Obituary of Thomas A. Cole

The family sadly announces the peaceful passing of Thomas Albert Cole at St. John and St. Stephen Nursing Home on August 18, 2016 in Saint John, NB. He was born to the late Thomas and Rena (Northrup) Cole on August 9, 1933, and he was predeceased by his loving wife, Valerie Elizabeth (Burke) Cole on April 7, 2007. Tom and Valerie made their home and raised their family in Saint John and in later years moved to Dipper Harbour. Tom is Survived by one sister, Eileen (Glen, deceased) Higgins and three brothers: Norman (Florence) Cole; Brendan (Phyllis) Cole and Gary (Eleanor, deceased) Cole. He is survived by three sons and a daughter John (Rowena) Cole, James (Susan) Cole, Donald (Mary Beth Cole), and Judith (Charles) Crawford; his grandchildren: Cara, Jamie, Christina, Brendon, Michelle, Olivia, Jordan, Mary and Katelynn; as well as several great grandchildren: Julie, Asha, Barry, Mischa, Tommy, Billy, Hunter, Connor, Grace, Harriet, and several nieces and nephews. Following graduation from St. Vincent’s Boys High School, Tom spent 47 years with JD Irving. Most of these years he spent in senior management at Irving Pulp & Paper where, in his later years, he held the title of Corporate Director of Power and Steam for all Irving Industries. He was truly dedicated to his career and very respected in the field, having traveled worldwide consulting and researching the latest technologies in steam and power. Tom was widely known as the ‘guru of steam’ and his insight and accomplishments were published in various engineering publications throughout North America. Following his retirement, he spent many hours sitting in his chair enjoying the view of the wharf and fishing boats from his home in Dipper Harbour. In his younger years he had a passion for hunting, fishing and boating. Always an avid hockey fan, he attended countless NHL games and the Canada/USSR Summit in Russia in 1972. Tom was proudest in life of his four children and their accomplishments and most recently the visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John (634-1701). Visitation will be held on Sunday August 21, 2016 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm & 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday August 22, 2016 at 12:00noon from Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in Thomas’s memory can be made to Romero House or the charity of one’s choice.