December 6, 1951 ~ June 16, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Bernard Thomas (Tom) Thackeray on June 16, 2025 after a short but valiant battle with cancer at the age of 73.
Born in Bentley in 1951 to Brick and Lillian, his formative years were spent in Lacombe, Alberta with sisters Sandra and Ruth, where he built a passion for the outdoors, hockey, and music. After studying Zoology at the University of Alberta and a short period as a scientist, Tom began a 40-year career in the provincial government. He was a dedicated and capable public servant, working with a wide range of departments including Environment, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, and ultimately as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Culture. Throughout his career and subsequently following retirement, he served his community as a volunteer on numerous boards and organizations.
The center of Tom’s life was his family. In 1972, Tom met the love of his life, Kathy (Marriott) and they were married in Edmonton in 1975. They were fortunate to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary earlier this year. He was a caring and devoted father to Laura, Dan and James, and a generous and considerate father-in-law to their spouses, Gerry, Michelle and Annika. As a grandfather, he formed meaningful and lasting bonds with each of his 7 grandchildren -- Tate and Grace; Spencer, Liam, Nolan, and Paisley; and Oliver -- engaging with them around their diverse interests.
Tom was close to nature, enjoying camping, hiking and time at the cabin on Moose Lake. He and Kathy traveled widely and enjoyed meeting new people on their journeys. His gentle nature and quiet sense of humour made him an easy and thoughtful friend and mentor. He continued to smile and joke through the worst days of his illness. Tom possessed a quiet inner strength, and people sought him out for his sage advice and comforting hugs.
Tom will be dearly missed by his family and all those whose lives he touched over the years. He leaves the enduring perspective that every day is a good day.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 4 at 11:00, in St. Albert Catholic Church, 7 St. Vital Ave. St. Albert, AB.
If you wish to honour Tom’s legacy, please consider donations to a charity of your choice.
To share photos, memories, and condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert
(780) 458-2222
