Thomas Arthur Donald Fetterly

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan Muriel Fetterly (Cameron) formerly of Saint John NB, his son Robert Fetterly (Teresa Crooks-Fetterly) of Mount Uniacke and daughter Margo-Ann Munro of Auckland, NZ and 4 Grandsons, Craig (Katie) of Middle Sackville, Kyle (Kristen) of Mount Uniacke, Colin (Christina) of Cole Harbour, Ian Munro (Anna) of Auckland, and 7 Great Granddaughters, several nieces and nephews.

Tom was educated and played both hockey and football at Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax and attended Dalhousie University.

T.A.D. as he was known in the military, joined the Army Reserve as part of the COTC programme and served from 1951 to 1955. IN 1956 he joined the Regular Canadian Forces as an Artillery Officer serving in Montreal, Picton Ont, Pettawawa Ont, Shilo Mb, Hemer Germany, and Gagetown (Oromocto) NB, where he served until his retirement in 1981. During his postings he coached military hockey teams, played golf, curled and taught shooting skills.

On retirement he then joined the Federal Public Service where he became bilingual and served in CFB St Hubert Que, CFB Halifax (Dockyard), and Oromocto NB.

In 1957, he met the love of his life, Joan Cameron at a dance in Saint John, NB and they were soon engaged, marrying on September 20, 1958. Together they enjoyed dancing, traveling in Europe, across Canada and New Zealand and they played cribbage every morning (including while he was in hospital) and each other’s company.

Tom was most proud of being a father and Grandfather. He wanted very much to be involved in the raising of his family which he balanced with military service. He coached minor hockey for many years, and served as President of Hemer Minor Hockey in Germany from 1966-1969 and became a referee. He spent many hours polishing figure skates and editing music for figure skating competitions. He loved watching Rob and Margo compete and spent many hours in cold arenas for morning practices. He enjoyed camping with tent and later by trailer. The family enjoyed long trailer trips across Europe while stationed there and across Canada between postings as well as regular summer holidays. He was particularly proud of his summer gardens.

He always enjoyed spending time at the rink, soccer field with his local Grandsons as well as with his Great Granddaughters and their dance, soccer and hockey. Regular family dinners and social event were a constant source of keeping up with local Grandchildren and local Great Grandchildren (Kaylee, Kinsley, Carleigh, Chloe, Kember and Cameron). He was keenly interested in their education, work and recreational pursuits.

Golf was a particular passion of his from an early age and he grew up playing golf at Ashburn Golf club in Halifax. He enjoyed teaching the game to Joan, Rob and Margo and more specifically to his first three Grandsons in Bedford. On retirement, he returned to Halifax to enjoy golf at Ashburn with his older brothers Alan and Warren. He remained a golfer walking the golf course and proudly shooting his age until he was 90.

With Margo in New Zealand along with his Grandson Ian he visited twice with Joan and enjoyed visits from them over the years. He followed Ian’s rugby, skateboarding, education and music career vicariously by letter, email, telephone and later by regular video calls with Margo, Ian, Anna and his newest Great Granddaughter, Daisy.

Visitation will be held at Snow’s Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive in Halifax on March 28, 2026 at 2-4 pm, with flowers by family only.

Donations can be made in his name to the Metro Food Bank or Dartmouth General Hospital, which he proudly supported.