Thomas Joseph Stafford

Tom passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in his 98th year at Victoria General Hospital. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Audrey (nee McMunn) in 2003. Also predeceased by his sisters, Rita, Patricia and Norah and his daughter Sharon McBride (Keith) He will be greatly missed by his surviving children, Larry (Carol), Dale (Jane), Wayne, Jeanie (Terry), Noreen (Howard), Debbie (Steve) and Jackie (Randy) and his grandchildren, Lori Lynn, Debbie, Paul, Jenn, Krysta, Kelly, Dagny, Steven, Michael, Tess and Abby and many great grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. Tom was born in Perth, Ontario, the only son of Thomas Stafford and Margaret Doyle. He was employed as a foreman in the forestry department at Ontario Hydro for over 30 years. He made many lifelong friends there. Tom took up the bagpipes in his fifties and enjoyed playing in the Cobourg Legion Pipe Band. He played his pipes for fun after that. Tom and Audrey relocated to Victoria, B.C. in 1989. Their lives in retirement took up a rhythm of frequent family gatherings and outings. He also became a self taught artist and created many works of art for family and friends. Tom spent his last years at the Berwick, Royal Oak. He was still meeting new people and maintaining friendships to the end. The family thanks his physician of many years, Dr. K McQueen for his excellent care, the staff at the Berwick for all they do so well, the ambulance teams that came to his assistance, and all those at Victoria General who cared for him during his hospitalization. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.