Thomas "Tom" Hughes
Born
May 3, 1940
Wolverhampton, England
Died
October 25, 2024
Sarnia, Ontario
Obituary
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear husband, Tom Hughes on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Vision Nursing Home at the age of 84. A resident of Corunna, Tom was from Wallasey Village, Merseyside, England. He is survived by his wife Adrienne of 40 years; daughter Christine (Melvin) Vaughan, granddaughter Ella, grandson Huw; sons Martyn (Joanne), grandson Adam and granddaughter Laura; Grant (Samantha), grandson James and granddaughter Charlotte; sister-in-law Mary; nephews Nicky and Philipp of Germany; predeceased by parents Gladys and Bill Hughes, brothers Bill, Bob and John Hughes; sister-in-law Nadine Wark (Lloyd-deceased), nephew Derek Wark (Lindsay), great nephew Aidan, and great nephew Ethan-deceased; brother-in-law Steve Cook (Lisa), nephew Aaron (A.J.) and niece Sarah. Tom was a Chemical Engineer his entire career, working in England, Wales, and Canada, with his longest contract in Saudi Arabia at Saudi Petrochemical Co. Tom and Adrienne spent 15 years in Saudi, where they travelled the world together and made many lasting friends. Tom’s passion was sailing and he was a member of the Great Lakes Sailing Society where he raced single and double-handed, winning a number of races. Together they spent many summers sailing the North Channel in their sailboat, Split Decision. Tom was also an avid Formula I racing fan. When younger he was a competitive rower and mountain climber. Another hobby was photography and videography, leaving his family with cherished memories. He had a great love for his families and was very proud of them all. Tom touched the lives of family and friends in so many ways, especially with his British sense of humour. His wife Adrienne will always treasure his love and the very special life they shared together. The family thanks all those involved in the on-going care that Tom received over the past five years…Dr. William O’Mahoney, Gemma Vitali (nurse practitioner); Dr. G. Farag; Dr. Chu, London University Hospital; Bluewater Health Sarnia and Petrolia’s Continuing Care Unit; LHIN and Alzheimer’s Society, Vision Nursing Home for exceptional care the past 2 years; in particular the staff on 2nd Floor, Superior unit whose care and friendship helped both of us immensely during this difficult time. Cremation has taken place. A family and friends’ farewell is planned for the summer of 2025. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Tom’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. Charitable donations accepted at McCormack Funeral Home (cheques only please) to Vision Nursing Home or Sarnia Yacht Club (Jr. Sailing Group) in memory of Tom Hughes. Arrangements entrusted to McCormack Funeral Home.
Visitation & Services
No Visitation
A Farewell
At a later date.
Disposition
Resurrection Crematorium
Donations
Cheques only please,
will be received at the funeral home
Cremation
Family Memories
Click on the photo to open up
gallery viewing.
Condolences
Tom my friend and fellow solo sailor. We did a couple Port Huron / Mac solo races together and shared a lot of stories and information. I enjoyed your friendship immensely. I'm sure Heaven is a little bit nicer with you aboard now. Fair winds my friend :-)
Steven Stoll
So sorry to hear of your loss Adrienne. I know it has been a long and challenging journey for both you and Tom. I hope you find peace in knowing that Tom's struggle is over. I have great admiration for the loving and caring support I witnessed you provide to him at Vision nursing home. When I interreacted with Tom at Vision he always had a smile on his face.
Mary-Ellen Scully
My condolences to Tom's family. I got to know Tom when he & I would be working on our boats while they were "up on the hard". He encouraged me to enter into single handed sailboat racing. I eventually did and eventually won my first and only first place flag - that I treasure very much. I often think of our talks & have shared some info he gave in his talk to the Sarnia Yacht Club.
Herb G. Huber
Sending you my sincere condolences at this time. We shared a lot of good memories during our time working in Saudi Arabia. Thinking of you Adrienne with Love. Lyn xo
Lyn Grocott
Taid Canada (Grandpa), an incredible man I’ll always look up to and thank for giving us such an incredible family. We will never forget you
Ella Vaughan
Dear Adrienne and Family, Tracy and I are sending you our deepest sympathy. We feel so fortunate to have shared many lunches with you and Tom, and we’ll always treasure those times together. Tom will be dearly missed, and we’re holding you close in our thoughts. With heartfelt condolences, Jim & Tracy
Jim Williamson
Dad was not just a brilliant, kind and caring father, he was a hero to me. He showed and taught me respect, fairness, independence, courage, graft and the will to never give up no matter the adversities and setbacks life throws at us. Dad lived his life to the full and succeeded both at work and play. A role model for sure that many could learn from. Dad will be missed greatly by us. Our hearts particularly go out to Adrienne who was by his side throughout. Living the other side of the Atlantic meant my family and I could only see him a couple of weeks every year or so. However, I am so grateful that I was able to make the trip and spend that last bit of quality time with him a few weeks before he sadly passed. Dad will never be forgotten. Martyn, Jo, Laura and Adam xxxx
Martyn Hughes
Tom was a wonderful father-in-law. We all loved him and will miss him loads. A special person with so many amazing achievements throughout his life. I always thought he was happiest sailing, whether participating in sail boat races, watching sailing, casual sailing with his lovely wife, Adrienne or just talking about sailing. Dementia is such a terrible and unfair disease and I hope Tom is now at peace and looking down on us. Jo xxxxx
Johanne Hughes-Dowdle
Adrienne, my sincere condolences. Carol McCagherty
Carol McCagherty
Our special Bampi. The man who brought magic to every trip to Canada through childhood and beyond. Special memories include fishing with you (& featuring in the local newspaper as a grandfather-toddler fishing duo) and playing in your water sprinklers on hot summer days. I know you'll always be looking down on us. Lots of love, Laura (granddaughter, Wales)
Laura
We are so sorry of Tom’s passing. We have known Tom for years. We know the boys as well. Our thoughts are with you Adrienne and family. Our love and best wishes to you luv Sheila and Bill Eynon Kitimat B.C. xxxx
Sheila and Bill Eynon
My heartfelt condolences to Adrienne and family in this difficult time. So wonderful this beautiful couple found each other - Bless you
Pam Norcross
A great man who definitely made a mark on this earth, by his kindness, great humour, great stories , wonderful hospitality at the Hughes house !! Thank you for your constant friendship over the many years, and thank you for sailing lessons. We will miss you, but we know you will be hanging out with all the other Scousers up there inside the Pearly Gates. God Bless you Tom🙏
Lee & Ian Smith
Adrienne; I am so sorry for your loss.Thinking of you at this difficult time.I will miss our visits at Vision.
Colleen Keenan
Adrienne and family, our deepest sympathy on Tommy’s passing. It took meeting at Isla Iguana in Puerto Vallarta to get to know a couple who actually lived ten minutes away from us at home here in Sarnia. We quickly became friends and carried that friendship with us back home. It was always great to hear Tommy’s stories of adventures sailing or their travels overseas. Having grown up in the 60’s we loved hearing his first hand accounts of growing up in Britain around the time of the Beatles and other British groups. We have missed his gentle presence these past few years and hope he is at peace. We are always here for you Adrienne❤️❤️❤️
Pauline and Dan Anderson
Dear Adriene and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts❤️
Heather Drummond
Hi Adrienne, As you know, Tom was a very good friend to Ryan and I. I had the pleasure of spending a number of visits with Tom over the years and we always enjoyed a good drink together. He was always upbeat and we will remember him for being a wonderful man with a great sense of humour. May he enter God's kingdom and be waiting for you (and us) when our time comes. Debbie and I will be praying for you and Tom (and his family). Ryan, Debbie and Gerry Coughlan
Gerry Coughlan
So sorry, Adrienne, for your loss. My condolences and deepest sympathy to you and the entire family. Treasure the memories that will help you carry on. Hugs…
Alice May Sutherland
Adrienne . Sympathy to all of you. Tom is at peace. All your loving memories will carry you thru the coming days. You are an inspiration to all of us. You were there for Tom since he got sick. We are all here for you. A beautiful obit. Love your friend Barb
Barb Montgomery