Esmond Thomas Dunwoody

Dad passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2014, at the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is reunited with his son Brian and brother Don. Tom is survived by Eileen, his loving wife of 68 years; children Pe-ter (Connie) and Janice; grandchildren Damian (Becky) and Michelle (Corey); his sister Edna Oppelt; sister-in-law Liz Dunwoody and numerous nephews and nieces.

Born on January 2, 1924, and raised in Winnipeg, Dad served in the Royal Canadian Navy in WWII as a Chief Petty Officer. After the war he obtained a B.Sc. at UNB Fredericton, followed by a B.Ed. and M.Ed. at McGill University. He began teaching at St. Thomas High School in Pointe Claire in 1960 and later taught for 17 years at various schools in Greater Victoria. In retirement he sought to give back to the community by volunteering on a full-time basis. In 1996 Tom was awarded the Governor General of Canada’s ‘Caring Award’, largely for his work with the Metchosin Volunteer Fire Department, Victoria General Hospital, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91, Victoria Meals on Wheels and the Greater Victoria Citizenship Council. He also worked with the McGill Society of Victoria, Western Communities Food Bank, Lester B. Pearson College, William Head Prison and Juan De Fuca Hospital Society. In 2003 he was nominated for the C-FAX ‘Citizen of the Year’ award.

Dad will be remembered for the passion he held in every aspect of life and the selfless giving in helping others. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Star of the Sea, 595 Galiano Crescent in Belmont Park (Victoria) on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at 1 pm, followed by a reception at the Metchosin Fire Hall, 4440 Happy Valley Road.

Our heartfelt thanks to Drs. Pengilly and O’Connor, the Metchosin Fire Department, Island Health, and his caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Metchosin Volunteer Fire Department or the Crossroads Hospice Society (in Vancouver).

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria, BC.