Tom Killin
1954-2017
THOMAS ARCHIBALD KILLIN
Born: September 1, 1954 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada Tom was born to Bertha (Clancy) & Archibald Killin Jr. Tom was a real joy for older sister, Linda. I had just entered Kindergarten, and could hardly wait to announce to my classmates that I had a little brother. We still often refer to him as Tommy. It’s kind of a ‘Killin” family tradition.
Tommy’s arrival was soon followed by the arrivals of brothers Brian and Larry, and baby sister Patricia. As a child, Tom was full of a combination of adventure and mischief. His love for animals was revealed at an early age, when he brought home a field mouse in his baseball hat. Mom and Dad then thought it might be appropriate to get the family a pet dog or cat. He and brother Brian were active in the local Cubs and Scouts program, and both developed a love of the outdoors. He loved sports, and played baseball, lacrosse, hockey and did scuba diving for several years. This love of sports evolved into a love for the NFL, and especially his favourite team, the New York Jets.
The education system back then, sometimes failed many kids, too often lacking the tools and knowledge that we have today which attempt to nurture a child’s individual development according to his or her strengths, interests and learning styles. Being held back a year would have been difficult for any eight year old. However, as we all know, Tom was very much like our Dad. His potential and aptitude in technology and engineering, combined with that Killin determination (often referred to as stubbornness) earned Tom two university degrees. Mom would have been so proud.< br>
Tom’s adventurous nature continued to be evident when he joined Teleglobe, becoming a surveillance officer, and working for the Canadian and American governments. He was like a rolling stone. We never knew when he was going to drop in for a visit. Tom met Carol and became a wonderful step-father to Carol’s daughter, Natalie. Soon after, Tom and Carol celebrated the birth of their son, Mark. As Mark was growing up, Tom instilled in Mark the love of hockey and baseball and they spent many, enjoyable hours together at Mark’s games.
After Dad passed away, his will left the guardianship of our brother, Larry, in the loving hands of Tom. Tom was very involved in Larry’s life, as Dad had been. Tom would communicate with Larry’s caregivers and for years made decisions about Larry’s welfare. Every Christmas, Tom would take Larry home for the holidays. They were brothers and had a life long, loving relationship.
A few years later, Tom met Jan Hunter. “She’s the One”, Tom whispered to me on their wedding day. They were together for over 10 years. They shared a very happy life: travelling, summers at the cottage and many celebrations with Jan’s family. Tom was a loving, caring step-father to Jan’s children and family, and was truly loved by them. Patricia and I visited Tom and Jan when he became ill.
During our visit, we laughed and told stories from our childhood. I told Tom how much Mom and Dad loved him, and how proud they were of him. I also could not resist in reminding him that; yes, as a kid, he had been ‘hell on wheels’. Tom let out a tremendous laugh, stating “Yes, I was, wasn’t I”. Sadly for all of us, on April 19, 2017 Tom passed away at the age of 62 after a long, difficult battle with cancer. Up until his death, Tom was exactly where he wanted to be…. at home with Jan, the Love of His Life. Tom will be remembered for his generous, funny nature. But foremost, I will always remember how Tom had the courage to live Life to the fullest. Perhaps, a lesson for all of us.
Born: September 1, 1954 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada Tom was born to Bertha (Clancy) & Archibald Killin Jr. Tom was a real joy for older sister, Linda. I had just entered Kindergarten, and could hardly wait to announce to my classmates that I had a little brother. We still often refer to him as Tommy. It’s kind of a ‘Killin” family tradition.
Tommy’s arrival was soon followed by the arrivals of brothers Brian and Larry, and baby sister Patricia. As a child, Tom was full of a combination of adventure and mischief. His love for animals was revealed at an early age, when he brought home a field mouse in his baseball hat. Mom and Dad then thought it might be appropriate to get the family a pet dog or cat. He and brother Brian were active in the local Cubs and Scouts program, and both developed a love of the outdoors. He loved sports, and played baseball, lacrosse, hockey and did scuba diving for several years. This love of sports evolved into a love for the NFL, and especially his favourite team, the New York Jets.
The education system back then, sometimes failed many kids, too often lacking the tools and knowledge that we have today which attempt to nurture a child’s individual development according to his or her strengths, interests and learning styles. Being held back a year would have been difficult for any eight year old. However, as we all know, Tom was very much like our Dad. His potential and aptitude in technology and engineering, combined with that Killin determination (often referred to as stubbornness) earned Tom two university degrees. Mom would have been so proud.< br>
Tom’s adventurous nature continued to be evident when he joined Teleglobe, becoming a surveillance officer, and working for the Canadian and American governments. He was like a rolling stone. We never knew when he was going to drop in for a visit. Tom met Carol and became a wonderful step-father to Carol’s daughter, Natalie. Soon after, Tom and Carol celebrated the birth of their son, Mark. As Mark was growing up, Tom instilled in Mark the love of hockey and baseball and they spent many, enjoyable hours together at Mark’s games.
After Dad passed away, his will left the guardianship of our brother, Larry, in the loving hands of Tom. Tom was very involved in Larry’s life, as Dad had been. Tom would communicate with Larry’s caregivers and for years made decisions about Larry’s welfare. Every Christmas, Tom would take Larry home for the holidays. They were brothers and had a life long, loving relationship.
A few years later, Tom met Jan Hunter. “She’s the One”, Tom whispered to me on their wedding day. They were together for over 10 years. They shared a very happy life: travelling, summers at the cottage and many celebrations with Jan’s family. Tom was a loving, caring step-father to Jan’s children and family, and was truly loved by them. Patricia and I visited Tom and Jan when he became ill.
During our visit, we laughed and told stories from our childhood. I told Tom how much Mom and Dad loved him, and how proud they were of him. I also could not resist in reminding him that; yes, as a kid, he had been ‘hell on wheels’. Tom let out a tremendous laugh, stating “Yes, I was, wasn’t I”. Sadly for all of us, on April 19, 2017 Tom passed away at the age of 62 after a long, difficult battle with cancer. Up until his death, Tom was exactly where he wanted to be…. at home with Jan, the Love of His Life. Tom will be remembered for his generous, funny nature. But foremost, I will always remember how Tom had the courage to live Life to the fullest. Perhaps, a lesson for all of us.
