Remembering Tom

The Honourable Tom Siddon, PC (1941–2026) – Obituary on Castanet

[First, from Tom’s family] It is with heavy hearts, but with heads full of happy memories and passed down knowledge, that we must announce the passing of The Honourable Thomas Edward Siddon, P.C., on June 28, 2026. Tom was surrounded by family when he peacefully left us.

Tom was born with an inquisitive mind and was always building something. At an early age Tom was fascinated by cars and airplanes and built many models of them. Dad always spoke of his time in his uncle’s body shop in Drumheller where he “swept the floor and sorted nuts and bolts”. He reminded us of this many times as if to emphasize the importance of humble beginnings and hard work. This spawned a love for the automobile, which was a steadfast part of his life right up until the end. This love was passed down to many of his children and grandchildren.

Tom completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta, graduating at the top of his class. He and Pat then moved to Toronto in 1963. At the University of Toronto Institute of Aerospace Studies, Tom completed both a Masters and PhD. His supervising professor, Dr. Ribner, praised Tom as being one of the top students he had supervised. While there, Tom developed the world’s smallest microphone at the time, leading to a wealth of new data that enabled the reduction of jet noise.

Tom moved to BC with his young family to begin his professional career in 1969 as a Professor of Engineering at the University of British Columbia. As if that wasn’t enough, he also started an acoustical consulting firm, Siddon/Harford & Associates, which remains operating today as BKL Consultants.

In the mid 70’s Tom began to develop an interest in public service. Starting locally Tom became an alderman in Richmond in 1975. From there things took off quickly. With a by-election being held in the federal riding that encompassed Richmond, Tom threw his hat in the ring and never looked back. He was elected in 5 consecutive federal elections, suddenly finding himself spending a lot of time flying on the noisy planes he had been studying. In 1979, as the commuting between Richmond and Ottawa was becoming excessive, Tom, Pat and their young family moved to Ottawa. While serving as a Member of Parliament Tom held many positions, including prominently serving as Minister for the portfolios of Science and Technology, Fisheries and Oceans, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and lastly as Minister of National Defense.

After leaving federal politics in 1993, Tom and the family relocated to the Okanagan Valley which had held a special place in the lives of Tom and Pat since 1962. While traveling through on their honeymoon they lunched at “The Elite” on Main Street, and enjoyed dinner on the S.S. Sicamous, both being Penticton landmarks.

In the mid 80’s Tom and Pat purchased property in Kaleden to use as a summer retreat. After leaving federal politics, Tom and Pat retired to their little piece of paradise, designing and building their custom dream home. Tom never wanted to leave the property and in the end his wish was granted.

Tom could not find it in himself to leave public service and even in “retirement” he served his community as a Penticton school trustee, he was the founding Chair of the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council, and also served as Regional Director for Kaleden/OK Falls in the RDOS.

We are certain that Dad is watching us from above, racing around in his 1967 Dodge Dart (which he bought new and recently suggested was his favorite car). He will surely be enjoying his daily ration of blueberries, be catching up with family and friends who have previously passed on, and relishing in the beauty of the South Okanagan. We are honored to carry on his legacy.

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[And from me, Ken Gray] I encountered Tom several ways over the years. He sang during my later years as director of Musaic Vocal Ensemble. He did his homework, and his level best as part of the Bass section.

Years later during a sabbatical I enjoyed at the University of Victoria’s Centre for the Study of Religion and Society I studied photography, faith, and social justice. In researching Indigenous justice matters I watched an NFB documentary on the Oka crisis. And there he was, in his Ottawa day suit  sitting across the fault line between Mohawks and golfers. He was then a newly minted Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, a role we discussed together in later years. He was encouraged, even mentored in many ministerial roles by the late Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney. When he led prayers in church shortly after Mulroney’s death he was visibly moved remembering his boss and friend. Following the service I asked him “what about Ed Broadbent?” who had recently died. Tom could take a joke; an appreciative conversation ensued.

Tom was arguably one of the last true “progressive conservatives” or so-called “Red Tories.” I could not imagine Tom in conversation with more recent conservative leaders. He was people-oriented, not success driven, though success touched him easily it seems.

And yes, church. He was a man of Christian faith. He loved his church, St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in Penticton, a place where again our paths crossed, frequently. He supported the ministry in every way he could. I know he, with others, was so concerned about St. Saviour’s present challenges and about its future direction. That conversation must continue, though without his voice now.

May he now rest in peace, and organize the angels.

Blessings to Pat and all his large family and to all who remember him.