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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WHITE, Thomas Clifford - After living a full life, his way, Thomas Clifford White born December 3rd, 1927, Yarmouth. Nova Scotia died on December 30th, 2021.
For 67 years, Tom was married to Dorothy Edna Muise who died December 29th 2013. His parents were Toussaint Elise Leblanc who died in 1932 and Margaret Jessie LeBlanc who died in 1948. He was also predeceased by his son Walter, 2020, his grandson Jeffrey, 2021, great grandson Tristan, 2020, his sister Dorothy (AKA. Annie), 2021 and two sisters Sarah Margaret and Mary Catherine in early childhood.
He is survived by his daughters The Reverend Mary J. White (Grant Vaughan), Powell River, B.C., Sharon A. Breen (James), Dartmouth, N.S.; son Michael T. White (Seretha), Yarmouth, N.S., grandsons Kenneth, Thomas, Jimi, Gregory and Joshua, granddaughters Leanne, Veronica, Kendra and Katrina, several great grandsons, great granddaughters, and great great grandsons.
At age 16, Tom received the General Service Badge when he signed a declaration committing to go to war when he was of age. In 1947 Tom was commissioned to the Canadian Coast Guard ship the Lady Laurier where he remained until 1952 when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. He was stationed at Shearwater, N.S. as part of the HS50 Squadron and served as an Aircraft Technician on the aircraft carrier HMCS MAGNIFICENT, the aircraft carrier HMCS BONAVENTURE, and HMCS PROTECTEUR. He was awarded a citation for developing a plan that saved many hours when repairing Sea King Helicopters. He received many accolades for his superior workmanship and while on the BONAVENTURE was put in charge of Flight Deck Maintenance. He was a committed sailor who enjoyed the life. Before retiring in 1977, he spent two years working in charge of recruits at Cornwallis, N.S. where his career had begun.
Tom had two passions in his life, baseball, and music. Baseball kept him in excellent physical condition of which he was very proud. He began playing ball at an early age and continued to be involved with ball to some degree into his 80s. His favorite teams were the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. He never missed a game and often, rightfully so, argued with the umpires’ decisions. He would study and memorize the most recent baseball rule book. He played for the Dartmouth Triple A League in the mid 1940’s. While stationed at Shearwater, he played baseball for the Shearwater Armed Forces Team and, also coached the women’s team of which Dorothy and Mary were players along with Dorothy’s women friends.
Upon retiring, Tom continued with his baseball involvement through many years of coaching the Yarmouth Minor Baseball Teams. Two team members signed with the Blue Jay Junior League.
He worked for the Yarmouth Recreation Department until he retired from there in 1997 but continued to volunteer.
At age 13, Tom picked up a guitar, taught himself to play and sang his way through many kitchen parties and bands. He enjoyed performing and singing in the old country and western tradition. Many evenings he could be heard throughout his home practicing the latest tunes.
Tom was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Yarmouth Branch 61, a founding member of the Yarmouth Town and County Sports Heritage Association, and an active member of Canadian Naval Air Group, Shearwater, N.S.
He lived life to the fullest, took seriously any task to which he was committed, and generously contributed to the people in his community.
Tom, through the years, you provided well for your family and already you are missed.
The family is appreciative to the VON who provided compassionate care and the Home Care Providers who gently gave loving care. Many thanks to the nurses on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital, the emergency care nurses and doctors, Dr. Paul Legere and Dr. Tessa Boudreau. Thank you to your Continuing Care Co-ordinator Linda O’Connell for all the support you gave us.
We are also grateful to Randy Cook who played music with Tom, and then when Tom was unable to play, came to the house on Thursday evenings to play and sing. This was very comforting, enjoyable and a gift of blessings.
“And when the day for my final voyage arrives, and the ship, never to return, is set to leave, you will find me on board, light on supplies, and almost naked, like the children of the sea.” —Antonio Machado
Arrangements are under the care and direction of H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Home, Yarmouth. A funeral service will be held from H.M. Huskilsons Memorial Chapel, Yarmouth on Tuesday January 4th, 2022 at 2 p.m.
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