Tom Oldale, 76 years of age, passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, following a lengthy illness.
Tom was born on May 16, 1942 in Fort William to Tom and Doris Oldale (nee County). He was educated in Francis Street School and Fort William Collegiate and graduated with a B.A. and B.Ed from Lakehead University. Tom taught in various schools in Thunder Bay and retired in 1998 from Nipigon-Red Rock District High School.
Tom’s interests were varied. He enjoyed skating, dancing, photography and many creative endeavours such as water colour painting, stained glass, basket weaving. Classical music was an important part of his life and he especially enjoyed being a member of the Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus. Following retirement, Tom began to take courses on a variety of subjects and enjoyed both learning in a group as well as being a self-directed learner.
He married Carol-Lynne (nee Gallucci) in 1973 and they recently celebrated their 45th anniversary. Throughout their marriage, Tom and Carol-Lynne travelled extensively. They undertook many road trips to the west and east coasts of Canada. They also took many cruises to locations such as Alaska, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Scandinavian countries, the Caribbean. Tom was a long serving volunteer for the Red Cross, worked on political campaigns for local candidates and participated in various church ministries.
Tom is survived by his wife Carol-Lynne, sister Diane Arpin (Ernie), sister-in-law Cookie Pakylak and brother-in-law Charlie Gallucci. As well, he is survived by nephews Steve and Jason Arpin (Meghan), Charles, Christopher, Ryan and Andrew Gallucci. Great nephew Ben Arpin and great nieces Sydney Arpin, Finlay Arpin and Taylor Blake also survive. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Doris Oldale, in-laws Frank and Helen Gallucci, brother-in-law Rick Pakylak, sister-in-law Lynne Gallucci as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Prayers will be offered in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Michael Mahoney at St. Dominic Church, 130 Redwood Ave. W. on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 11:00 am. Private inurnment will be in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum, at St. Andrew’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Red Cross, St. Joseph’s Care Group, the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
