BLEACKLEY: T.W. (THOMAS) .
It is with immeasurable sadness to announce the passing of our ‘larger than life’ T.W. (THOMAS) BLEACKLEY. He was a devoted husband, loving father and Papa. Born in Vancouver Sept 19, 1937 he slept away peacefully at home with family at his side. Tom began his lifetime career at RBC as a proud Grade 12 graduate of Vancouver Tech H.S. In June 1955 he began delivering the internal mail. In 1959 he received written permission from RBC to marry the love of his life Kaye. Their only child (Loreen) would arrive in 1963 while posted in Kelowna, BC. The 1st of several cross country moves was to Montreal in 1967 specializing in corporate credit for only 2 years before returning to his ‘home’ turf in 1969. Back east again in 1971 in Toronto, 1975 Branch Manager Hamilton Main Branch, 1979 appointed Executive Officer and Branch Manager Vancouver Main Branch, August 1981 Tom was promoted to V.P. Commercial Banking for B.C. District, March 1985 Tom proudly accepts his most memorably role as Senior V.P. and General Manager B.C. District and Yukon. In 1989 another promotion taking him back to Toronto as Executive Vice President Credit Risk until 1991 where he accepted his final promotion in his successful career as Senior Executive Vice-President Credit, where he had world-wide responsibility for credit risk management. Tom was a passionate man who never offered less 100%. A true people-person who always advocated for the underdog. He never forgot his beginnings or his deep rooted loyalty of long-lasting friendships. His love of sports, gardening, and working in his tool shop aka sanctuary was where he explored his creativity at stained glass, furniture creations, garden decor, gardens, to name a few. He was a carpenter, electrician, a plumber and contractor renovating most of their family homes through his life journey. Laughter and loyalty are words describing Tom as he sailed into retirement frequently entertaining BBQing poolside or dinner parties with themes. Most evenings evolved to the living room for Tom to entertain their guests playing the piano and sing-a-longs. World cruises and vacations planned with friends were always in the making. Tom (Tommy) will be deeply missed by his wife Kaye of 58 years, daughter Loreen and grand-daughter Kasey and countless family and friends. Celebration of life will be held at 2 pm Sat. Jan 21st, 2017 at First United Church, 721 Bernard Avenue, (corner of Richter and Bernard), Kelowna, BC . In lieu of flowers we would be grateful for your donation to Alzheimer’s Association in awareness to Vascular Dementia. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299