Obituaries

 

Thomas "Tom" Gregory Boudreau

Passed 04/22/2019

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Obituary For Thomas "Tom" Gregory Boudreau

Thomas Gregory Boudreau (Tom), Halifax, passed away on April 22, with family at his side. Tom, the eldest son of the late Dr. Jack and Peggy (Meade) Boudreau, shared a wonderful childhood filled with many memories with his seven siblings. Tom’s younger years were spent in Rockingham, in the house his parents built on Lynwood Drive, until 1963 when the family moved to the big city, residing at 1661 Vernon Street. Feeling that this house was not quite large enough for their growing family, the Boudreau’s moved again to the well-known 6620 Jubilee Road in 1966, where Tom lived with his seven younger siblings in a house full of love and music until he moved out west to pursue his love of skiing.

Tom attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart for grade Primary and then Rockingham Central School until the fourth grade. Upon moving to the ’city’ he attended St. Thomas Aquinas School and later, St. Patrick’s High School before going on to university. Always the daredevil, Tom had several scars that he wore as badges of honour from bicycle spills or hockey infractions, which his Dad would happily take the time to stitch up for him.

Having been introduced to skiing during high school by his cousins, Tom, a natural athlete, travelled abroad during his university studies at Dalhousie with close friends solidifying his love for the sport which ultimately saw him trade in his skates for skis. After successfully obtaining his BSc, Tom moved west to teach skiing in both Banff and Penticton, where he was one of the early supporters and coaches for para-skiing, proudly taking them to competitions throughout North America and Europe.

Skiing would continue to play a large role in Tom’s life as he moved back to Halifax to start a family and to complete his MBA at Dalhousie University in 1984. For decades to follow, Tom committed himself to the growth of the sport in Nova Scotia including two years as President of Alpine Ski Nova Scotia, coach and volunteer at Wentworth Ski Race Club and the self-proclaimed “one of the best” chief of races in the province. While skiing was his passion, one which he passed on to his children, friends and extended family alike, Tom spent his working days growing his career in the transportation industry, ultimately resulting in the ownership of a successful North American long-haul trucking company, Davis Specialized Carriers, based out of Bedford, N.S.

Tom held a great love and respect for all of his close friends and cousins, many of whom he has known for almost his entire life and this was reflected in how much they loved him. Tom (The Bomb) was one of a kind - he will forever be remembered as someone who for most of his life brought light to every room he entered. A natural host, be it in Wentworth, Bedford, or cruising the Halifax harbour by boat, with a playlist that often centered on Jimmy Buffet, The Eagles or James Taylor.

Tom always maintained that his greatest accomplishments were his three children, of whom he was incredibly proud. They will miss him each and every day but are comforted knowing he is now finally at peace.

Tom is survived by his children, Emily (Wesley McMeekin), James (Pamela Fonseca) and Daniel Boudreau, his siblings, John (Lynn), Robert (Paula), Mary Louise (Kevin), Jim (Maureen), Lisa, Peggy (Jay), Paul (Claire) and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the staff at the Dartmouth General Hospital and the Freedom Foundation for their support and dedication to Tom and the family over the last year. In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to the Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia, Crosbie House or a charity of your choice via canadahelps.org.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas (1725 Oxford St.) in Halifax, N.S, this Saturday at 10 am with a reception to follow in the Church hall.

Services

27 Apr

Funeral Service

10:00 AM

St. Thomas Aquanis Church 1725 Oxford Street Halifax, NS Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Condolences

  • 04/29/2019

    I have known you only for a short time, but you have left a big impact. I will miss listening to your stories of your past adventures, family and of your most prized possessions, your children. Rest in Peace my friend xo

  • 04/29/2019

    Dear Boudreau Family. Very sorry to hear about Tom's passing and that I was not able to attend the service to tell you in person. So many losses in the STA family this year! Sharon Cunningham

  • 04/27/2019

    Condolences to the Boudreau family, very sad time. Sheila and Joe

  • 04/27/2019

    To James, Emily, Daniel and all the Boudreau Family our thoughts are with you as you say good bye to your dad / sibling today. I was unable to attend but was there in Spirit all the way with you. Tom worked for us as an Instructor at Sunshine Village in the mid 70's and through the joys of skiing, working and socializing together we became best friends and shared so much together for so many years both out west and in Halifax & Wentworth. Tom will be embedded in my life forever and I am thankful that he is now at peace.

  • 04/27/2019

    My deepest condolences to the Boudreau Family . May love , strength and all the wonderful memories bring comfort at this time . God Bless

  • 04/27/2019

    Good bye my sweet oldest brother. Thanks for all the laughs and your kindness both growing up in the Boudie house and as adults. I hope you are at peace - you will always be in my heart, Love Mare

  • 04/27/2019

    I am so sorry to hear of you loss. I will be thinking of you. Peace, love and comfort will be in my prayers for all of you. Love, Bill W.

  • 04/26/2019

    Dear Robert, Peggy, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Apart from knowing Tom growing up at STA, our desks were beside each other at Merrill Lynch, and Tom was kind and welcoming to all. Our career paths changed and our paths didn't cross again, but will always have fond memories of Tom.

  • 04/26/2019

    To Tommy’s family my condolences, I spent time with Tom at Sunshine Village in the 70’s involved with Jerry Johnson’s Disable Ski Program . We had a great time teaching everyone to ski , and as anyone who has learned to ski knows , we all start with a disability. Tom made sure everyone learned to ski and it goes without saying , everyone had fun. Thanks Tommy for the smiles and the good memories.

  • 04/26/2019

    I send sincere condolences to the entire Boudreau clan. Tom and I were great friends going way back to Rockingham. I loved him like a brother even thought he could always do everything just a little better than I. We spent several years together out west during Tom’s skiing years mainly in Penticton BC. Although we were far apart we always connected at least twice a year on our birthdays. Tommy, you lived life large and enriched everyone you touched. With much love, Mike Windeler.

  • 04/26/2019

    Faj - we will love and miss you every single day but are so grateful that you are at peace. Love always, Em, James and DB

  • 04/26/2019

    Dear Emily, James and Daniel, I have such great memories of your Dad in Wentworth. He was always the gracious gentleman, with a terrific wit. He brought his humour and grin into our cottage, as easily as we brought in snow-filled boots. He was fiercely proud of you all, and sometimes, it seemed as he was just going to burst with pride. Hold on tight to each other, and the wonderful memories of your Dad. We will miss him.

  • 04/26/2019

    Dear Emily, James and Daniel, We are sending heart filled sympathy for the loss of your father. We spent many weekends skiing, socializing in Bedford and on the water with Tom accompanied with much laughter and fun. We also experienced the compassionate side of Tom that meant so much to us and touched our hearts. Thanks for the memories Tom, May your days be filled with a fresh morning snowfall and sunshine on your face. Bill and Charlotte

  • 04/26/2019

    Dear Emily, James and Daniel, We are very sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Tom was obviously- and rightfully- proud of his children and your accomplishments. He instilled a love of sport, competition and fun in you that will always serve you well. We hope your happy memories will see you through these difficult days, and always give you comfort. You and your family are in our thoughts. George and Linda McLellan

  • 04/26/2019

    My condolences to all. Tom was a great guy - we had lots of laughs together. I think of him often. I remember the two of us floating down the Wallace River on a summer afternoon in a leaky inflatable boat without a care.

  • 04/26/2019

    Dear Emily, James, and Daniel, we were so sorry to hear of your loss and as we remember Tom, we have so many great memories of all things skiing with him, whether it be the many road trips to races or just weekends of fun in the Wentworth Valley. Some of the best times were working along side him as race officials at the " Brunner" when Tom was in his element, orchestrating every detail to ensure everyone in attendance had a safe and fun experience. Our family will always fondly remember his enthusiasm, energy, humour and the deep pride he had in the three of you. Thinking of you all with love and prayers.

  • 04/26/2019

    So very sorry to hear this sad news. I hope there's lots of snow and some tall mountains where you are. Debbe and Bob Smith

  • 04/26/2019

    Dearest Emily, James and Daniel We were saddened to hear of you Dad's passing, and take comfort in the wonderful memories of the Wentworth Ski Racing days and good times at the "Hill". His love of family was so strong and we got to meet many of your Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, who he would gather in the "Valley of Snow" and would enjoy "cooking up a storm" for everyone. He welcomed everyone into his heart and his home, and would share his pride in a recent accomplishment that you each achieved. Hug each other, and remember the good times. Donna, John and Christian Stringer

  • 04/25/2019

    Dear Peggy, John, Robert, Mary Louise, Jim, Lisa, Paul and Tom’s children, I was so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. Another family that was very much inter-twined with the Smith clan. I hope that all of the wonderful memories carry you through this very difficult time. You’re in my thoughts.

  • 04/25/2019

    Dear Boudreau Family, Not sure how to express my sorrow for Tom's passing. We were friends for over 50 years. So, so many memories come pouring in. Our time in Europe together, Dalhousie, skiing , and wonderful heart to heart chats about our futures, life and the enjoyment of friendships. We will always miss Boudy . Heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

  • 04/25/2019

    Tom had a special place in my heart, as I always considered him my first boyfriend (if a first kiss does a first boyfriend make!). The Boudreau and Gillis family were intertwined from early days when our mothers became great friends in nursing school, so it was somehow fitting that we all ended up at STA. Tom (or Tommy in those early days) was always smart, talented and funny. Although I hadn’t seen him for several years, I have fond memories of those times when out paths did cross. My very deepest sympathy to the Boudreau family - a heartbreaking loss for you all.

  • 04/25/2019

    I will always remember Tommy's gusto and vibrant personality. They were great years growing up on Jubilee Road and going to Saint Thomas Aquinas School. Love to all of the family. Chris Lownds

  • 04/25/2019

    To the Boudreau family. While it has been several year since I last saw Tommy, I have many positive memories from times spent at the Jubilee Road house, the STA church and sharing classrooms at both STA and St Pat's. Tommy always seemed so upbeat and full of energy, ready to catch up and had that twinkle in his eye. Sadly, he has moved on far too early however I am hopeful that he is now in a much better place. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time and especially with Tommy and his children. Mike O'Connor

  • 04/25/2019

    Tom was always fun to be with, as youth or adults. He was justifiably proud of his children. He had a sharp and insightful business mind. He has been and will be missed.

  • 04/25/2019

    Condolances to family. Tommy was a wonderful guy and I will always remember his ability to laugh and make people feel important with his engaging personality. Rest in peace

  • 04/25/2019

    To all the Boudreau family I was sad to hear the news of Tommy. I will always remember walking up Jubilee Rd. with Tommy on our way to our separate schools during those carefree formative years. Although I had not seen Tom for many years, when I did run into him on my summer visits he was always eager to share stories of his beloved children. I am thinking of you all at this time. Nancy Smith Courtney

  • 04/25/2019

    To all the Boudreau Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy on Tom's passing. I worked with Tom at Nesbitt Thomson Bongard years ago and also played a bit of golf with he and Jimmy during that time period. Days of going to Ken-Wo very early on a Saturday morning where we always had fun and many laughs. Tom truly was "hail fellow well met" if there ever was one. Always enjoyed his company. Played a little with him a few years ago at Old Ashburn as well, and always had a side bet going which we both got a charge out of.He and I will never forget the infamous, bingo bango bongo. Never a quitter,and always smiling when he saw you,he always came over to say hello to me wherever and whenever he ran into me. I haven't seen him for a few years,but that was what I really admired about Tom-he never forgot you, no matter what! May God Bless You in your hour of sorrow,and May God Love Tom as much as you all did! Sincerely, Frank Hiscock.

  • 04/25/2019

    So sorry for your loss,thinking of all of you now.May all your special memories of Tommy give you comfort at this difficult time. I'm sure he is in a safe harbor!!

  • 04/25/2019

    Dear Emily, James and Daniel. I was sad to hear about your Dad's passing yet I know you have lots of stories and memories that will keep his spirit with you always. I remember how Paul loved skiing with him when they took the kids on ski trips and what fun they had. They will be able to ski together once again. Thinking of you and the whole family. Lydia Bowie

  • 04/25/2019

    So sorry for your losss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob and Marcia Brown

  • 04/24/2019

    To Peggy and all the Boudreau Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You have such a warm and wonderful family and that is such a blessing. Take care of each other and take comfort in the many heartwarming memories.

  • 04/24/2019

    So sorry to hear of your loss. A bright star has been lost. But the wonderful memories of the past will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace. Faye

  • 04/24/2019

    To the entire Boudreau family please accept my condolences on your loss. Having grown up with the entire clan, I have many fond memories of Tommy and your parents as well as we grew up in the neighbourhood.

  • 04/24/2019

    To my big brother Tommy. I love you and will miss you. John

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