Thomas "Tom" Norman Couchman

March 21, 2016

COUCHMAN, Thomas Norman

Tom ended his journey with pancreatic cancer on Monday, March 21, 2016 at the age of 61 years. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sue of 41 years; his daughter, Jayne (Russ) Faulkner; son, Matthew; and his two grandchildren, Ava and Will. Tom had a large and welcoming spirit to all he knew and above all, unconditional love and devotion to his family.

After graduating from SAIT as a Broadcast Electronics Technician, he spent the first part of his career at Access network as a technician and then a videographer. The last half of his career was spent being a freelance videographer which gave him the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world and the Northern reaches of Canada. He always felt fortunate to embrace different cultures and have the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. Music was his passion. He was a musician of extraordinary devotion and talent always sharing his craft with enthusiasm and patience with friends, students, family and children.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at the Town and Country Center, 275 Jensen Drive NE, Airdrie, AB on Monday,April 4, 2016 at 1:00 pm.

We would like to thank Dr. Julian Kyne, Dr. Sasha Lupichuck, Rae Flannigan and Dr. Oliver Bathe for their kind attention to Tom in giving him the best quality of life possible over the past 2 years. We would also like to thank the staff at the PLC Emergency, Unit 29 and ICU for their skill and comfort to Tom and our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to:

Music Heals Foundation (Reg. Charity # 846495489 RR0001)
#400, 1788 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1P2 or donate online to www.musicheals.ca.

Messages of Condolence

Sue, Jayne and Matt...our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. We always enjoyed our visits at the cabin especially in Jan. Hugs to you all.

- Judy and Pete

Sue and family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know I'm thinking of you at this difficult time.

- Bonnie Ostrander

Saddened to hear of Toms passing, had many the privelege of working and sharing time with Tom, he taught humble grace in a world that often stuggles to find such qualities. He will be missed dearly.

- Mark Laycock

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Cancer takes too many good people from this earth, and Tom was one of those. I attending SAIT with him for two years (1973-75), and was especially glad that he was able to attend our 40th class reunion last May. I always enjoyed crossing paths with Tom, and we would exchange a few words with each meeting.

- Brian Gauld

Heartfelt condolences to all of Tom's family and many friends - he loved and was loved.

- Rick Fairbanks

To let you know our thoughts of deepest sympathy are with you and your family now. We feel a heartfelt loss for our colleague, mentor, and friend. Too soon.

- Ron and Lesia Hildebrandt

Dear Sue and family, I am so sorry for your loss, may the memories of all the beautiful experiences you had together help you during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.

- Michelle Copeland

Sue, Jayne (and family), Matt, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Just know we are thinking of you.

- Cindy and Wayne Kent and Family

I'm so sorry to hear this news, Susan. Please accept my most sincere condolences to you and your family, for your loss. After a long and tough fight, your angel finally got his wings. My wife, step-son and I are back in Calgary, so we would love to hear from you. Kent Murray

- Kent Murray

Sue, Rick and I are profoundly sorry to learn about Tom's passing. We fondly remember our times together back in the Woodward's days and have thought of you often over the years. We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

- Rick and Joan Barichello

Sue and family - I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. On behalf of our team here at The Edge Communications, I want to send our sincerest condolences. We had the privilege of working with Tom on many different projects over the years. He was a favorite go-to camera guy for us, not just for his skill but for his warm and charming personality. He is dearly missed.

- Ron Heinz

Sue, Jayne and Matt, we are extremely saddened to hear about Tom. I had the pleasure of working with Tom many years ago at Access. Tom was such an easy going and friendly man and I felt privileged to know and work with him.

- Sean and Valynne O'Donovan

Tom's spirit will stay strong and bright in our hearts. It was a true pleasure and honor to work with him in the tv/video business. His warm heart and good nature will always be remembered. Sue and family, best wishes for strength and faith at this difficult time.

- Neil Scott

In celebrating Tom's Life, he will be remembered as a dedicated family man who left a remarkable footprint and a lesson for us all in maintaining the pristine water and banks of "Nose Creek" as well as watering the newly planted trees on city property overlooking our immediate neighborhood. Tom's love of music may be best expressed in Peter Clerin"s album "The Universal Laws" which all of us should embrace. Tom's legacy will live on through our friendship of many years with Sue, Jayne and Matt. Tom lived a full life, acted nobly and followed his heart in all his endeavours. It is with this that we say: "Happy to meet, sad to part , happy to meet again in life beyond". To Sue, Matt, Jayne, Russ and extended family our prayers are with you.

- Rosmarie & Jim Wood

Sue, Jayne, Matt and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was a wonderful person and will be missed. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

- Joyce Whitnack

Sue, Jayne, and Matt...words are difficult to find to let you know how much I am thinking of you all for your loss. I have many good memories of Tom and your family, in particular on Christmas Eve. Tom was one of the most happiest guys I ever met, and always was able to put a positive spin on life. We will all miss him dearly.

- Greg McGinley

Sue I was so very sorry to hear (only last night) of Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the "kids" at this difficult time. I'm truly sorry to have missed his Celebration of Life.

- Ron and Sharon PIrart

It broke our hearts to hear the news of Toms passing. We were so glad that you were able to fit that visit in before he went. Tom was such a lovely gentle man. We were all blessed to know him. Our hearts go out to you all at this sad time.

- Mike & Rhonda Couchman

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