May 28, 1923 – October 17, 2012
Tom was born in Chase, B.C. – the fourth of 8 children born to Albert Edward and Elizabeth Alice Lampard. Tom entered into rest on October 17, 2012 at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital with his devoted wife of 15 years, Denise, and her daughter Bernice at his side.
In 1924 the family moved to Castlegar, B.C. Tom completed his education in Castlegar and then enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 in Calgary, Alberta. He received his training in Alberta and received his “wings” in February 1943 in Calgary. He then was sent overseas in April 1943. His rank was Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) by February 1945. He was commissioned with the rank of “Pilot Officer” (PO) in the spring of 1945. While serving in England he met, and married, Pat Crowther who was serving in the British Royal Air Force. In July 1945, Tom returned to Castlegar and his war bride joined him in November of that year.
Tom and Pat had 2 children – Ronald John born December 8, 1946 and Wendy Ann Florence born August 8, 1948. During this time Tom worked for Cominco Ltd. until 1962 when he commenced employment at the newly-constructed Celgar Ltd. pulp mill. Tom coached young men’s fastball – the Castlegar Junior Cubs - and was one of the original members of the Castlegar Golf Club. He was part of a group who frequently took their own lawnmowers and mowed the grass at the golf course when it was under construction. As well, Tom was an avid hunter, fisherman, badminton player and curler.
The family moved to Gold River, an instant town on Vancouver Island, in 1967 when Tom accepted a position at the newly-constructed pulp mill there. While in Gold River he served on the Council and was an active member of the Lions Club. The family thoroughly enjoyed boating and fishing on the Inlet.
Tom retired in 1983 and he and Pat bought a motor home and enjoyed numerous trips in Canada and to the United States. They left Gold River, bought a home in Qualicum Beach and then spent their last years together in Kelowna. Early retirement turned out to be a good thing as Pat took ill with cancer in 1987 and entered in to rest in June 1988. They had the opportunity to experience many memorable vacations which would not have been possible without early retirement.
A truck and camper and travelling about the country as well as a trip to Europe and England kept Tom busy until he once again settled in Castlegar in 1997. At this time he met his wife of 15 years, Denise Halbauer, and they resided at her home in Blueberry Creek the rest of his days. Tom and Denise travelled extensively – numerous cruises, a trip to the maritimes, etc., until his health began to fail in 2009. They were avid bowlers and members of Castlegar & District Sr. Citizen’s Association.
Tom was an extremely proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather as well as a caring and loving son, husband, brother, uncle and friend.
On October 17, 2012 Tom was called to rest with those who had predeceased him: his wife, Pat; his parents, Bert and Alice Lampard; brothers – William, Alfred John, and Leslie; sisters – Winnie, Florence and Laura; as well as brothers-in-law – Percy Hodgkin, Ralph Desaulniers, Alex Lutz and Albert Richards.
Tom is survived by his son Ron (Maureen); daughter Wendy (Geoff Caban); his wife Denise and her daughters Bernice (Ron Smith) and family and Gail (Larry Joyce) and family and son Dwayne; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; his sister Betty Lutz and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Tom’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lions Society – Camp Winfield, 3981 Oak St., Vancouver, B.C. V6H 4H5, or online at www.lionsbc.ca, would be greatly appreciated.