Thomas Gallaway

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas (Tom) Joseph Gallaway, 94, of Sydney at Harbourstone Enhanced Care on December 29 surrounded by his loving family. An amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Tom lived a full life and was the last remaining member of his immediate family. Born November 29, 1926, in Sydney, he was the son of the late Bernard and Anastasia (Dawson) Gallaway and was a lifelong member of St. Theresa’s Parish.

Tom attended St. F.X. University graduating in 1947 summa cum laude (highest distinction) with a Bachelor of Arts and later earned both his Bachelor and Masters in Education. He embarked on a teaching career that would span almost four decades and would leave an indelible mark on countless students and teachers. In this regard he was a visionary, challenging the status quo and championing underserved students and programs. He was a passionate educator who shone in the classroom. His success as a teacher led to roles as principal of Constantine Elementary and Park Junior High. In his successive role as Assistant Superintendent, Sydney School System, he was considered by his peers as a progressive thinker, who gave freedom to teachers to fulfill their dreams.

Tom loved the Island he grew up on and its people. He came from a family that was immersed in the philosophy of the cooperative movement from its earliest years. As such, he was a lifelong member of the Sydney Credit Union and the Sydney Co-Op. Tom also contributed to hockey in Sydney and was honored for his outstanding 30 year contribution to the Sydney Recreational School Hockey League.

Many people like to fish but Tom – he loved it. Loch Lomond, Rocky Boston, and Brierly Brook were a few of his favourite spots. He had immeasurable patience learning to tie his own flies particularly his favourite, the Royal Coachman. Tom loved working around the yard whether it was repairing a fence, trimming the hedge, or tending the flowers. He enjoyed the role of handyman and went to night school to learn how to finish his own basement and build furniture. The outdoor rink he built each winter was a source of pride and enjoyed by the entire neighbourhood.

And boy was Tom competitive. He loved to play 45’s and Tarabish but hated to lose, mulling to himself after the game about moves he should have made. He was a diehard Montreal Canadiens fan and especially enjoyed bantering with rival Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins fans. Tom could often be found kneeling in front of the television offering advice to players or choosing instead to watch a replay of a game to control which parts to watch.

If there ever was a morning person, it was Tom. His cheerfulness was a source of annoyance at the breakfast table. He had a lot of favourite things in his life – poetry, P.D. James novels, Captain Morgan, his rocking chair, and country music. He could sit in front of a fire or watch the ocean waves for hours on end and he loved to tell jokes.

But what Tom loved most was his family. He met and fell in love with Marie, a nurse in Antigonish, while he was attending university. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage before Marie’s passing in 2006. The love of Tom’s life, Marie was his perfect complement. They led a life full of love and happiness enjoying long drives, dances, and regular trips to Antigonish and Ontario. They bowled in a teacher’s league for many years and enjoyed a decade of winters in Florida. Together, they raised six children in their home at 414 Cabot Street and provided the perfect balance of love, support, and rules to keep everyone on track.

Tom’s children were his greatest joy, and he cherished his relationship with each of them while celebrating their accomplishments. He was a father who was always there when anyone needed a helping hand, a care package at university, or words of advice. He taught each of his children about kindness, generosity, and the importance of faith. He was a meticulous organizer and had a strong work ethic expecting nothing less from his children. Tom was on cloud nine when he went on a Caribbean cruise with his five children in 2011, an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company without the stresses of everyday life.

His random letters to his family were legendary. Written from his experiences with a dose of humour and sarcasm it was Tom’s way to stay connected to the whole family. He was a gifted writer and orator speaking frequently at numerous events.

Tom excelled in his role as Grandad. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren spending many hours with them playing games and cards, fishing, watching movies, and attending sporting events. His age was never a factor in his ability to play games – whether it was crawling on the floor with a grandchild, hiking up a mountain, tossing a horseshoe or floating in a pool.

Left to grieve are Tom’s five children Brenda MacIsaac (John V), Sydney, Raylene Melanson (J.P.), Moncton, Carol Ripley (Tom), Sydney, David Gallaway (Deanna), Halifax and Cathy Gallaway (Jeff), Halifax. Tom is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Cheryl (Chris), David (Lauren), Laura, Michelle, Patricia, Derek, Brett (Christine), Jocelyn, Craig, Clara, Justin, and Brooke and four great grandchildren, Sam, Jonah, Phoebe and Eve, in addition to many beloved nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and beloved wife, Marie, Tom was predeceased by his son Gerald, sisters Delores Fitzgerald, Margaret Marsh, and Agnes Miller and brother Bernard Gallaway.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at St. Theresa Church, 381 Whitney Ave., with Fr. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loaves and Fishes or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be shared with the family by visiting TW Curry Parkview Chapel’s website.

The family would like to extend its sincerest appreciation to the staff on Soldiers Cove, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, where Tom has resided for the past two years receiving exceptional care from the kindest and imost compassionate caregivers. We are forever indebted to these staff members who have continuously gone above and beyond to ensure Tom was comfortable especially during COVID-19.