Obituary of Tom Stickland

TOM STICKLAND

Tom Stickland passed away with peace and grace on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Born October 13, 1947, Tom was predeceased by parents, Len and Stella Stickland and brother Gary. Tom is survived by his loving wife Alison; sister Sharon (Ed Waddington - Kanata, ONT); brother Eugene (Calgary); nieces, Hanna Stickland (Miguel Santos – Portugal), Dr. Ashley Waddington (Dr. Jamie Pyper - Kingston, ONT); nephew Geoffrey Waddington; and grandniece Ellena Waddington (Kanata). Tom graduated from Scott Collegiate, earned a B.A. in English (UofR) and an MSW (UBC).  His career as a Public Assistance Worker in Moose Jaw, and Juvenile Probation Officer in Weyburn, focused on treating troubled youth and young adults with respect and dignity. Tom was appointed Supervisor of Probation services in Saskatoon, and with his talented staff provided some of the most innovative services in the province. He met Alison and moved to Regina to be with her. In Regina, he directed two half-way houses for prison inmates. During Tom’s later years, he was promoted to Central Office, supervising field and institutional staff, developing policy, training programs, and facilitating the introduction of the Young Offenders Act.  Throughout these years he had a rich association with staff and management and was much respected for his depth of thought, adherence to professional principles and brilliant wit. Tom devoured books, loved music, and sang in the Knox-Met Choir. He will be remembered for wonderful stories told at the annual Christmas Food and Fun Club. Tom was actively involved in Regina Little Theatre and was once described by the Leader Post as a “quirky, comedic gem”. Tom also loved curling, softball, and above all golf. His first gift to Alison was a set of clubs and lessons. She learned that playing golf with Tom was even more important than going to Rider games or listening to Monty Python albums. Tom’s strong faith supported him through many health setbacks. A special thank you to the many Homecare Staff who cared for Tom and to the medical team at the ICU in the Pasqua Hospital. Visitation will be held for family and friends at the Speers Funeral Chapel, on Sunday, March 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at Knox Metropolitan United Church, on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. For those unable to attend the service will be broadcast live and on an ongoing basis via the church Facebook page www.facebook.com/KnoxMetRegina. In lieu of flowers, please consider Tom’s favorite charities, the Regina Little Theater, the Knox Metropolitan Futures Fund, or Covenant House, a home providing love and hope to Vancouver’s street youth.