It is with heavy hearts we announce that on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the age of 66, Tom's life ended peacefully at home after a brief illness. Much loved husband of Della-Marie Iley. Predeceased by Rosalind (Kran) Iley. Proud father of Thomas Iley (Jennifer Cardinal) of Englehart, Ontario and Alexandra Iley (Glenn Jones) of Ottawa, Ontario. Devoted stepfather to Jodie Larsen (Peter) of Lively, Ontario, Jennie Fletcher-Mihailiuk (Chris Stoycheff), Jessica McCarthy (Sean), and Julia Richards (Lance) all of Sault Ste Marie. Adoring Grandpa of James Fletcher, Ben and Sophie Larsen, Claire Stoycheff, Delia and Dean McCarthy, and Liam and Lincoln Richards. Cherished brother of David Iley (Sara) of Ottawa, Ontario. Dear son of the late June (Craig) Iley and the late Charles 'Pat' Iley. Son-in-law of Mary Jolie (late Marcel) and the late Bob Young. Uncle of Robert Iley (Kathleen) and Matthew Iley (Janine) of Ottawa, Ontario. Beloved cousin of Barbara Craig-Wenstrom of Oshawa, Ontario, Martha Craig of Los Angeles, California, and Betty Weatherhead of Brockville, Ontario. Although born in Perth, Ontario, Tom lived the majority of his life in Sault Ste Marie. In his late teens, he began working at CJIC Television beginning a career that took him to various radio stations within Ontario and that included camera, news, announcer and traffic. During this time he studied Radio and TV Arts at Ryerson in Toronto. After returning to the Sault, he taught Broadcast Journalism at Sault College in the 1970s later returning as a student of Business Accounting and Human Resources Practices. Tom enjoyed a variety of employment opportunities throughout his life including General Manager of the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce, years in the insurance industry, client services with Ontario March of Dimes and as an employment counsellor in the last years. He regretted that his working days ended early as a result of the onset of Parkinson’s Disease. In the last few years, Tom became an advocate for persons with disabilities and was honoured to serve on the local Accessibility Advisory Committee in part as Vice-Chair. The family wishes to thank everyone who showed kindness and compassion to Tom and particularly those who went out of their way to make Tom’s final weeks the best they could be for him. A tremendous thank you to Palliative Care Team physician, Dr Sharon Buehner, for your attentiveness, compassion and guidance during Tom’s sudden illness. Sincerest gratitude to CCAC, especially Janet Acal and Carolyn Discher, for your unending support and providing for Tom’s independence and comfort and for making possible his wish to remain at home. A special thank you to nurses Cindy Thomas and Brenda Kent of Bayshore Home Health. Thank you to the We Care Home Health staff with a special thanks to Lorraine Maurer for the dignity and respect shown to Tom while he was in your care. Thank you to Dr Kevin Wacker and to Dr Cizi Mathew, Neurology, in Sudbury for your support over the years particularly with his Parkinson’s Disease. Tom appreciated the inspiration and comfort he found with the local Parkinson’s Support Group. To Russ and Paul, Tom was truly grateful for your friendship. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Tom’s life in The Gallery at Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology, 443 Northern Avenue East, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario on Monday, February 14, 2011 between 5 pm and 8 pm. Donations in Tom’s memory to the Parkinson's Society or the Sault Ste Marie Community Soup Kitchen would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre 705-759-2522. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.
