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Tom passed away on March 5, 2026, at the Extendicare in Cobourg, ON, with his family by his side. He will be missed dearly. Tom is survived by his wife Heather Shepherd, daughter Sarah Elizabeth Hamblin, cousins, and good friends, including his first wife Lynda Hamblin and Peter (Nancy) Morrison. His absence will be felt greatly by his family, friends and everyone lucky enough to have known him.
Tom was born in Lethbridge, AB, the only child of loving parents Thomas Martin Hamblin and Euretta Munro Hamblin. Tom graduated from the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (’61) before going east to Montreal, PQ, to study electrical engineering. He received B.Eng. (’65) and M.Eng. (’74) degrees from McGill University. He retired in May 2008.
Tom and Heather enjoyed cross-country skiing, Orienteering, and squash in Quebec and Ontario over the years. Tom also had a lifelong interest in telegraphy. Tom, sine HN, VA3HN, VE3TMH, VE3HIE, was first licensed in 1958 as VE6TM. During the summers of 1961 and 1962 he followed the family trade, working as an American Morse telegrapher on the Canadian Pacific Railroad. He was the president of the Maple Leaf chapter of the Morse Telegraph Club for more than 30 years. HN's sole operating modes were CW and American Morse. Interests included ARRL Field Day with VE3QDR. Tom also had articles published in this subject area.
Arrangements by MacCoubrey, Funeral Home Limited, Cobourg, ON. In accordance with Tom’s wishes, no public service will be held. The family wishes to extend its appreciation to the PSWs, RPNs, RNs, and other staff at the Extendicare, Cobourg, for their care and support.
If desired, a donation may be made to The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) (https://www.arrl.org/memorial-gifts), or to a charity of your choice.
Heather, it was so sad to hear of Tom's passing. But now he is at peace. Through the tears, we still can't help but smile when we remember all the good times we enjoyed together. Sincere condolences and love to you and your family.
Tom will now be able to rest in peace after such a long and difficult ordeal. Even though Tom has passed, he lives on in all of us. He was a man of principle who lived his values every single day: he was loyal, caring, honest and humorous. We had such wonderful weekends in Port Hope and New Year’s get togethers in Lachine with you, Tom, Sandra, Suzanne, Philip, and many others - there was always so much laughter and so many wonderful stories of the past. He will be greatly missed and always remembered. May you find comfort Heather in all your memories of Tom. Judy and Bob
Dear Heather and Sarah, Tom will be remembered very fondly. We loved his kindness and dry sense of humour. We are sad but relieved that your long agony is now over. Tom is finally at peace. He now rests in the hands of the angels. All our love, Anne-Marie Berschel and Tom McOwen.
Heather and Tom - part of the Montreal gang. We were in our 20s and we partied a lot. How I miss the memorable sugar off parties every year. Over the next 55 years we continued to get together for Xmas and summer BBQs. Tom was funny with a dry sense of humor and a gentle soul. Friendly, kind and generous with his time. He will be missed. My condolences to Heather and Sarah.
To all Tom's family, on behalf of the MTC-Maple Leaf Chapter we send our sincere condolences. I still remember meeting Tom the first time as we both share an interest in electrical things and radio. Tom's key is now open.
Heather, Sarah, and Lynda -- Tom was a smart, talented and funny guy. We will miss him more than words can express. Love from Peter and Nancy.