ALBION, Thomas Grimshaw July 1, 1920 April 12, 2006 In his 86th year, Thomas
Albion passed away peacefully at home in Victoria, BC. Loving husband of
Doreen; father of Bill (Diana), John (Cece) and Susan; grandfather of
Terina, Lisa, Angela, Gerald, Dean, Janetta, Alexandra, Tom, Holly,
Stephanie, Laura, Dustin, David, and Elissa, great grandfather of Layna,
Ryan, Angela, Emily, Jim, Vince, Alec, Sarah, Joey, Michael, Kimberley,
Joceyln, Madeline, Rose, Autumn, Tristin, Keira, Chase and Max; and great,
great grandfather to James Tom will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered.
Tommy joined the Navy at eighteen and served during the entire WWII as an
anti-aircraft gunner. Serving with both the Canadian and Royal Navy, Tom was
stationed on the first Canadian ship to enter the war. During the war, Tom
served on seven ships (including HMCS Saguenay and HMS Cossack) in the
Atlantic, the Pacific, the Mediterranean and the North seas. Tommy was also
stationed and served on land in Britain, including during the Battle of
Britain. On shore leave in 1941, Tom married the love of his life Doreen and
they spent the next 65 years enjoying a full and meaningful life together.
In addition to his career in the navy Tom worked in construction and at
James Island powder plant. After retirement" Tom and Doreen created a home
based business combining Doreen's love of birds with his of carpentry.
Throughout his life, Tom's greatest pleasures included gardening, carpentry
and spending time with his family, particularly the little ones. His fondest
memories were working in the garden with his children, grandchildren and
great grandchildren. The family would like to extent their sincere gratitude
to Hospice, Michelle, Shawn and Choi for their generous care and support
during Tom's struggle with cancer. Tom faced this last challenge with the
same dignity, grace, acceptance and humour that he lived his life. To know
Tom was an absolute blessing and joy and we will all miss the smile that lit
up his face and our lives. He will live on forever in our hearts and
memories. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17th
at First Memorial, 4725 Falaise Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations to
Hospice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. 231143
Published in the Victoria Times-Colonist from 4/14/2006 - 4/15/2006.