Thomas Martin Carew

In loving memory ~

1968 - 2024

Thomas Martin Carew was born to Martin Thomas Carew and Ellena Theresa Bertuzzi on March 5, 1968, in Trail, B.C. The family moved to Castlegar when Tom was 4 where he started school at Valley Vista Elementary. It was also at this time that Tom began playing hockey, and a few years later, would begin competitive swimming with The Castlegar Aquanauts. Both of these pursuits would have a lifelong impact on Tom and take him to many places and make him many lifelong friends.

Tom's formative years were spent as a lifeguard and instructor at the old Bob Branson pool and later as assistant and head coach of the Aquanauts. At the age of 16, Tom and his brother Colin began attending the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Sask. The kindness and gentle demeanor that made him a great coach also made him a great teammate and made him many friends. Tom was part of the 1985 Saskatchewan Midget AA Provincial Champions.

After graduating from Notre Dame in 1986, Tom began studying at the University of Alberta. Hockey was no longer a life pursuit and so Tom joined the swim team. During his 5 years, Tom was team captain, a conference champion in 1992 and a member of the Block A Club, an honorary society of the University Athletics Board where student athletes are recognized for their leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding contributions in intercollegiate sports.

At this time Tom was still unsure about his direction in life. In 1992 he graduated with a BA in Canadian History and then entered the West Kootenay Teaches Education Program, graduating in 1994. After a year and a half of substitute teaching, Tom felt restless and wanted something different for his life so he left for Japan to teach English.

Life in Japan would prove to be an enlightening experience that would have a profound impact on him. He spent his first 3 years living in Hiroshima and then moved to Fukuoka where he would spend the next 12. Japanese life suited him very well. He made many friends and would teach private lessons over a coffee at the local Starbucks. It was here in Fukuoka where he would meet his future wife, Masko Moritomo (Mako to her friends).

Mako worked in her mother's restaurant which just happened to be in the building where Tom lived. After several years together they married in 2005 and their first son, Jake was born in 2007. Their second son, Eddie would arrive in 2009 and the family made the move back to Castlegar in 2011. 2012 was a big year with the arrival of their third son, Sam and Tom began work at the local pulp mill. It wasn't long before Tom worked his way up and was most recently overseeing the training department.

Life was busy with all three boys playing lacrosse and hockey but Tom found the time to be involved. Over the years Tom helped coach all three of his sons and spent so many hours back and forth to the rink. It was, again his kindness that made him well-liked and admired.

Tom's passing has been a shock to us all as he was only 56. Tom's fellow employees at the pulp mill held a memorial for him at work, a great testament to his popularity. Also, many friends from the past have reached out to offer their condolences and reminisce about growing up with Tom and share their memories. The entire Carew family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and assistance in honoring a great father, husband and friend.

A memorial for Tom will be held at the Castlegar Community Complex on Saturday, September 14th at 2:00 pm.