December 7, 1941 - October 18, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness the family of Tom Plensky announces his passing on Friday October 18, 2024 at North Island Comox Hospital. Tom slipped away from us prior to dawn while the Harvest moon shined high above.
Tom was born in Victoria on Dec. 7, 1941 the actual day Pearl Harbour was attacked. Growing up in Nanaimo, Tom developed his amazing work ethic at a very young age, having multiple newspaper routes and was tasked with completing daily chores alongside his siblings around the family home, no one could chop & pile wood or make kindling quite like him. Predeceased by his loving parents Ted & June Plensky and his eldest grandson Quinn Maulsby.
Tom leaves behind his devoted wife of 59 years, Judy, his two daughters Leanne (Cliff) Maulsby and Debbie (Gordie) Cawthorne and his grandchildren Megan, Austin & Ben. Tom is also survived by his brothers Conrad (Fritzi) Plensky, Edward Plensky, his sisters Doreen (Garry) Laird and Dale Wolowicz. Many cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbours will mourn his absence. Tom's lifelong friends George & Linda Whyley and their family, can not go unmentioned as they spent countless hours, days and weeks at the hospital with Tom when we were unable to be there, and we are forever grateful to you for this. Tom and Judy were married on September 11, 1965 in Ladysmith, BC and they lived and raised their family in Nanaimo until 1986 when they moved into their custom built home in Deep Bay on the spit.
Tom was employed in many trades, even working for Fred Fulla at the gas station on Comox Road in Nanaimo as a young man. Tom graduated from Nanaimo High School in 1960 and had attended every reunion possible since. Tom attended vocational school in Vancouver and he obtained his millwright ticket and worked at Harmac but fishing was in his blood and ultimately he chose the commercial fishing industry as his main occupation. Operating and owning several salmon trollers throughout his working life, but also taking part in the hay days of packing herring as well as halibut & prawn fishing. Salmon Hound, Surf No. 1, Bastion, Pacific Traveller and Deep Bay were the fishing boats in which he owned and operated over his career. Retiring from commercial fishing Tom turned to oyster farming closer to home even naming his company "Paradise Oysters" based on his surroundings and view from his kitchen table, he always remarked "this is paradise".
Tom could make and or invent and fix anything, there was always a project on the go, he was never one to sit idle. Serving as a volunteer fireman with the Deep Bay firehall for many years, he also served on the DBID as a Trustee, chairing many meetings and giving his time and energies to the needs of the Deep Bay community. Unofficially he was affectionately called the Mayor of Deep Bay although there was no such title, he was always available to lend a hand and his opinion too, you didn't have to agree with him and that was ok.
In May 2013 Tom assisted in saving the life of another and was later awarded for his efforts with an Honorary Testimonial Certificate from the Royal Canadian Humane Association. He was very humble saying it was just time and place, we beg to differ. Tom always looked forward to hunting and until his back wouldn't allow him to go, moose hunting, by far, was his favourite adventure to go on. He also enjoyed any and all of his grandchildren's activities, he was their number one fan. In his 82 years Tom met and made many good friends. He was a hard working man who loved and cherished all of his family. His great sense of humour, his smile, his wisdom and his giving heart will be missed by all.
A special thank-you to those who have been dedicated in walking Bailey (Tom's four legged best friend) your kindness is greatly appreciated. The family also conveys their appreciation to the nurses and care staff at North Island Comox Hospital for the exceptional care of Tom. Please play Judy's favourite song:, Neil Young's Harvest Moon and think of this wonderful man we were proud to call Husband, Dad, Grampa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.
A celebration of life has been postponed for now.
