Obituary of Thomas Jarvis

Thomas Elwood Jarvis It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Thomas Elwood Jarvis. Tommy arrived to an unsuspecting world on April 8, 1920 in Copper Cliff, Ontario, son of Tennyson D. and Edna Mary Jarvis, brother to Mary (deceased), Herb (deceased) and Jean. After a lifetime making an indelible impression on those around him with his trademark enthusiasm and tenacity, he finally ran out of energy on Thursday November 12, 2009. He is survived by his wife Mary Louise Jarvis, his children, Deb (George, Jamie & Ashley), Dan (Wendy, Ian, Cameron, Bronwyn, Colin & Betsy), David (Ruth, Taylor, Lee & Carter), Julie, and Ian (Pansiri), in addition to an extended family of relatives and friends. Inspired by a mother of many talents, Tommy became a successful and well-respected business colleague, a generous contributor to his community, a consummate gardener and, above all, a proud father. He was a man of his time, born with a great drive and passion for life. Raised on a farm during the depression, going to private school and university on scholarships, landing as an officer on D Day, falling in love and marrying during the war, returning home to raise 6 children, overcoming the sudden death of his first wife, starting a new company with his sons instead of retiring, finally living through 9 years of debilitating illness with joy and determination. As he often said to his devoted caregivers, "I'm still here." It is hard to believe such a huge energy is no longer with us. He was educated at Ridley College and the University of Toronto, B.A. (Political Science and Economy, Honour Award). He joined Aetna Life Insurance Company as Group Representative, 1941; served as Vice-President, Group Division, 1970-83; Past President, Life Underwriters' Association of Canada; Past Director, Life Underwriters' Association of Canada; Past President: University College Alumni; Kappa Alpha Alumni; Ridley College Old Boys; Toronto and Metropolitan Units of the Canadian Cancer Society; North Rosedale Ratepayers; Past Director and Campaign Chairman: National Ballet Company; National Ballet School; Past Member, University of Toronto Senate; Past Governor, Ridley College; Member, Advisory Council, Ridley College; Past Trustee, Upper Canada College Foundation. Served overseas as Lieutenant with 12th Field Regiment, (R.C.A.); Member, Canadian Army Championship Boxing Team. Married Elizabeth Margaret Coleman-Rees, September 6, 1945. (Deceased May 20, 1954), Married Mary Louise Kent, June 4, 1955. We invite people to join us to share our memories of Tom at a service to be held in ROSEDALE UNITED CHURCH, 159 Roxborough Drive (at Glen Road), Toronto on Friday, December 4th at 11:00 a.m. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.