MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Memories of Tom are always filled with energy and his unique sense of humour. He was such a spark of fun, justice and pragmatism. The love of his life and wife he couldn’t live without, of almost 40 years, Sue Stephenson, and all of his family and friends are missing him deeply. Cherished father of Michele (Jeffrey) Jenkins. Proud grandfather of Katie and Matt. Tom was the dear brother of Jane (Anthony) MacKinnon and was well-loved by his sister-in-law, Barbara (Bruce) Voycey, his nephews, Bradley and Ryan (Sara), and great-nieces and nephews, Finn, Ida, Cole, Jack, and Ella.
Tom had a seizure caused by a prior stroke and spent a month in hospital as doctors did all they could to help him come out of prolonged delirium. Under this new moon, he moved on to a better place in peace and without any pain.
We celebrate his incredible life as we try to deal with the incredible hole in our hearts. Tom loved music and playing it loud. You can listen to Mr. Mister’s Kyrie to experience one if his recent favourites. His grandson Matthew loved “tune’s nights” at Uncle Doug’s cottage on Little Lake Joseph in Muskoka with his grandpa. Tom grew up at the cottage and loved to be there.
Tom was an innovative teacher and counsellor in elementary and secondary schools in Peel District School Board. His students still keep in touch especially Earl and Dave. Tom was always proud of Kate’s perseverance with her university courses and continuing to learn. He worked for OSSTF as their staffing officer and was a proud union man. During this time, he became the Canadian distributor for those ProPicks.
Tom and Sue spent decades visiting Ajijic, Mexico, making many friends and Tom built computers for the Lake Chapala Society, helping Mexican kids learn English. He became Sénor Geek there. Tom was a master at fixing computers and playing video games.
He lived with Sue in Brampton for 30 years and made the transition to Cobourg which he came to love and know as his home.
He loved the amazing trip to Barcelona and Paris last summer and the leisurely week sitting at the front of the ship every day talking to strangers and making new friends. He was a wonderful storyteller and was spontaneous as he would stop people on the back lane to say hi and introduce himself and talk. He was a happy man, extraverted, positive, vibrant and kind.
He loved children especially his great nieces and nephews. Playing cards with New Amherst neighbours brought him joy with his new card shuffler. He had taken up golfing with a new set of clubs with his new buddy Fred.
The world is a lesser place without him. Instead of flowers, consider a donation to Sick Kids Hospital or Heart and Stroke Foundation, the charities he supported each month.
He loved his Corvette and planned ahead for his cousin Michael to take good care of it. It was a car to tinker with for sure. He had unique talents for fixing things like his grandson Matthew, whether it was plumbing, painting, or electrical work. He always had amazing ideas to solve problems, especially if it involved ordering from Amazon! He has enough supplies to start a computer store in his workshop.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Saturday April 27th at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King Street E. in Cobourg from 11:00 to 3:00. (Overflow parking available at Trinity United Church). This will give us with time to visit informally followed by time to hear and share memories and then lots of time to raise a glass and toast Tom, and eat the food he loved - ice cream and spring rolls. Sue can share ideas of hotels to stay in for anyone travelling from further away. It’s our hope that we can all laugh by then and smile more easily.
A recording of shared memories will be available from Sue upon request.
"Take me to the places on the earth that teach you how to dance
the places where you can risk letting the world break your heart,
and I will take you to the places where the earth beneath my feet
and the stars overhead make my heart whole again and again."
- Oriah Mountain Dreamer
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Once in awhile, we are blessed to meet some wonderful people on our journeys. They may stay in our lives for the long ride, or a short while or even a moment in time. However long or short it is, they are not forgotten. Tom, with his smile of sunshine, came into ours for 2 great years. Tom and Sue welcomed all of us, Jan, Jon and I, from the beginning of our move to Cobourg. No problem or question was too small. And anything to do with electronics, computer, electrical, vehicular were nothing for Tom’s ‘speedy’ brain to figure out. As new friends, there are no words to describe what a funny and fun couple Sue and Tom are. I’m so grateful we had the opportunity to meet Tom before he had to finish up his work here and move on to where we all go - eventually. Rest In Peace good friend and may all your hopes and dreams for the future in spirit be fully realized. Our condolences to all of Tom's family and friends. Love Jan, Jon and Marke Normandale
Dear Sue, My very sincere condolences on your loss and that of your entire family. Tom was such an alive person, that it seems incredible not to ever see him again. Anneliese
Carol Dempsey, my late wife, and I had the great privilege to be friends and colleagues of Tom and Sue for over 40 years. Throughout my years of OSSTF Provincial Executive election campaigns, their continued support meant a great deal. Following retirement, Carol and I moved to Northumberland County. It was so fortunate that Tom and Sue moved to Cobourg where we could share laughs, meals and memories together. When Carol died suddenly in August of 2022, Tom and Sue were there for me. There was no topic that we couldn’t discuss and no challenge that was off limits. I hope that Sue and family will know that the meaning of true friendship was always clear and that a good time made my days brighter. Energy never dies; it just changes form. Love, kindness and gratitude last forever.
Sue and family I am sorry for your loss! Great souls never die they are just looking at the beautiful world they helped to create from a different perspective!
My heart goes out to you, Sue, as you adjust to singleness and loss. Nothing but time can lesson the pain. May you know that you are loved and comforted by our Father God and your many friends and family. The following verse from Psalm 17: vs 8, is a plea from King David to God for love and protection. May it be your prayer: "Keep me as the apple of your eye; Hide me in the shadow of your wings."
The Union Makes Us Strong. This is where Tom and I first got to know each other and where a considerable part of his heart was. We argued and criticized each other and loved each other. As with others who have passed you are still in my heart and will be as long as I am able to think of you.
Sue, we were so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We are going to miss his cheery smile and the conversations we had on many a day in the back laneway. Tom was one of the first to welcome us to the neighbourhood. He is going to be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your extended family.
I had the pleasure of working with Tom in the North Park days. He was such a forward thinker with energy to spare, constantly on the go, but always willing to take a quiet moment to help someone in need of his expertise. He was a fierce defender of what is right, and an integral part of the OSSTF. Thank you Tom.
Rest in peace Tom.
So sorry to hear about the loss of a longtime high school friend! Always remember the generosity of his time. Always ready to help out a friend .
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Tom sounds like such a wonderful man who lived a lovely life. My condolences are with you and your family is in my prayers
Thinking of you Sue, and your family, at this very difficult time. My condolences. Big hugs.
I met Tom in passing at your home in Cobourg and was pleased to chat with Tom, a very nice and welcoming man. My sincere condolences Sue.
Sue, I’m thinking of you in these difficult times. My deepest condolences, Carolyn.
We are saddened to hear of Tom's passing and we know this is a huge loss for Sue and their family. Such a vibrant life has deeply touched those who Tom encountered and loved. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for peace and loving memories to console broken hearts.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Foundation
Sending condolences to all the Milner family. They say the loved ones are never gone as long as you talk about them. Keep those memories close.
So very sad to hear of Tom's passing. Although I didn't know him that well, he treated me like a long time friend. He was a whiz at fixing computers and with determination fixed my wife's laptop when everyone else said it was junk. He will be missed. I can see him now tinkering with the "Big Guy's" system.
Always with a twinkle in his eye, Tom would ask “What do you think of this?” And we knew that he had already rationalized it and was proceeding to convince everyone else. He was curious, inventive, generous, loyal, outspoken and meticulous among other characteristics that combined to make him so unique. The world needs more Toms.
Our sincere condolences to Tom’s Family. We are sure you will keep wonderful memories of Tom close to your hearts.
May cherished memories of your father bring you comfort during this difficult time
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Dear Sue. So sorry to hear about Tom. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by many Grief never ends….but it changes. It’s a passage , not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… It’s the price of love♥️ Rest in Peace
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sending heartfelt condolences your way. 💔💔Cathy & Gracie
I taught with Tom many years ago at North Park. What a wonderful guy! He was up on all new technology and so willing to share his knowledge. What a fun super guy. He had the biggest tv ever invented and was cutting edge on everything!!! I just loved the guy! He was always snapping and a popping while many others seemed to be comatose. Never Tom Milner!!! I am so sad that he has passed. Tom and Sue were such a a power couple. My condolences to Sue. The world has lost a great guy. - Marlene Robinson
Sue, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing…Lovingly referred to as “Talking Tom” at El Jardine’s in Ajijic he always had lots of stories to share with the coffee group. Sadly, many of that group is now gone too..Ajijic misses you both..xo
Sue, it is with great sadness that we have learned of the loss of Tom. Although I never met him, please take comfort in the memories that you have of him and remember also that you are in the thoughts and prayers of your wider family of friends and colleagues who you worked with at North Albion Collegiate. With deepest sympathy! Paul
Sincerest condolences to Sue and the family. My warm memories of Tom are always filled with laughter and smiles. Evelyn
Hi Sue. So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Jane and I send our condolences on your loss. It appears that you have a wonderful family who I hope will give you all the support you need. Tom was a wonderful friend and colleague and he will be dearly missed.
Dear Sue-Please accept my sincerest condolences on Tom’s passing. May the memories of your happy times together give you comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jane
Dear Sue My sincere condolences to you and your family. It was always a pleasure to meet Tom at your place and admire the latest improvements. I know he was very supportive of you and your eclectic endeavours to help young students.
Our sincerest sympathies for your loss. May your happy memories of Tom provide you with some comfort at this very difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your loss!
Farewell, cousin Tom. You will always be remembered as the lively and accomplished patriarch of the Milner cousin clan and will be missed by many. Cheers to how well you lived, loved and laughed. My heart goes out to Sue, Jane & Tony, Michelle, Katie and Matt and families for your loss. Condolences to all that knew and loved Tom. Heather Campbell
I got to know Tom through his visit to The Black Cat. Very nice gentleman, he will definitely be missed. My condolences to his wife and loved ones.
Sue, I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Hope you are well. You are in my thoughts and I will pray for you.
Our friendship with Tom lasted 49 years. Years that we enjoyed his comraderie and his love of life. We were very fortunate to have him as a dear friend and thoroughly enjoyed the times we spent together over the years. He always had a story to tell and his empathy towards people was remarkable. He will be sorely missed. We love you Tom and know that you are in a peaceful place looking down on all of us. God bless you dearest friend. All our love, Jan and Jim
We will miss Tom dearly recalling our first encounter at Bramalea SS, many TGIF’s, poker club and Peel Village pool parties. We will always remember time spent with Tom and Sue discovering the sights of Nice and Tuscany. He and Sue were our wonderful hosts in their home in Lake Chapala, where we discovered another side to Tom, his willingness to share his techie expertise with the community. Tom was always our Senor Geek go-to as we tried to keep up with technology beyond our understanding. Tom, we hope you’re telling your stories to a new audience. Rest in peace!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Foundation
Our heartfelt condolences Sue and family on the passing your beloved Tom. On moving into New Amherst, we had the pleasure of meeting our first neighbours Tom and Sue. We enjoyed getting to know you both… Gord striking up some interests with Tom like corvette ownership. When out for walks we would stop by for some laughs. Socializing with Tom was always easy and fun. Tom helped us with computer and electrical advice… he was always eager to help out. We will miss you Tom, rest peacefully dear friend🙏
Sue, We loved Tom because of his enormous zest for life, his stories and all the things that mad him so very special. Rest in peace, John and Lynn
We know that the passing of Tom has been deeply felt by his many friends. Ann and I enjoyed going to The Mill restaurant with Tom and Sue to catch up on recent news in the neighborhood. Tom and I also reminisced about our times at St. Michael's College School in Toronto as we were both Alumni members. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have our lives touched by Tom mourn the loss of a friend we can never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Our deepest condolences to Sue and all the family. I don't know how many times this senior Geek came without hesitation to fix the computer , would not take anything for his services and always had lots of stories. Our dog, Nova, was always happy to see him and he would take her for walks. Such a wonderful man in the neighbourhood who will be missed.
Dear Barb So sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere condolences to Tom's family You are in our thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss. Tom will be sorely missed in New Amherst. He loved playing cards and fixing things and talking to everyone.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
SickKids Foundation
Like Tom we were ‘recent Cobourgians’. Tom and Sue were the first neighbours to introduce themselves as we moved into our house across from them. To say Tom gave us a warm welcome to a new neighbourhood would be understatemant. He gave us advice, and physically helped on many occasions as we tried to understand our computers, heating system, electrical system and our water system. “Let’s ask Tom” became a mantra. He was a very generous man with his personal time and advice. He will be remembered dearly by us both. Our condolences to Sue who did everything she could during the trying time of Tom’s ailments. Here’s to you Tom... we’re raising an ice cream cone to you! Your neighbours and friends Jan and Markiana Normandale
There was never a dull moment with Uncle Tom, I grew closer to you in my adult years and will always cherish the unexpected bonds we shared. There weren’t other influences in my life like you Uncle Tom and i will always be grateful for that! Your devotion to my Aunt Sue is something i always respected and admired. The world will be a little less colourful without you here. I love you Uncle Tom and will miss you always. ❤️ 🥩
Sue and all the family: I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was an individual who lived his life to the fullest and rode its "roller coaster" with his hands in the air yelling loudly and totally enjoying the ride. Sue, you have lost your soul mate, but what a wonderful ride you have had. Tom will be missed by so many who called him "friend".
Senior Geek will forever be in our hearts and know he will be riding shotgun every time I cruise in his much cherished corvette. I miss his smile, his stories and his quick wit. Rest in peace Tom.
Tom was a special person , a life well lived . What a ride . Love you Sue ❤️