Thomas Henry Gorkoff

Tom was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan on March 7, 1940, to Peter and Mabel Gorkoff. Tom graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. After graduation, Tom moved to Calgary to embark on a career in Calgary’s Oil and Gas Industry. It wasn’t long after Tom’s arrival that he met Judy, and they were married 11 months later. Tom was the best man for Dick Gajek and Judy was the maid of honour for her sister Karen at Karen and Dick’s wedding. Two best friends marrying two sisters made for some really great times!

Later, Tom and Judy with Scott, Kristy, and Choo Choo in tow, moved to Oak Bay, Victoria. This new place quickly became home in their hearts. Tom and Judy loved to be on the ocean and were often found fishing on the weekends with a bucket of KFC, cruising around the local islands and enjoying all that life had to offer. If Tom was not on the ocean, he could be found in his yard gardening. Tom had quite the green thumb and his passion to have a green lawn and a perfectly tended garden. All of this was wonderful, but it was the friendships they made along the way that made this special place home. After two short years, Tom’s work brought the whole family back to Calgary.

Throughout Tom’s early years, he enjoyed several sports and activities. Tom was a Saskatchewan Roughrider fan, while Judy was a Calgary Stampeders fan and ex- cheerleader. This rivalry was more fun to watch than the game. Tom was an avid curler and curled in several petroleum leagues plus bonspiels. Tom’s passion for curling took him off the ice as well. He was an enthusiastic spectator and travelled to many Briers and Bonspiels collecting curling pins along the way. Little did we know his collection of curling pins would grow so big.

Tom was a member of the Willow Park Golf course for over 20 years. He golfed with a group of guys on men’s night who called themselves “The Hackers” and for good reason! Golf brought this group of men together, but the bond of friendship kept them close. Tom’s greatest passion was pin trading. Following the Calgary Olympics in 1988, Tom created the Calgary International Pin Club, which is still active today. He is known for collecting the most complete set of 1988 Winter Olympics pins and spent time on the radio years after the Olympics answering questions about all pins and their worth.

Tom retired from his rewarding engineering career in 2008. Tom and Judy were free to move back to their happy place in Oak Bay, Victoria. They became members of the Victoria Golf Club, where he golfed with old friends and made several new ones. As time went on, Tom had his routine. You could find him walking to the marina for a coffee most afternoons. In the early evening, he would sit on the balcony and watch the ocean while listening to his favorite Tenors. Wherever you found him, he would be wearing his old burgundy golf hat.

As we move through Tom’s life, his greatest adoration of all was his family. Most recently, his grandchildren were the light of his life. He watched them grow and enjoyed his time with the kids at the tidal pools, out for dim sum, watching their hockey games, and listening to their stories. Tom was sentimental and a proud Grandpapa.

What people seem to remember the most about Tom is his sense of humour and his big smile. You can now see that big smile in his own children and grandchildren. He has left us a reminder of himself in all our memories. Tom was a loving husband, father, grandpapa, uncle and friend. He will be missed very much, but thankfully his memory will be with us all forever.

You will be missed greatly Tom, Tommy, Dad, Grandpapa! xo

If friends so desire, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society in Tom’s name.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com