Tribute

A true maritime man, Tom lived near or by the sea his entire life. Growing up on the Jersey shore in Rumson NJ, he was just a stone’s throw across the bridge from Seabright. Around 10 years old, he found a skiff at the end of their street and started exploring the local waters nearby. Tom loved surfing at Seabright with his brother Tim and many friends, and was a lifeguard on the beach. The oldest of five, he felt so lucky growing up in a wonderful family, in a beautiful town and area where you felt like you knew almost everyone, and enjoyed many friends and boyhood adventures including playing football and basketball in high school. While attending college nearby, Tom crewed on a research vessel and that started his career at sea. Joining the Merchant Marines, Tom sailed the world experiencing many adventures on 6 continents and islands for 14 years.

While attending school for his Chief Mate’s license in San Francisco, Tom met his wife, Amy. They enjoyed sailing Monterey Bay and all that San Francisco offered, marrying in 1983. Tom went landside with daughter Jaki’s arrival and later, son Jim, working in marine terminal / stevedoring operations in the San Francisco Bay area.

Our family moved to Vancouver Island in January 1996 when Tom was asked to direct Canadian shipping for a division of Washington Marine Group – Norsk Pacific Steamship Canada Ltd.  Crofton and Elk Falls Mills were key locations in British Columbia, along with Los Angeles and San Diego in California. Work required travel primarily to ports on the west coast of North America, but also Central and South America with trips to Australia and Europe occasionally. Many of the ships’ crews became friends and some extended family. Tom loved life on Vancouver Island, the surrounding waters, communities, and his shipping career. Watching his children and their friends participate in sports was always a thrill, and introducing the family to new adventures and places was his joy.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Tom was a gentle giant with a sense of humor and commanding presence, which he carried throughout his life winning many friends and colleagues.

Tom is survived by his wife Amy, daughter Jaki and son Jim, his brother Tim Brophy (Jane Babcook), and sisters Kathleen O’Brien and Ann Marie (Stephen) Littlefield, his aunt, Ann O’Leary, nephews and niece Sean, Meghan and Matthew Brophy, and Timmy (Taylor) and Colin Littlefield. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Mary Brophy, brother Kevin, and numerous uncles and aunts.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jim Broere, Dr. Bill Nielsen, Dr. Brooks and Dr. Yang, and so many nurses and medical staff. The healthcare system here took wonderful care of Tom, for which he was most grateful.

Tom so enjoyed his lifelong friends and was devoted to his entire family. His life will be celebrated later this year at our home in Chemainus and in Seabright when the weather is sunny and warm.