Obituaries

 

Thomas Adams

Passed 05/11/2021

Text:

Obituary For Thomas Adams

Thomas Adams, a retired air traffic controller, poker player, comedian/dad joke aficionada and avid recycler/waste management advisor, passed away unexpectedly in his 80th year at Halifax, NS. While thought by many to have nine lives, on May 11th, 2021, he sadly proved that myth wrong.

When asked where he was from, Tom never hesitated to tell people he was born on the “Old Caledonian Run”, (Norris Arm, NL) to Peter (Skipper) and Theresa Adams (both deceased). He loved and was always there to help his siblings, Mary (deceased), Richard, Jim/Mary, and Margaret (Blackmore) and all his nieces and nephews.

He met the love of his life Mary (nee Haggett) while working on the Hudson at the Bedford Institute. She was always the winning hand, a “Royal Flush” in his eyes. A perfect “Pocket Pair”, they spent 55 precious years together. He was proud of their “Full House”, Gail Adams (Aaron & Lucas Hoyles), Peter/Tanya Adams (Victoria, Jack & Michael), Kim Adams-Jackson/Kevin Dorsey (Thomas), June Adams Chiasson/Kirk Chiasson (Mary, Brad & Kate ), and David/Colleen Adams (Emma, Nicholas & Sam).

When it came to enjoying his life, Tom was “All In”.

He never found a poker table that he didn’t like, whether it was in Gander, NL (Father’s Place & Corner Pocket), Phoenix, AZ (Gila River), Ottawa, ON (Lac Leamy), Moncton, NB (Casino New Brunswick) or Halifax, NS (Casino Nova Scotia) and made many friends over love of the game.

On May 11th, 2021, while he was waiting for his turn at the “Bad Beat”, with a hand that should always win, Tom folded his final hand, winning his final round of the jackpot of life. Although asked many times, he never revealed his favourite, but that is okay because he will always be our favourite. Forever to be loved and missed by Mary and family.

As per Tom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held sometime in the future when family and friends can gather. In lieu of flowers, Mary asks that you do an act of helpfulness in Tom’s memory or send memorial donations to the QEII Foundation in Halifax, NS.

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Condolences

  • 06/05/2021

    Mary and family,sorry to hear of Tom's passing.He was so kind & friendly ,known him a long time.Our children grew up together.You have lots of good memories,cherish them,it will get you through this difficult time.Take care & I will call you soon.......RIP Tom

  • 06/04/2021

    June, Mary, Gail and all the family. We are so sorry for your immense loss and send our sincere condolences. Helen and Gerry Adams

  • 06/02/2021

    Mrs. Adams, Gail, Peter, Kim, June, David and families, We were so very sorry to hear of Mr. Adams' passing. I remember him from growing up with June and Dave remembers him from working at ATC in Gander. Our hearts are broken for you all. We will keep you in our prayers. We hope you will all find comfort in each other. Please God it will not be too much longer before you can grieve together in person, as a family. Wrapping you all in love and beautiful memories. Joanne and Dave Kelly

  • 06/02/2021

    Oh Mary, Tom was such a warm loving man. I especially remember his laugh and good humor. Bless you and your family. Prayers and a candle will be lit for him at Mass on Sunday. Know he is looking down

  • 06/02/2021

    So sorry to hear about your loss Mary. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Heather Hagget-Grouchy

  • 06/01/2021

    June, Mary, Gail, Pete, Kim, David and families. I was so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. A true gentleman with a unique sense of humor. Cherish the many wonderful memories. The obituary couldn't have been any more fitting, Rest in Peace Tom.

  • 06/01/2021

    Sincere condolences to Margaret Blackmore and all the Adams family .Hugs and prayers From Rose Mary Dwyer/Loewen

  • 05/31/2021

    We send our love & prayers to Mary & family in the sad loss of Tom. We called him & sang Happy Birthday on his 80th in April he sure enjoyed our little surprise he left us on a good note.We will dearly miss you Tom I was Blessed & proud to be your cousin your memory will be a Blessing for your family & to us..🙏 God Bless & take care R.I.P Tom Eileen & Fred Francis

  • 05/31/2021

    A gentleman, kind, thoughtful & so much fun to play cards with. We played cards at 'Friends' in Gander where he lighten the game & made us all laugh (or groan) at his jokes. I was privileged to call him my friend.

  • 05/31/2021

    To Margaret and Family, Mary and Family: We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you, our deepest sympathy to you all. Linda & Pat Mullaly, Northern Bay

  • 05/31/2021

    Condolences and prayers to Tom's family. I worked with him and we shared rides to and from work for a period of time. Always enjoyed his sense of humour and fabulous demeanour. RIP my old friend.

  • 05/31/2021

    Shocked to hear of your loss Mary.

  • 05/31/2021

    So sorry for your loss Gail. Our condolences to you and your family. Michelle and Andy Gregory

  • 05/31/2021

    To the Adams Family , I am so sad to hear of Tom's passing. Grew up in Norris Arm and knew the family quite well. My sincere Condolences to the family Loretta Langdon

  • 05/31/2021

    So very very sorry for your loss!

  • 05/31/2021

    My condolences to the Adams family. Toms obituary is a beautiful tribute to him. May God bless your broken hearts.

  • 05/31/2021

    Please accept my sincere condolences. I spoke with my dad last week and he told me of Tom's sudden passing. Growing up, as a young girl I have fond memories of Tom playing poker with my dad at the house. The morning after the game, I would look under the poker table in hopes that some of the men had dropped a quarter or two during the night. I was never disappointed...all those quarters (and later, even loonies!) were always under Tom's chair. He would always make sure there would be a little jackpot left for me to find in the morning. Such a wonderful, kind man and he always had a smile on. I know he's sitting on a fine hand, playing poker with the big guy up above. May he always win the jackpot. Kerena Gallahue (English)

  • 05/31/2021

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in your time of sorrow!! Mary, you and Tom always had a special place in my heart!! Take care and God Bless!! Hugs!! Vivian & Ron

  • 05/31/2021

    My condolences to the Family at this sad time when Tom's hand was folded. Always there to greet you with a big smile. Always busy on a project. He will be sadly missed. Big hugs to all. Beverley Anstey

  • 05/31/2021

    Chris and I send our deepest condolences for Gail and her family. Our thoughts are with you and we're keeping you in our hearts.

  • 05/30/2021

    My condolences to the family. A true character, if ever there was one. I had the pleasure of being on crew with Tom for many years, never a dull moment and lots of humorously disguised wisdom. RIP

  • 05/30/2021

    I, like many, had the pleasure of working with and playing cards with Tom. Always a grin or a joke, and goofing around with the new workers. "Soup on the midnight. You bring the parsnips". There would be no soup. RIP Tom. You were a one-off.

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