Thomas McCue

November 19, 2014

McCUE, Thomas
April 1, 1919 - November 19, 2014

Thomas McCue, after a life well lived, passed away peacefully at the Didsbury Health Unit on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the age of 95 years. Tom was born in Glasgow, Scotland to parents John and Annie McCue. Tom lived in Drumheller, Alberta where he grew up with his siblings Margaret, George and Jack. He believed in living life to the fullest and together with his wife, Betty raised ten children. After meeting in England during WWII, Tom and Betty started their life in Canada in Drumheller. They also lived for many years in Calgary and retired to Didsbury in 1982. Tom is lovingly remembered by his children, John, Susan, Madeline, Ian (Rosie), Tom (Joy), Bill (Lorraine), Liz, Fran and Richard (Marjorie); 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Tom was predeceased by his wife, Betty Susan (nee Howell); and daughter, Caroline Krieger.

Tom proudly served Canada during WWII from 1941 – 1946 with the 112 Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery.

Tom challenged himself with a daily exercise program that kept him fit and healthy and in this he was a wonderful example of self-care. He did standing push ups off of the kitchen counter every day into his nineties. He enjoyed his daily walks with his loyal furry companion, Lizzie. Tom was an avid reader and had an inquisitive mind, believing the world to be full of interesting people to talk to.

His love of the songs of Neil Diamond sustained him and he especially enjoyed tinkering with electronics.

Tom had a passion for racing pigeons and was a long standing member of the Calgary Racing Pigeon Club. It gave him great pride to share his passion with friends and family. Visitors would often be asked to take a box of pigeons with them for release at their home destinations so that he could time their flight back to him. Tom and Betty both loved the beautiful melodies created by their many pet canaries. Tom was very much the inspiring father and grandfather, whom we will all remember with pride. He will be remembered for his easy laugh and joking ways. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his gentle spirit, always the polite and consummate gentleman and was a loyal friend with a generous heart. His often sought advice was always thoughtful and given with love.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at the Aspen Ridge Lodge and the Didsbury Health Centre for their care and compassion. Special thanks to Linda Neufeld for her loving care and kindness to Dad. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in July of 2015.

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

Veteran’s Food Bank, #1, 4539 – 6 Street NE, Calgary, AB

or to the Aspen Ridge Lodge, PO Box 2290, Didsbury, AB, T0M 0W0.

Messages of Condolence

To The McCUE Family, With Deepest Sympathy at your loss of your Father. With God`s Love from Julie and Ron Jones.

- Julie and Ron Jones

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Father. Can remember growing up in Ogden down the street from your family and the great memories. Always think of your Dad and his pigeons. Hope all is well with the McCue family. The Lemons are all well. Also my deepest sorrow on the passing of Caroline. We just learned now of her passing. I went to Ogden School with her. (Wendy Olenyk,Lemon) May God Bless you all and may your Mom,a Dad and Cariline, "Rest In Peace." Jamey and Wendy Lemon

- James Lemon @ Wendy Olenyk Lemon

Liz and family: Steve and I send you our deepest condolences on your father's passing. He was loved dearly and was blessed to have such loving family surround him. He lived life fully and leaves behind a beautiful lineage. Those bright blue eyes shone til his last days. May you find comfort in the many, many memories of your lives shared with, and loved by your dad. Love Wendy and Steve

- Wendy & Steve Mason

Sending condolances to your family at this time. Please know how well we thought of your father. He was always so pleasant, kind and respectful. It was a pleasure to know him.

- stella macfarlane

My thoughts are with your family during this sad time in you life. I hope you are all welltaking care of each other. I too have great memories of the McCue family. Talk about good neighbours, the McCue family were always interacting with the Lemon family. Thanks for the good memories. Larry Lemon

- Larry Lemon

Walter and I would like you to all know, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tom and Betty were our back door neighbors when we lived in Forest Heights, in Calgary. they were both loving and kind to one and all. Please keep us in contact of the Memorial in July 2015 Our love to all the family, Joan and Walter.

- Joan & Walter Hopkins

Hi, I didn't know your dad, but I read his obituary in today's Calgary Sun. He sounded like a great man who lived a full life. It was a pleasure to read about his life and some of the adventures he had. I'm sure you were very proud of him & he was very proud of his family & so many grandchildren & great grandchildren. Thanks for writing such a detailed & loving story to commemorate his life & his passing.

- Thomas

I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR DAD'S PASSING. HE GAVE THE TOAST TO THE BRIDE AT MY WEDDING. I HOLD FOND MEMORIES OF YOUR FAMILY, MADELINE WAS MY BEST FRIEND IN SCHOOL. WE LIVE IN SMALL TOWN SASKATCHEWAN AND LOST TOUCH THROUGH THE YEARS OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO TO YOUR FAMILY

- PATTI NORTHEAST

Subscribe to updates

Please enter your email address to subscribe to new updates. A confirmation email will be sent to verify your subscription.