Thomas "Tom" Malcolm Carey

It is with deep sadness that the family of Master Corporal Thomas "Tom" Carey, CD, announces his passing.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, proud sailor, and respected veteran who served his country with honour for 33 years in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Armed Forces as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

He began his military career as a member of the ship's company aboard HMCS Bonaventure (CVL-22), Canada's last aircraft carrier. The "Bonny" remained the ship closest to his heart, and he often spoke fondly of the friendships, adventures, and experiences that shaped his life. He frequently described HMCS Bonaventure and 32 Squadron as sister organizations, with personnel serving both ashore and at sea. Although the Canadian carrier fleet was eventually decommissioned and he wore several different uniforms throughout his career, Tom always proudly said, "I am Navy."

Tom joined the Navy to help maintain Canada's new fleet of Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King helicopters, beginning a career that took him around the world in service to Canada. During his distinguished military career, he served with 32 Squadron, 50 Squadron, and 12 wing Shearwater, Air Maintenance Squadron, as well as aboard HMCS Assiniboine, HMCS Fraser, HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Protecteur, HMCS Preserver, and HMCS Margaree. He also served at Stone Frigates- HMCS Cornwallis, HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Prevost, and CFB Shearwater.

Upon his retirement, Tom left the Aircraft Maintenance Shop at 12 Wing Shearwater with the unique distinction of being the last Naval Airman to have served his entire military career continuously at Shearwater. It was an honour he carried with quiet pride, one that was formally recognized and documented upon his retirement from the CAF.

While Tom was deeply proud of his military service, nothing meant more to him than his family. He shared more than 56 years of marriage with the love of his life, Jo, and even in his final hours. He continued to blow her kisses, a beautiful reflection of their love.

His beloved wife, Josephine Carey, whose quiet strength, love, and humble care meant so much to him and to our family. Her nearly forty years of nursing experience quietly came into focus during her retirement, as she devoted herself to his comfort and well-being. She carried that responsibility with grace and never sought recognition for all that she gave. Our family will always be deeply grateful for the love and care she gave him.

He leaves behind his children, Cindy Proctor (Walter), Kevin Carey (Colleen), and Corinne Carey (Kristan Gagnon); and his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Proctor, Michael Proctor, Madalynn Proctor, Rylan Carey, and Hayden Carey, all of whom brought him tremendous pride and joy.

The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to Tara Dares for her kindness and support in helping Tom remain at home over the past five years.

Tom had a lifelong love of animals and will be greatly missed by his faithful dog, Shadow, and his cat, Will. He was predeceased by his beloved dog, Molly, and by his brother, Kenneth Carey.

A proud member of the Whites Lake Legion for more than 50 years, Tom remained committed to supporting veterans and their families throughout his life.

Tom will be remembered for his unwavering sense of duty, his quiet strength, his stories of life at sea, his love of family, and the pride he took in serving his country. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and in the generations of family who loved him.

Fair winds and following seas, Sailor. Your watch is done. Rest easy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Whites Lake Legion, supporting veterans and their families in need, a cause that was close to his heart.

Celebration of life will take place at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood, August 11, 2026. 1800-2000. A private family Inurnment will take place at a later date.