Thomas Rennie Sommerville

He will always be loved and missed by his family: Kathleen, Kim (James), and Meera (Joel).

Born in Scotland, Tom was the youngest of six and much-loved son of Annie Condie. He is survived by his beloved big sister, Anne, who always looked after him, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Tom travelled extensively throughout his life and made friends wherever he went, including the time he was working in a mine a mile under the North Sea and met a follow Scotsman. He will be especially missed by his lifelong friend and best pal, David McMillan, as well as his good friend, Rique Lytle, who brought him many coffees and helped him with numerous projects over the years.

Tom had a long and interesting career that took him all over the world. He started out as a mining engineer in Scotland, managed the pumping and cooling water installations in many of Canada’s nuclear power stations as well as played a key role in setting up a CANDU reactor in South Korea, and was the Asia Pacific Regional Director for a large multinational when he retired. In addition, for many years he helped run an adoption and rescue centre for dogs in Singapore and did extensive volunteer work for National Service Dogs in Cambridge.

Tom had a vast wealth of knowledge and was a man of many talents. He was a mechanical and electrical engineer, pilot, equestrian, professional ballroom dancer, and luthier, to name just a few. Over the years, he repaired and rebuilt innumerable cars, antique clocks, watches, acoustic and classical guitars (as well as the odd electric), and most recently, violins. He was willing to tackle any job and his abilities will be remembered and missed by many.

Tom was known for being kind, generous, and the first to offer help to anyone who needed it. He cared deeply about his family and was always there to help – if dad can’t fix it, no one can!

Our dad made a mean stew (regardless of weather, so it was sometimes enjoyed on 30 degree days), believed there is always room for apple pie (with French vanilla ice cream, of course), never met a dog he didn’t like (they always liked him too and Bonnie and Tasha will miss his “professional” petting), knew every trail in Preservation Park (we’ll think of you every time we pass “Tom’s rock”), gave the world’s best hugs (“give’s a hug!”), and we are really going to miss him.