Obituary of Thomas Donald Mason

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of Thomas Donald Mason, husband of Phyllis Miller, which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. He was born on February 17, 1943 in Sussex, NB; he was the son of the late Donald and Anna (Miller) Mason.

Tom and Phyllis moved to Ontario when little Tommy was 14 months old. After trying his hand at few odd jobs, he found a lifelong career at Ford Motor Company in 1973. Tom worked at Ford for 30 years and was typically relied on to keep the line moving. Little Tommy followed in his fathers footsteps and also started his own career at the Ford plant. He still remembers the call he made to his father to say the plant was closing in 2011, where Big Tommy replied “I knew she wouldn’t last long after I left.” 

He always loved the outdoors; hunting, fishing and camping were a few of his favorite things to do. Tommy would come down home every fall where he enjoyed spending time at the camp. You would never know who you would see when you got there. Tom also loved spending time with his grandkids Amanda and Kevin. From hockey games to figure skating competitions he was always around to show his love and support. Other spectators knew who Tom was there to support as he was never one to bite his tongue while cheering on the grandkids.

He loved watching live harness racing, and would let the kids pick a horse to bet on but would always try to influence them with his strategies. He was a very knowledgeable teacher to his son, and instilled his hard work ethic, Tommy was plowing fields, harrowing and planting buckwheat for the deer from dawn until dusk, right until the night before he was taken to the hospital.

He will live on in the hearts of his loving wife of over 50 years, Phyllis; his son, little Tommy (Sally) Miller of London, ON; his grandchildren: Amanda Miller (Greg) of Kelowna, BC and Kevin Miller (Marilyn) of London, ON; his siblings: Robert (Deanna), Cecil (Sharon), Loretta (Stephen), Lawrence (Wanetta), Floyd (Evelyn), Russell (Marie), Oscar (Donna), Donna (Mike), Janet, Gail (Doug), Roger, Peter (Pam), Wanda (Danny), Randy (Kathy), Bonnie (Garrett), Stanley (Anna); as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by siblings: Anthony, Luella, Laverne and Mona.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex NB (506-433-1176) from where visitation will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial in honor of Tom’s life will be held from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11:00 am. Interment will be held at St. Phillips Catholic Cemetery, Head of Millstream.

Donations in memory of Tom may be made to the St. Phillips Catholic Cemetery or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com