Thomas Oliver Brereton

Thomas Oliver Brereton was born on August 8, 1928, in Kells, Ireland and grew up with his two brothers and three sisters in Wallasey, England. He forever carried a passion for soccer and briefly played semi-pro before pursuing his second passion: “ships and anything having to do with them”. Tom spent time in the Merchant Marine Service during WWII and afterwards in the Royal Navy. After that tour of duty, Tom immigrated to London, Ontario in 1951. He landed a job with the General Motors Diesel Division in London and remained a loyal employee there until retirement in 1991.

Tom married the love of his life, Donna Marie Collier in 1956. Tom and Donna did everything together. They loved travelling the world, spending time at their cottage, walking, square dancing, and even taught senior exercise programs together. For 10 years they owned a fifty-acre farm. However, making memories with family was always the top priority. Together, they raised 5 children: Patti (Evan), Colleen (Bruce), Michael (Bonnie), Maureen (Steve), and Sean (Annette); and were subsequently blessed with 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren (so far!). At 91, Tom made plans for a final pilgrimage back to Ireland. Upon learning of it, all five of his children made it a point to free their schedules to be with him and experience his roots firsthand – a true testament to the love that he showed his family being returned to him.

Tom’s quiet and polite nature, his sincerity and dignity, and his consideration for others were always on display. The only times he ever cursed were when the tides turned against his beloved Liverpool Football Club or his Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. Tom regularly put his dry sense of humour to use (so Irish!). He also loved to tell stories and had a wonderful way of using his arms and hands to add emphasis. Few men could ever appreciate desserts as much as Tom Brereton, and fewer yet could still look svelte after 93 years of eating them!

Tom is dearly missed, but we are forever blessed for having him for 93 years. As such, the Brereton Family will celebrate the life of Tom, the husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, each and every day.

The Brereton Family expresses our thanks to the Nurses, PSWs, and Doctors of the LHSC – University and Victoria Hospital.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sláinte!