Thomas Francis Hassett, 84, passed away peacefully on February 23rd, at the Veterans Lodge at Broadmead in Victoria, BC. Tom was ordained as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church after completing university studies in Ontario and Ireland. In 1966, after working as a professor at Notre Dame University in Nelson, BC and numerous parishes in the Kootenays, he joined the Canadian Armed forces serving in the navy, airborne, and army as a Padre. Tom left the priesthood in 1972 when he met his wife, Joan, while posted to Cyprus with the UN. He went on to become a social worker and eventually the Vice Principal and Principal at Saint Andrew’s High School in Victoria from 1988 to 1995. Tom is survived by his wife Joan; three of his four children, Gavin (Caroline), Rory (Phairat), daughter Nicola (Papa Yoro); seven grandchildren, Jesse, Sabrina, William, Athena, Dior, Nancy, and Birame; predeceased by his son, Liam in July 2000.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Lodge at Broadmead or Saint Vincent DePaul Society.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St Joseph the Worker Parish on Friday, March 3rd ,2017 at 1pm.
McCall Gardens
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Seru B
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Niall Connolly Very sad to hear of the death of TOM we got to know him when he came to work in the mines in a arigna co Roscommon when he was on Holidays from maynooth collage where he studied for the priesthood he was a very young man a long way from home he was great fun we Lost contact with him when back to Canada so to his wife and you know you had a great hosbent and father he will be remembered in my prayers Niall Connolly Dublin Ireland
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Anne Davis I was totally unaware of Uncle Tom’s parachuting adventures back in summer 1970. But evidently he was keen to share his love of life and adventure with my cousins and me. He took my three cousins, their friend, and me tubing down the Similkameen River in Keremeos, BC in August 1970. August was when the river was at its shallowest depth. That hot sunny afternoon forever remains in my memory as one of the most enjoyable things I did in my teens.
I was staying at my cousins’ home in Keremeos that summer. One day Uncle Tom who was on leave from the RCAF popped by to visit his oldest sister Eileen and his nieces and nephew. While his sister Eileen went off to work, us kids helped pack up Uncle Tom’s car with a bunch of inner tubes. He drove us to the outside of town to this old covered faded red bridge and he parked his car there. Now back then the bridge was in disrepair and some of the wood that covered the side of the bridge was missing. That wasn’t a problem because that is where we would make our jumps. Not only that, the river at that spot was deep and calm enough to make successful jumps.
We followed Uncle Tom onto the bridge with our inner tubes. Then with his inner tube he told us kids to watch him. He stepped through one of the gaps in the wall of the bridge and stood there on the edge looking down over the river. Then he threw his inner tube down to the water below and jumped off the bridge and landed with a big splash in the water below. He surfaced and called up to us to do the same. So one at a time we copied what Uncle Tom did throwing our inner tubes down into the water below, and then one by one we jumped down to the water with a big splash too. What fun! We all surfaced successfully.
Then came the bigger fun of tubing down the river for about 12 km to Cawston which was beyond Keremeos. There were plenty of rapids on the way down, nothing too dangerous because the water in the rapids was quite shallow, but sometimes we had to be careful as we went through those narrows. It meant sticking out our arms or legs and being prepared to shove or push our inner tubes away from the wall of rock that lined the embankment along both sides of the river through the narrows. As we passed through the rapids we also had to steer clear of large rocks or boulders situated on the bed of the river. It was a fantastic challenge and an exhilarating adventure. Other areas of the river were calm and we just paddled along using our hands.
By the time we floated into Cawston a couple of hours later, Uncle Tom knew it was time to get us out of the water. The river was really shallow in that area too so we stood up and made our way over to the shoreline. It was funny to watch us getting our land legs working again as we walked from there to a fruit stand of a neighbour that Aunt Eileen knew. Uncle Tom asked the neighbour if he could use her phone. He called Aunt Eileen and she came to pick us up. She dropped us children off at her home and then she drove Uncle Tom to his car that he left at the covered bridge.
I didn’t know that Uncle Tom was leaving for Cyprus after he left Keremeos that summer. The next time I saw him was in 1972 at my parents’ home in Burnaby. We were excited to see Uncle Tom again especially because he brought his new wife Joan to meet us.
Thank-you Uncle Tom for your wit, your abundant generosity and compassion, and for leaving me with your love of genealogy. : )
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Lucille Hollands Joan, I was sorry to hear the sad news and sorry I missed you to give you a hug. I know you will be having very mixed feelings these days but I trust the Lord will provide you with the peace and strength you will need as you begin this new path. We will miss you at Broadmead!
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Cliff and Heather Burrows Cliff and I are so sorry to hear about your Dads passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Don Dalziel I was so saddened to learn of the death of Father Tom. Like several others who have contributed notes to these pages, I had the real pleasure to have served with him in the Airborne Regiment in the late 1960’s. I don’t believe it is at all an exaggeration to say that he set a standard for unit Chaplains which few, if any, will ever be able to match. Regardless of their religion, every soldier, from the Regimental Commander to the newest trooper, knew, respected, and admired Father Tom. His office was not in J-3, but anywhere the soldiers were. He jumped with us, lived in an arctic tent with us, climbed with us, worked with us, played (hard) with us, had a beer (or two) with us, laughed with us, cried with us, and even prayed with all of us. He dispensed very practical advice and realistic help, often while sitting in the corner of one of the Messes or the Canteen, or when he stopped on a street corner to talk with a young trooper. Tom was a most remarkable man, and we are all better for having known and served with him. Soft landings, old friend,
Don
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Gretta (Farragher) Hedlin I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Hassett’s passing. I have fond memories of him while I was at St. Andrew’s. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
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Judith & Arnold Lavoie Fondest memories of our first meeting with Tom in Cyprus (1971) where he instructed us on marriage in the Catholic faith. Many happy memories after that especially our time together at St. Andrew’s High School.
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Dr Michael Pilon DDS Major Retired I met Tom while I was on UN Duty in Cyprus, I was the Canadian Contingency dentist. He was a fine fellow and always a pleasure to talk with. I ran into him a few years later in Base Borden and I had the pleasure f meeting his wife. RIP Tom
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Mark H D Taylor, Captain(N) Ret'd. In this life, Tom had it all…a loving wife, family and true friends who trusted and held him in high regard.He was courageous…never wavering from what he stood for and believed. He lived by setting an exemplary standard for himself and for others to emulate.Tom was a man’s man.
Tom loved to debate any and all ideas. He had a brilliant academic’s mind… he backed his arguments with a seemingly encyclopedic memory for dates and facts. His forte was history in all it’s forms,especially the history of Religion.
Our coffee group has met,come hell or high water, once a week for more than 15 years, for”discussions” where we solve(repeatedly) all the world’s problems.Tom was a founding member and he, along with Patrick Nagle, were our anchors.
He is sorely missed.
Godspeed Tom.
Joan, Valerie’s and my thoughts, prayers and heart-felt condolences are with you and your family.
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Tom Paterson To Joan and all of Tom’s family, Phyllis and I are very sorry for your loss. Please forgive us for not having been in touch for a while. Tom was a wonderful friend throughout the years. We were fortunate to have been together in Petawawa, Lahr and Victoria. He was a great soldier, strong and courageous, good to have near you in adversity, well-liked by everyone. In retirement he was an excellent story teller and well read conversationalist. Tom will be remembered by all who met him. Thinking of you and hoping that you find peace and comfort. Tom and Phyllis Paterson
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IRWIN & ALEXANDRA MIHALICZ Our Deepest, Heartfelt Condolences on the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather. May the gift of gentle, special memories bring you comfort at this time of loss~ We should remember there’s Peace in the promise that LIFE IS EVERLASTING~~
God’s Blessings.. Irwin & Alexandra MihaliczP.S. So sorry we are unable to attend Tom’s funeral mass at St.Joe’s on Friday, as much as we would have liked to, but Irwin has a hospital appointment on that day! Alexandra
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Maureen & Malcolm Our thoughts & Prayers are with you Joan & family at the passing of Tom, a loving husband & father. Rest in Peace dear Tom xoxoxox
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Venise Sievers & family Joan and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We have great memories of your time in the Kootenays with your family. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.
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Ray Trowhill, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) I served with Tom during his tour with 2 Canadian Guards and the Airborne Regiment. He was a good and decent man, much liked and respected by all ranks in both units for his warmth, humour, common sense and common touch. He was unique in all the ways soldiers respect. May he rest in peace.
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Stephen Bamford My condolences to Joan and the Hassett family. Tom was a valued friend and I have fond memories of our time together.
He was one of the best.
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Stephen Bamford Tom was one of the best and I enjoyed our friendship very much. He will be fondly remembered by me. Especially the time he let me drive his Opel GT in the parking lot of Thetis lake one cold spring day when I was 13.
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John Murray Tom came across as a great guy during all the times I met him, from Cyprus where, serving with the Australian Police Contingent, I was billeted with CANCON for 16 months at Blue Beret Camp, Nicosia; later in the 1980s when serving in Paris I visited and was hosted by him in Lahr; and in 2000 during his visit to Austalia where he stayed over with me here in Canberra.
He related well to everyone, was a great raconteur, and was proud of his famaily especially his uncle, also Tom Hassett, who was among those who escaped from prison in Western Australia and sailed away to freedom on the vessel Catalpa in 1876. He’ll be a source of great entertainment in his new abode where he truly deserves to rest in peace.
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Linda Chatton Dear Joan and family, My prayers are with all of you during this sad time. Tom will be greatly missed. I first met him many years ago when he was principal of SARHS and I was teaching at St. Andrew’s Elementary. Then I got to know the family and Joan. I miss hearing Tomread at Mass – he proclaimed the good news in such a beautiful way. Much love to all of you. Linda Chatton
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Garry McCue Tom’s life is worth celebrating. A man of courage, honour and intelligence who served his country, his church, his community, his family and his friends so well for so long. He will be missed by many people including our family currently living in California: Darlene, Garry, Amyrose and Patrick wish to add our names to the long list of those who sent love and condolences to the Hassett family.
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Dick & Jean Prette Hello Joan, We were sorry to read of Tom’s passing. It was lovely to get to know you Joan, in the “Support Group” at Broadmead Lodge. Our other connections were with Louis & Sylvia…and the same dentist (where I first met you!) I know that this past while has been very difficult for you…may you know the real “peace that passes all understanding” as you say your (temporary) good-byes….May the Lord Bless you & keep you…Love, Jean Prette
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LCol (Ret'd) Al Campbell I remember Tom as our Chaplain (RC) during our (3PPCLI) tour in Cyprus 70/71. He was wellrespected by soldiers of all denominations. I saw him later at CFBEsquimalt in his new role as a Social Work Officer; still caring for the troops. The great respect the soldiers gave him was well earned. He will be remembered.
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Captain -Ret'd- Brian Forbes Colgate Requiescat in pace Tom. You and your family have always been held close in my heart since I was the assisting officer after Liam’s death. I had already known of Tom through Airborne friends, and the very high regard in which he was held, especially by RSM Buxton, who Tom held in equal high regard.
Joan, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this immediate grieving time, and in the days ahead. Blessings, always … Brian ❤️
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Bob Mahar, LCol (Ret'd), RCR, Cdn AB Regt I had the distinct honour to serve with Tom in Canadian Airborne Regiment. The best Padre ever – he had a wonderful sense of humor, a true calling in the Priesthood and was dedicated to those he served – regardless of one’s denomination. He buried my infant son in Edmonton. Everyone loved Tom – as Art Tompkins and Eric Manchester attested he was always there in the field, jumping with every subunit, during mountain school, humping his rucksac and pulling his share of toboggans in the arctic….he had time for everyone – and he kept up to everyone. I was so happy to hear that he had become married in later years and that he turned his love of soldiers into continuing service as a military social worker and then as an Educator. Lucky students! I was pained to learn of the loss of his son, Liam. My deepest condolences to Mrs Hassett and the family and my thanks to Tom for all he brought to us over the years. RIP Old Soldier, “Fair Winds and Soft Landings” Airborne.
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Al Currie DZVI Please allow me on behalf of Drop Zone Vancouver Island to offer our sincere condolences to Joan and Family. Fair Winds and Soft Landings Tom.
Al Currie, Jumpmaster DZVI
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Arthur Tompkins I remember Padre Hassett well. He was there for the soldiers. May he R.I.P. God bless the family.
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Eric W. Manchester, Warrant Officer (ret'd) I served with Tom in the Canadian Airborne Regiment during the 1960s & 1970s, and he was unlike any military padre I ever knew. Tom jumped with us on every exercise he could get into, and he enthusiastically covered the entire field of operations to brighten the spirits of every young paratrooper he could find (there was nowhere to hide!). Legend has it that our Engineers crafted a specially-fortified container for Tom’s sacramental wine so that he could jump with it – always prepared to conduct mass wherever the opportunity presented. Tom was entertaining, liked a bit of scotch & an occasional card game. More importantly than being a well-liked character, Padre Hassett was a genuinely fine person. “Fair Winds & Soft Landings” padre.
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Philip Berikoff My sincere condolences to family and friends. I have many fond memories of Tom during our time together in Cyprus 1970. Rest in Peace.
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Liz (L'Heureux) Dennett My sympathies to Mrs. Hassett and all of the extended family. Mr. Hassett had such a big personality and will live on as a bit of a legend in my memory. May he rest in peace!
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Sue Goldsack My thoughts and prayers are with the Hassett family. I worked with Tom and was so impressed by how he made his faith so very real. He lived his faith each day .
My thoughts are with the family especially Joan.
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Susan E Calder-Heaps We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing! He was so supportive of us, as parents at St. Andrew’s. The Hassett family will all be in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time!
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Allison Winchester My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Hassett family. I was fond of Mr. Hassett during my time are St. Andrew’s. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.❤ in time may you find comfort in your memories of him.
Hugs,
Allison (Calder) Winchester and Ed Winchester
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Maya Miguel I have very fond memories of Tom and his wonderful smile. Your family is so important and loved by ours and we are with you during this very difficult time. Sending all our love and support to all the extended Hassett family.
I wish to convey my most sincere condolences to the Hassett family, though it has been five years since the passing of Tom. Only now have I learnt of his demise.
Tom and I enjoyed many a wonderful discussion, usually on Saturday mornings in his house. I remember very well the impressive library of books that he kept.
His kind and pleasant nature was both charming and reassuring. It helped me see that neither age, colour nor creed need bar us from seeing the good in others.
I regret that I didn’t say goodbye to Tom when I left Canada in 2012 but I hope this scripture brings a measure of comfort to the Hassett family:
“If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.”
– Job 14:14, 15