September 20, 1945 - Sept. 16, 2018 - After a courageous, inspiring, and heroic two-year battle with ALS, Tommy passed peacefully at home in Port Hood. Born in Inverness to the late John and Margaret (Gillis) Batherson, Tommy was the fourth born of 11 children. During his childhood years, Tommy had a very special bond with the Cameron family of Port Hood.
Tommy was a hard-working man and put a lot of pride into everything he did. At an early age, Tommy moved to Hudson Hope, B.C, to work on the Bennett Dam. He returned home and worked in Wreck Cove and then eventually ran his own contracting business, Batherson Brothers Construction.
Tommy was a very community-minded man. He took a keen interest in the events of the community, but more importantly, the people. Whenever anyone needed a hand, Tommy was the first person at their door. He was a very social person and had a large group of friends from all areas of his life. Tommy lived his life to the fullest, as most weekends he could be found on the golf course,or at the curling rink during the winter months. He loved to make a few dollars off the boys on the course and he enjoyed their golfing trips to Florida. Tommy was well-known for his fish dinners and for sharing his fish cakes. He enjoyed a good card game, especially when he won. He had a contagious laugh and he enjoyed hearing a good story, or telling a good story.
Tommy was a very good family man. After the death of his first wife, Marlene, Tommy admirably raised two daughters on his own for many years . In 1995, Tommy married Jenny. While he loved being a father, no one can deny that his biggest joy was in being a grandfather. Bampie, as he was lovingly known, thoroughly enjoyed every minute he got to spend with Lucas and Lily. He loved everything about them and the feeling was mutual.
Tommy is survived by his wife,Jenny (MacDonell) Batherson, who lovingly cared for him for 23 years, but especially so in the last two years. He is also survived by his daughters, Kristi Batherson (John D’or), Prairie, Alta,; Sandy Batherson-Campbell, son-in-law Ian Campbell and their children Lucas, John and Lily Gabriella Valleyview ,Alta.; also survived by his brothers, Ian (Helen), Pat (Margo), Gerry (Marion), Martin (Dougelda); his sisters, Rita (Robert), Pauline (Ernest), Anne, and his sisters-in-law, Anne, Marguerite, Annie Margaret, Jessie Mae, Mary and Sandra. Tommy also had many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Tommy was blessed to have excellent medical care during his battle with ALS. Special thanks must be given to his family doctor, Dr. Suzie Egar. Our most sincere thanks goes to the palliative care team, especially Lori Ann MacDonald and Dr. Ritter. Thank you to the staff of ICMH, the Home Care nurses and the Home Support workers who all lovingly cared for Tommy.
Tommy was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret (Gillis) Batherson; his first wife; Marlene (MacMillan) Batherson; his brothers; Donald Anthony, Archie and George; his brothers-in-law, Gerard and Alex Duncan MacDonell, John R. Gillis and John MacDonald; as well as his sister-in-law, Dollie (MacMillan) Burrell.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 19th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m in Port Hood and Area Resting Place. Funeral mass will take place on Thursday, September 20th in St. Peter’s Parish at 11a.m. with Fr. Vincent vanZutphen officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. No flowers, please. Donations can be made in Tommy’s honor to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or to the ALS Society of NB & NS.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
