Chmiel, Thomas Michael, Jr. – Age 76 of Masstown and formerly of Sydney, passed away September 7, 2019 at home. He was a son of Charlotte Chmiel, Truro, and the late Thomas Chmiel, Sr.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, the former Lois Gallagher; brother, Donnie (Leslie) of Calgary; sons, Michael (Joanne) of Dartmouth, Jim of St. John’s; daughters, Tonya (Kevin) Dort of Masstown, Patty (Darin) Whitney of Merigomish; special aunts, Helen Maclean and Betty Kerr. Dad was gifted with grandchildren, Andrea, Kelsey, Katrina, Stephen, Michael, Gregory, Luke and Jordan; great-grandchildren, Owen, Haley, Ellis, Bentley, Kloie, and Layla; extended grandchildren, Rachelle, Sabrina, Samantha, Chelsey.
He was known as Tommy to his parents, Butch to his family, Hubs to Mom, Dad to his children, Gigi to his grandchildren, Mr. C. to his students, and Tom to his friends.
Dad was a graduate of St. FX and his teaching career brought him to Coxheath, Pugwash, Digby and Canso before retiring at the age of 52 and settling in Masstown. Dad felt alive on the sea and found his greatest pleasures tuna fishing, fly fishing, actually fishing of any kind, which took him as far as Scotland, and his camp. He loved spending time at the trailer in Pictou and his walks around the campground to chat with everyone. He loved meeting new people. Riding his motorbike and attending the Wharf Rat Rally were highlights. Wood working in his shed was his sanctuary. He would make us lazy Susans, patio chairs, and recently he had started making urns. He loved to putter and help with everything.
Dad was very social, spending his days talking with his neighbors, and his nights on the phone. He loved to hear about your day, how you were and truly worried for you, or celebrated with you. In his younger years he skydived, scuba dived, and played hockey. Dad was fortunate to spend many winters in his Florida home with Mom, and loved his Florida friends. During his teaching days his students knew him for his funky ties which he replaced in retirement with his bright Hawaiian shirts. As someone once said, “Tom never met a stranger”. His outgoing and jolly personality was enjoyed by many, and when you became his friend, you were a friend for life.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 in Royal Canadian Legion Branch 106, 1252 Masstown Rd., Debert, with long-time family friend Deacon Wilfred Boudreau officiating. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers or donations, in honor of Dad, please do something special with your loved ones or complete an item on your bucket list. Dad lived his life to the fullest and was recently quoted telling a friend that he had completed his bucket list.
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