September 30, 1948 – September 8, 2022
at the age of 73 years:
We regret to announce the passing of Thomas “Tom” Christian Norman Forde on September 8, 2022 in Salmon Arm, BC at the age of 73. Tom passed away peacefully with family surrounding him. His wife Dee and brother Dale (wife Darlene) both holding his hands. He left this world the same day as Queen Elizabeth and would have been proud to know this as he was an avid endorser of British protocol. He will be forever missed by so many. Tom was born in Vancouver, BC.
He was predeceased by his mother Irene Brunell (Johnson), father Norman Brunell, daughter Teresa Forde, previous marriage Leonora Forde, cousin Joyce Boniff, aunt Ruth Herman, his pet Ginger the cat and Maggie the dog. Tom is survived by his wife Dromeda (Dee) Forde, daughter Katherine Forde (Cory Marchand and granddaughter Paige), brothers Dale Kerfoot (Darlene and family), Jim Forde (Noreen and family), Bradley Norman (spouse to daughter Teresa Forde and grandchild Joshua), stepchildren Cameron Southam, Dawn Bowie (grandson Jacob Bowie), Robert Bowie (Kristine Bowie, grand children Kai, Gage, Everly, Atlas), Jayna Jorgenson (Christopher Jorgenson, grandchildren Britany, Jordan and Brandon, great grand children Isabella, Hunter, mans best friend Alfie (dog), any other family we have missed as well as close friends Lenord Redekop, Cheryl Sturt, Charlie Streiling, and other close friends, too many to list.
Tom served in the Canadian Navy and had numerous jobs in cedar mills, security and maintenance, the last ten years of employment he retired working at Jacobson Ford of Salmon Arm. He lived in the lower mainland of British Columbia then moved his family to Salmon Arm BC in 1994 where he remained until passing. Tom’s hobbies were being an avid stamp collector, gardening, gathering firewood for the next year, completing his project of umpteen years the large scale replica of the Cutty Sark and most of all fishing. After many of years, he finally learned to enjoy travelling and relaxing, making trips to Mexico, Nova Scotia, Costa Rica, and California numerous times. Tom had a heart of gold and always put family first and always thought of others before himself. He was a true romantic at heart and was always looking for a way to help others. He had a quick wit, a ready smile and truly enjoyed a good joke. As soon as he heard our national anthem, he would be standing there tall with his hand over his heart singing with all his might as he was very patriotic and proud to be Canadian.
Sincere thanks to Dr. Michael Skubiak of Mt. Ida Medical clinic for his exceptional care during these troubled times also sincere thanks to the staff at Hillside Village where Tom resided for the remainder of his life.
As per Tom’s request, no funeral will be held but a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
So sorry to see Tom has passed Dee. Sincere condolences from mom and I. Hugs and please call if we can assist you at this time.