Deeprose, Thomas William George

August 31, 1932 –  November 17, 2025

Thomas was born in Bermondsey, London, England, in the same pub where his father had been born 30 years earlier. After completing grammar school at age 15, he began an apprenticeship as a lab technician with Esso Chemical in London.

During this time, Thomas joined a cycling club where he met his future wife, June. They both became accomplished cyclists. Tom specialized in tandem cycling and, with his partner Don Jemmett, was short-listed for the1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. Due to funding limitations, they were unable to compete.

After graduating as a chemist, Thomas and June emigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, where he worked in the synthetic fiber industry. They built a home on a 30-acre country property and welcomed their two sons. The family later moved to Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, where Thomas worked at a heavy water plant until its closure. They eventually settled in Sarnia, Ontario, where he worked at both Polysar and Petrosar.

Following his retirement, Thomas volunteered with the Cancer Society for nearly 20 years, organizing door-to-door campaigns. He is credited with helping raise more than three million dollars for cancer research. He also volunteered as part of the Adopt-A-Scientist program, visiting elementary schools to work on science projects with students. For many years, Thomas and June delivered meals through the Red Cross “Meals on Wheels” program.

Thomas loved cycling and continued riding daily until the age of 87. He was known for his wit, his sharp sense of humor, his love of reading, and his talent for winning at Jeopardy.

He will be deeply missed by his wife June (Pinnington) of 72 years, his sons Peter (France) and Andrew (Karen), his seven grandchildren, and his twelve great-grandchildren. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Maisie, his sister-in-law Doreen, and their families in the United Kingdom.

Cremation has taken place at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorial donations to the VON would be gratefully appreciated. A family celebration of life will take place at a later date.

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