. It was so sad that she didn't recognise me and it gives me some insight into how it has been for all of you for these last few years of Tom's life.

Vale, Tom my old friend of more than three quarters of a century. You taught me the dangers of the overuse of x rays. You were the first person I heard talking about the dangers of the global greenhouse effect. You came to Tasmania and taught me how polluted by mercury our seemingly clean river was. I am so happy to have known you so well for so long.

Steve, Sandra and Penny I was very sad to hear the news about Tom. I always enjoyed conversing with Tom at conferences and industry functions. He always asked about my family and Business he was a truly a genuine person. He will be missed.

A bright light has been extinguished.  I feel honoured to have known Tom.  My condolences to the family.

We were very sad to receive news of Tom. It must be some comfort to know that Penny was with him and his care worker, I am sure he was very fond of her. I do believe people can sense these things.

I cannot begin to imagine the shock even when it is expected. You had been together a very, very long time. I can remember when you first brought Tom home, this rugged policeman with great ambitions and who could talk for all of us.  I particularly remember going swimming to an outdoor pool with him and he patiently persuaded me, against my better judgement, to dive into the water. I often wished he was around to do it again because I was never brave enough on my own.

You must have many happy memories; you had some great adventures together and made a complete team with his energy and your calm common sense. You must be very, very proud of what you achieved together with a beautiful and loving family and the magazine. Between you, you have all created a great legacy.

Brian and I are thinking of you.

I was so sorry to hear your sad news, and our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Even though he was in poor health it must be a great shock to you  In the future you will remember all the happy times you had in your long life together. Tom was very fortunate to have you and the rest of his family looking after him so well.

Tom's spirit is with me forever and he will always be a friend. Our collective memories of Tom (family and friends) will continue to   share the good times. He is a gentleman and shall be missed. Regret that I cannot attend his celebration of life. Grant

Steve and Family. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Always enjoyed talking with your dad. He was a very intelligent man and well spoken. I know he was a big part of your lives and he will live on in your memories of him and in your hearts.

OBITUARY

Thomas Peter Davey

8 June, 1930 – 25 November, 2014

Thompson Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services