Dennett, Thomas Allen
it is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Allen Dennett announces his passing at Nanaimo Regional Hospital, B.C. on March 29.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and his wife Joan (nee Panter). Tom is survived by his sons, Alan (Kathy) and Paul (Cindy) and his three grandchildren Melissa, Jessica and Andrew.
Tom was born in Dorset County, England on September 3, 1925. He was the soloist in the boys choir and had early aspirations for the ministry. Those aspirations were altered with the death of his father when Tom was 12. Tom was placed in a naval training institution for boys for three years. From there he joined the British Navy in active war time service at age 15. During WWII, he served on the cruiser class warship HMS Sheffield (C24) involved in the arctic convoys to Murmansk, Russia, the sinking of the German Battle Cruiser, the Scharnhorst and, the Allied landings in North Africa. He attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer and remained involved in active duty with the British Navy for almost 14 years.
Tom was married on his twentieth birthday to Joan Edith Panter. Tom and Joan had two sons, Alan (1949) and Paul (1951). In 1957, the family immigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada. Tom obtained work with SaskPower initially in Saskatoon then Estevan, Regina, Weyburn and back to Regina. Tom started as an electrician and promoted to Chief Electrical Instructor. Tom retired from SaskPower in 1983. He and Joan moved to Vancouver Island, BC to enjoy their retirement years. Many return visits were made to be with their family and friends in Regina. Joan passed away from breast cancer in 1990.
During his life in Saskatchewan and on Vancouver Island, Tom was active in the local Anglican Church and the local Canadian Legion. Tom’s last 10 years became increasingly difficult due to diabetes and the deterioration of his mobility but he remained in his home in Parksville, BC until the end.
Tom will be fondly remembered by his two sons, their wives, his grandchildren, other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.