Thomas Archibald White
September 16, 1944 to November 28, 2023
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our loving husband, father, and Poppy. Tom White has passed away at the age of 79 at Pleasant View Towers, following a lengthy illness. Tom is finally home.
Predeceased by his parents, George, and Bridget White; parents-in-law Albert and Annie Higgins; brothers-in-law, Ernie, Alfred, and Don Higgins.
Leaving to mourn are his loving wife of 55 years, Gladys; daughter Tobie; son-in-law Tom, and the apple of his eye, his precious granddaughter Olivia. Also leaving to mourn with happy and funny memories are his brother Ed, and sister-in-law Marge. Also, many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephew.
Tom was a teacher for 31 years starting his career on Bell Island where he met the love of his life, Gladys. They were together for 60 years and married for 55. Tom was always the comedian. He loved to make people laugh, and his fun and loving presence will be missed and forever and will be cherished by all who knew him.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Pleasant View Towers, Unit 1 SE. Along with his doctors, Dr. Susan Dalton, and Dr. Colin Penney.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Thomas’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Cremation has taken place at the family’s request, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. There has only ever been one teacher that has always stayed in my fond memories, and that teacher is Mr. White. Being in his class so many years ago was a joy and memories of him and his good nature have stayed with me all these years. My sincere condolences to his family.
I only a couple of days ago found out Mr. White had passed away. He was my Grade Seven Teacher at St. Phillip’s School many years ago and was high on my list of favourite teachers. The last time I saw him was during Federal Election training a few years ago. We always recognized each other and had a chat whenever we chance to meet. My sincere condolences to his family. You were blessed with a kind, gentle, soft spoken person. God grant him gentle rest.
Gladys, you don’t really know me. I’m writing on behalf of my father Clyde Crummey, deceased jn 2004. and my mother Ruth now in Moncton. My father and Tom were very good friends and I have great memories of him myself although only a child/teen when I occasionally saw him. My parents both thought the world of him and their conversations were always full of laughter and smiles! He was a great fellow to know. My condolences on his passing.
Cousin Gladys and Family
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.. I have many fond memories of you both, going back to the early days on Bell Island. He was always such a pleasant and congenial person. Our love, thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Debbie and Randy
Rest in peace Tom. Fond memories of your Windsor Heights days and time spent in the garage with myself and Dad. Condolences to you and your family Gladys.
Bill Pike
So many Brinton Alums adored our grade 6 teacher. My sincere condolences to his family.
Gladys and Family
I was very sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. We met several years ago at the track at MUN. Tom was very easy to talk to and we soon learned that he had taught with my father. .From then on I considered him a friend. We had many a good chat over the years as we circled that track ..May he rest in peace.
Mr. White was my teacher at Brinton Memorial in grade 6. (about 50 years ago.) His gentle and compassionate demeanor, along with his sense of humor, are traits that I have remembered over the years. He was an exceptional teacher and individual.
Gladys and Family,
I did not teach with Tom but we met at meetings and socials throughout our careers. We had so much fun when we saw each other with stories and memories of our teaching days. You know how affable and friendly Tom was. When you saw him at a meeting it was automatic to walk up to him and say hello. He was such a fun-loving person. Rest well, Tom.
Gladys, Tobie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Fond memories of him at Brinton Memorial and outside. He was a wonderful man and always had something funny to say. Thinking of you and Tobie at this difficult time.
Gladys, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.. He was a very nice gentleman, always pleasant. My mother, Millie Baker, taught with him for many years at Brinton Memorial.. I remember her telling me how much she enjoyed working with him and what a wonderful person he was.
My condolences to his wife, daughter and family.
Mr White was my answer for the securty question Who was your favorite teacher”Tom White” My sincere condolences to you and your familly
Dear Gladys, Tobie and Family,
Tom was a kind, gentle giant who was one of the nicest people I have ever met. My deepest condolences to all.
Brian and Diane
Tobie – thinking of you and your family at this difficult time! Your Dad is finally at peace!
Gladys and family
Tom was a great person. I have so many fond memories of our growing up and going to school together in fortune, My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Gladys, Tobiie, & Tom, and Olivia. Janet and I send our sincere condolences, much love and many hugs as you mourn Tom’s death and celebrate the many years you all spent together. Unfortunately we are unable to be there in person but our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go forward mourning your lost and celebrating his life. Keep all of your memories close to your hearts. Love you all. God bless.
Gladys and family, so sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Gladys and family,
Our hearts are saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We both truly enjoyed being in his company and we will miss him dearly. Our heartfelt condolences go to you, Tobie, Olivia and Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Eric & Jean.
Gladys and family
It is with profound sadness to hear of Tom’s passing. A great guy with a wonderful sense of humour. I first met Tom in the early seventies when both of us were vice principals at Blackall and Brenton and Kay taught with Tom for a number of years. Our families were both long time members of. Mark’s church on Logy Bay Rd so our paths crossed very often.
Our heart goes out to you at this time. Kevin and Kay Smith
Gladys and Tobie, I was so saddened to hear about Tom’s passing. As one of my god parents he has, along with you, Gladys, always held a special place in my heart. My thoughts are with you. All my love, Kim
Gladys, Tobie and Family,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
The White Family, So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I have many fond memories visiting Tom and family in Fortune and other places in Newfoundland over the years. His kind and thoughtful ways will always be remembered. Our sincere condolences,, our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Mr White’s passing. He was my teacher in Grade 7 as well as my soccer coach at the Beach School on Bell Island. He was a great teacher. May he rest in Peace.
I worked with Tom at Brinton Memorial and when he was principal at Harrington. He was a caring concerned principal . Always wanting the best for his students and families. He adored Gladys , Tobi and Olivia. Tom was such a good man. I have many fond memories of him and send thoughts and prayers to his family
To the White Family,
So sorry to hear of Mr. White’s passing.
He was my grade 6 teacher at Brinton Memorial, and one of the my lifetime favorite teachers. Being In His class allowed me to realize that we all have a voice to be heard.
He made an impact and I thought I’d him many times over the years.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Gladys, Tobie and family. So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Cherish your memories ❤️
Gladys and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I have many fond memories of Tom and our years together teaching at St. Philips School. We kept in contact over the years during his teaching years at Brinton and after his retirement. He always had a joke or funny story to tell me when we chatted by phone, email or in person.. Daphne and my condolences to you and the family at this time.
Gladys and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I have many fond memories of Tom and our years together teaching at St. Philips School. We kept in contact over the years during his teaching years at Brinton and after his retirement. He always had a joke or funny story to tell me when we chatted by phone, email or in person.. Daphne and my condolences to you and the family at this time.
My deepest sympathy to Mr. White’s family. I was one of his first students at Brinton Memorial School. He came to teach us in grade five and moved with us to grade six the following year. How lucky we were! He was kind, funny, encouraging, and engaging. It takes patience and a special magic to make a class fall in love with you – and we did with him. He has stayed with us all these years – great lessons learned while we were young. Every good wish to his family moving forward.
Gladys,Tobie and family.We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing..A gentleman and a genuinely funny guy is how I will remember him ,especially when I think back to meeting up with you on our trip to Florida back in the 90s.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Gary and Jolene Gladney
Gladys,Tobie and family. We’re so sorry and saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was such a gentle and loving person! Our deepest sympathy and prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Our condolences to Gladys and all the family.
May he Rest In Peace.
Tony and Carol (Hussey) Fitzgerald
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Hold your memories close to your hearts. Hugs 💕
Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a great colleague and friend! Tom could always make you laugh and smile. He was dedicated to the students he taught and made a great impact on their learning. To Toby and Gladys , Tom and Olivia we extend our sincere condolences. We fondly remember all the good times we had. Terry and Kev Sharpe
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing ! Deepest condolences and love to Gladys and family !!!
GLADYS and FAMILY
saddened to hear of TOM’S PASSING my
condolences to your family
REMEMBERING those chats every sunday morning
at st marks andgetting out to the table to get sweets befoe GLADYS came
TOM LOVED SWEETS
lots of memories
We know he is at peace now
MAY his gentle soul rest in peace with GOD
CAROL
There was a time Tom was known as Mr. White to me and my classmates at Brinton Memorial Elementary School. He was a wonderful teacher full of wit and wisdom. As part of my extended family, Tom was well known for his kindness, generosity and humour. He brought a lot of love and laughs into many people’s lives. Deep condolences to Gladys, Tobie and Olivia along with all family and friends. Here’s a poem by Dylan Thomas posted here in memory of Mr. White.
And death shall have no dominion.
Dead men naked they shall be one
With the man in the wind and the west moon;
When their bones are picked clean and the clean bones gone,
They shall have stars at elbow and foot;
Though they go mad they shall be sane,
Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again;
Though lovers be lost love shall not;
And death shall have no dominion.
And death shall have no dominion.
Under the windings of the sea
They lying long shall not die windily;
Twisting on racks when sinews give way,
Strapped to a wheel, yet they shall not break;
Faith in their hands shall snap in two,
And the unicorn evils run them through;
Split all ends up they shan’t crack;
And death shall have no dominion.
And death shall have no dominion.
No more may gulls cry at their ears
Or waves break loud on the seashores;
Where blew a flower may a flower no more
Lift its head to the blows of the rain;
Though they be mad and dead as nails,
Heads of the characters hammer through daisies;
Break in the sun till the sun breaks down,
And death shall have no dominion.
shocked and saddened with the news of Tom’s passing. I met Tom for the first time as room mates and colleagues as teachers on Bell Island. We even bought an old car together…not sure if we could ever move it. Oh, the memories of the hostile. So my deepest, saddest condolences to Gladys and family. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Sorry to hear of Mr. White’s passing.
He was my grade seven teacher and soccer coach.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace.
Gladys & family,
I’m very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My sincere condolences at this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To Gladys , Tobie and Family,
We were so saddened to learn of Tom’s passing or Mr. White as he was known to my children; Chris, Beth and Jimmy. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayer’s are with you.
To Tom’s family, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.
I always enjoyed going to the hockey games with Tom and Don Legge and our conversations about growing up in Garnish, now both of my friends are gone. RIP Tom.
Charlie Harris
To Tom’s family I would like to express my sincere condolences. Met Tom at St. Mark’s, he was welcoming, showed me the ropes about how things were done around the church. A fine gentleman. R I P Tom
Gladys & family; Ed & family,
I’m saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. It’s been a few years since we last chatted and shared a chuckle – and he always had a laugh to share. My sincere condolences.
Max
Gladys, Tobie & Olivia, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. Thinking of you Love Jeannie, Gary & family🙏🙏
Condolences to Gladys and Family with the passing of Tom. I have fond memories of times spent together.
Tom was a real gentleman. RIP Tom🙏🏻
Foster & Connie Lamswood
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hazel Baldwin
So sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Gladys, Tobin and family.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was such a sweet man. Thinking of you at this time. Take care.
Gary & Paula Vokey
Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was the warden at St. Mark’s while I was Rector. We all appreciated all of you . You in the choir and Tom as warden.. Tobie as a server..Tom grew up in Garnish as I did.. Tom was a frequent visitor at my family home with my younger brothers. . He was dearly loved in Garnish as he was at St. Mark;’s..Sincere condolences to you and Tobiie.
To Gladys, Tobie and Family,
We were saddened to hear the news of Tom’s death, he was an inspiration to our boys Hugh and Richard as their grade six teacher and a joy to work with on the PTA.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at his time.
Anthea and Michael.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Elections Canada. Tom was always such a pleasure to be around, such a kind and caring man. I feel truly blessed to have met him.
My sincere condolences to you all
Gladys and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was always a warm and welcoming face each Sunday morning at St. Mark’s. I am forever grateful for the kindness that he showed to Jamie. May you and your family find some measure of comfort in recalling a lifetime of memories and knowing that he is now at peace.
Gladys and family…. So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.
One of the kindest and gentle person you would have the pleasure to meet.
Whenever we crossed paths Tom would always make time to say hi and ask how we were doing.
He will be kept in our prayers
Tobie, Gladys, Olivia, & Tom – You are in our thoughts. John & I enjoyed meeting your Dad at the wedding & sharing in the happiness of that event together. Hoping good memories like that will help buoy your hearts in these challenging times without him. Our condolences & love go out to you.
So sorry for your loss. I remember him quite fondly..
Gladys & Family
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on Tom’s passing. He was one of a kind, a true gentlemen with the biggest heart, gentle voice and the love he had for his family was beyond words. Our thoughts and prayers to each of you. God Bless 🙏🏽
Sending sincere condolences. I have only had the pleasure of meeting Tom a couple times through his niece Rebecca, who has shared many beautiful stories of her Uncle Tom.. Hold onto your beautiful memories and your love to get through the days ahead.
Ena and Dwayne Kendell
Gladys And Family So So Sorry To Heard Of Toms Passing Always A Sweet RIP Tom
So sorry for your loss….I will always remember him for the chats we had and how those yellow flowers made him feel …May your memories of your husband,father and grandfather be your strength in the time of grief 🙏
Wanda Buckingham
Gladys, I am so sad to hear about Tom’s passing, he was a great friend and teaching colleague who was well-loved by staff and students. We shared many laughs throughout our time on staff together. he was a fine fellow to have as a friend! Condolences to you and your family.
Mrs White and Tobie
So sorry to hear of Mr Whites passing. He was a true gentleman.. My deepest condolences to you all🙏
Gladys and Tobie
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We are fortunate to be part of your family. As a young couple, we often dropped in for a chat. Leaving, we always felt the palpable love you had for each other and for your beautiful daughter.. That love and commitment was apparent throughout your life and never wavered. Hold on to your memories of a precious man and take care of each other.
Gladys, and family.
I am reading with a heavy heart the news of Tom’s passing. He was indeed one of a kind. Such a kind and friendly person.
Sending our deepest condolences.
Kim Petley
Gladys i am so sorry to read this news. Keeping you all in my prayers.
My sincere condolences to Mr. White’s family. He was my teacher at Brinton Memorial many years ago. We bumped into each other at St. Marks years later and I thanked him for being such a wonderful teacher.. Bev Rowe Karagianis
Gladys, Tobie, Ed and family :
We are sad to hear about Tom’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you all at this difficult time. RIP Tom.
Glady, Tobie and Family, We are so sad to hear about Tom’s passing. The memories over the years that Glen and I shared with all of you we will never forget,. Glady we are so happy of the times we shared playing cards and going to Bell Island for the day with you and Tom and see the smile on his face getting Dick’s fish and chips. The memories and stories that Tracy and Mark talks about when Tom was their Teacher at Brenton are so nice to hear. Also Glen has memories of Tom teaching him on Bell Island, Thinking of You All, Love Linda and Glen
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I had the pleasure of teaching with him and have fond memories of our chats and his jokes which brightened the cloudiest days. My deepest condolences to you.
Today is one of the saddest days of my life. Tom and I go back many years when we met In Portugal Cove Lion’s club where he was an outstanding member. I have many memories travelling to Lion’s District Governors Conventions with my deceased wife and Tom and Gladys. Lots of fun and happiness. Tom and I cut many a cords of wood together to feed our wood stoves. We met regularly over coffee/lunch to catch up with the latest happenings. In the last two years I have been away from Nfld so havn’t seen him much. I didn’t realize the extent of his struggle. He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
To Gladys, Toby and family and Ed and family, my sincerest condolences. I hope I’m in St. John’s for his celebration of life.
Mr. White is one of my favourite memories of my years at Brinton. I always felt like he spoke to students as equals, not the children that we were, and he’d hold you to the high standards of potential he saw in all of us.
Before you hit grade 6 he was a towering presence in the school, until you had him for your own teacher and got to experience his warmth up close.
I’ve thought of him often over the years and hope your family feels the love as we sit with our fond memories of him.
Sending your family and friends light and love in this loss.
Gladys, Tobie and family, we are so sorry to learn of “Mr. White’s” passing. We have the fondest memories of Jenny’s and Vicki’s days at Brinton Memorial School of which Mr. White was an integral part. He was a respected teacher who made learning fun and interesting. We often still repeat some of the jokes he shared with his students, the favourite having the punch line, “It’s me-ma!!!!” He had the warmest smile and was always welcoming when we’d attend at the school. We know your hearts are breaking but we hope you will find comfort in your treasure trove of memories. Sending sincerest condolences. Deryck, Linda, Jenny and Vicki Harnett
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing, He was a wonderful co-worker and friend. Our Deepest Sympathy to all of his beautiful family!! May He Rest In Peace!!
Gladys, Tobie, Olivia, Tom, my deepest condolences on Mr. ‘s passing. On his few visits here to the salon he certainly gave me a chuckle and I could see what a force of nature he was!! Your precious memories of him I hope will help you though this sad time . 💕