Thomas, age 73, passed away at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops on October 17, 2022. Tom was born and raised in Kamloops and graduated from Kamloops Senior Secondary School. Tom worked at several liquor stores around Kamloops and was happy assisting customers find that special bottle of wine for that special occasion.
Tom was a respected member of the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band.
The simplest things pleased Tom, he could be seen walking up to catch a photo of the morning sunrise, riding his bike around town from Tranquille, to out past Campbell Creek. Tom could be found at his thoughtful spots reading and enjoying a beverage. Occasionally a shrill whistle from Tom would catch your ear, to have a quick chat to catch up with family and friends. There will be an open mic, come prepared to share your Tom stories.
Sundays were spent hiking the outdoors around Kamloops with friends and enjoying a nice picnic.
Tom is survived by sister Charlene and brothers Keith (Irene), Lee Roy, Ernest (Beverly), Tony (Kathy), nieces Robyn and Hannah (grand niece Mia) nephews Jordie and Kori and predeceased by mother Patricia Elizabeth Yow (nee Andrew); father Mah Bing Yow; brother Richard and half brother Wally Williams.
Life long loyal friends, Jim Fulton and Bob Cunningham.
Come to Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Dr., at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 to reminisce and celebrate Tom’s life… share hiking, biking, foody stories or to chat. Following the Service, Tom will be taken to Tappen, BC to be laid to rest. All are welcome to join. If you are not able to attend the service, join us online through virtual stream: https://www.ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47
Please call the Kamloops Funeral Home Wednesday, November 3 and we will provide the access pin for Tom’s service, 250-554-2577.
Donations to Kamloops Food Bank, Canadian Cancer Society, or Canadian Arthritis Society would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577
40 Tributes
Tom was one of the nicest person That anybody could meet and we are truly sorry to lose another great man. Condolence to the family.
Many memories of the old days when tomorrow would always come. Tom had many friends from all walks of life and kept in touch with all. He had a varied life doing the things he wanted to do.
Tom and I were close friends during high school years but, as things do, we lost touch for many years. We recently reconnected during a visit to Kamloops. The years melted away and we spent most of my visit together. I always enjoyed Tom’s wicked wit and his sense of humour. I’m glad we managed to reconnect after so many years. You will be missed by many. My condolences to his family and many friends. RIP my friend.
Please accept our deepest condolences to family and friends of the super sweet, very kind and very generous Tom Yow. We always enjoyed time spent with Tom. At our farm in Enderby, with Doug in tow and we all sat up way too late waiting for the moon to show, or in Kamloops, at his place, at dinner, enjoying a beer with friends, or the night before our train trip when Tom would drive us to the train station, Tom’s friendship was very precious to us. We will miss him very much. We love you always, Tom.
Going to miss running into Tom all over town. Always a great moment in the day.
Sincerest condolences to family and friends. A really loving hug to Char,
star
Very sorry to hear about Tom. He was a good friend…
I am sending my deepest condolences from Vancouver. I went on some wonderful hikes with Tom. We always had a great laugh and I learned so much about Chinese workers’ history in Kamloops from him. He was so humble and funny. I also loved seeing him out for coffee on Victoria Street. He was generous, funny, curious and so political. I think he is out hiking and exploring somewhere right now. Sending light and love
Heartfelt condolences to his family & friends!
Tom was a fixture around Kamloops and he will be missed.
R.I.P. my friend……..
Oh! My! I’m so sad to hear of Tom’s passing. I’m so fond of the memories of Tom growing up. He would come to Sorrento and visit us. My mom Rose just loved Tom as we did. Barb and I were younger than Tom we always thought he was so smart and worldly. We loved to hear him talk and tell stories. He will be always fondly remembered!
So very sorry to hear about Tom, met him so many years ago. After leaving Kamloops in the 1980’s, every time I came home, I wd run into him and we wd have great chats catching up. He will be missed by a lot of people. One of the good guys.
So sorry to read about Tom, what a lovely man! He will be missed by many. Condolences to all the family.
I’m sorry to hear this. I had a quick visit with Tom just a couple of weeks ago. I think he knew everybody in town. My sympathy to all Tom’s family. Will be missed edpecially his knowledge on wines. Another loss too soon.
I’m so sorry to hear about Tom . We always enjoy him coming into our Thrift store . He was always happy go lucky and brightened the day . Condolences to his family .
Always a smile and time for a few words and longer talks at Manor House or when we met between here and downtown. Admired his going on those long bicycle rides.
Gratitude to the Yow Family or whomever ensured I received notice of my longtime Friend’s passing. Thank you!
I met Tom in 1974 as part of a very large and close Community that formed with “Uncle Roly’s House” as one of our Gathering Places! I had moved from Central Canada to take up residence in Kamloops in February 1975. Because of my friendship with Tom, I learned how to play Bridge quite well and more importantly became part of a very vital community of special Friends and Acquaintances because of Tom and Roly and others.
To say my Friendship with Tom was precious to me is a bit of an understatement. One of the things that stands out for me, then and now, is that Tom lived life on his own terms! His resilience, especially in his decades~long challenges managing chronic Arthritis, was nothing short of remarkable in my experience. I feel Grateful he no longer has to endure that physical pain.
With a humble Heart, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Tom’s Family, Friends and acquaintances as you prepare to celebrate his Life. (Will the Celebration of Life be broadcast live online?)
In my humble opinion, Tom’s life was lived with truly commendable Integrity.
All My Relations
It was always so inspiring to meet Tom on his morning walks. We would talk about the nursing profession as he was always interested and so proud of his sister Charlene. I hope that he received the best of care.
My sincere condolences to the family. A truly wonderful man with such integrity.
I am Grateful to learn any of us can receive the links from the Funeral Home if we email them on the 7th to request such access. I hope others will see this message and partake in the Celebration of Life that way on November 8th.
I looked for Tom at Cafe Motivo when I was downtown on Oct. 21st. I didn’t see him and remember feeling concerned to not see Tom having coffee while reading the Globe and Mail. When I saw Tom’s obituary in the paper this week, I felt sad that I would never run into Tom again. He was always kind, good natured, full of wisdom, compassionate and a friend to everyone. Rest In Peace, Tom.
I had the privilege of having Christmas and Easter dinners with Tom at his sister Charlene’s house several times back in the late 90’s / early 2000’s. Charlene is an amazing cook and host! For over 20 years I would bump into Tom at cafe’s, walking downtown or at annual book sales and he always had a friendly hello and chat for me. I am sad I wont see him around town anymore. My condolences to Charlene, the entire Yow family and all his many friends. Tom was a very kind and friendly soul.
Brenda and I will miss seeing Tom holding court in Motivo or sitting under a tree reading a book at the Hop Farm. We will also miss his sage advice on wine and his quiet unassuming ways. RIP
Oct 28, 2022
So sorry to hear of your loss Charlene.
Denise Mac – Denise Mackenzie
Oct 28, 2022
Condolences to Tom’s family. I enjoyed chatting with him when he worked at the liquor store. He was good friends with Ed, my brother-in -law since high school. – Audrey Nieden
Dear Charlene and Kori. Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Tom. He was always so friendly to me. He sure was an active person. It seems I saw him every where and he would wave and say ‘hi’.
With much love,
Cindy (Gray) Stewart
Cindy Stewart
Friend
Tom was a school mate of ours and we enjoyed social events and life occasions over many years. Tom very much knew everyone and said Hi regardless of how long it had been since the last visit. I am grateful to him for his sensitivity to others, particularly my brother Frank who was disabled. He was a fixture in a lot of BC Liquour stores all over Kamloops – and never forgot a name or a face. Keith, my condolences to you on the loss of your brother – a good man, a life well lived. Dave and Bonnie Scott
Dave Scott ( Scotty)
Friend
A great guy. He´ll be missed by many!
Don Knapp
My deepest condolences to Tom’s family ~ he was my friend and this comes as a great sad, disappointment. He could always be counted on for a friendly conversation. I’m so very sorry.
Joanne Brown
Friend
Charlene and Kori and family❤ My very deepest prayers and condolences for Tom’s family! Very sad to know that he passed away! He was always so kind and friendly!
Tom was such a kind and gentle soul. Always remembered your name, a wicked sense of humour, great guidance in the wine section and played a mean game of 8 ball at the old Canadian Inn pub. Huge condolences to Charlene and family, he will be missed by all.
I met Tom at one of our cultural gatherings. He was happy to be able to connect with Secwepemc teachings. It was so nice to meet him. My condolences to his family and friends.
oh how i will miss you my
deerest friend, how wonderful
it was to always see you in the
community out and about.you loved
life and it showed. may you have
a swift journey home to your
ancestors
I am very sorry for your loss. Tom was an amazing man and always full of life and smiles. Will be deeply missed!
Janet Shockey
My condolences Charlene and family. We go back years and you are missed, whether you want it or not Tom, my last big hug to you. RIP
Im so sorry for your Loss, It seems like yesterday I spoke with Tom . Tom and Charleen were one of the first Familys we met when we first moved to Kamloops in 68…Tom was aways so nice to chat with ,a very gracious Man .He will be missed by many RIP
Condolences to all of Tom’s family and friends. I have known Tom since the good old days, when we skied Todd Mountain (Sun Peaks). The early ’60’s. Always good natured,always upbeat. He was a man who had many friends, with good reason. R.I.P. amigo.
Mike McElgunn
My condolences to Tom’s family. I planned to attend the funeral but this snow and cold has me thinking I may just join by the link.
I feel fortunate to have been able to spend some time with Tom while he was in hospital. I just wish I had brought him the glass of wine that we joked about. And it was lovely to meet Lee and discuss old memories.
Tom was a gem of a person, respected by everyone he came in contact with. I will miss him.
Charlene, thinking about you and your family. Tom was a bright light in this world.
The family thanks you for your kindness.
Thank you for your kind appreciated words Denise.
char
Thank you Kevin for your kindness,
char
Thank you for your kind appreciated words, Susan
Charlene