CRILLY, Tom

CRILLY,Tom

It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of long time Strathmore resident, Thomas (Tom) Robert Crilly, born in Calgary on January 27, 1930 and passed away September 22, 2022, at the age of 92 surrounded by his immediate family.

He is survived by his wife Violet, his daughter Jody, his son Lyle (Akari); his siblings Betty Hilton, Bill Crilly (Sandra), Doreen Knight and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his father (Gordon), his mother (Emily), his brothers-in law Ron Hilton and John Knight, and numerous other relatives.

The oldest of four children, he grew up on his grandparents’ farm homestead in the Langdon area. Langdon now has a street called ‘Crilly Close’ in honor of the family heritage.

Growing up in the Great Depression years, Tom endured many hardships, yet he cherished the wide-open spaces where he played with his friends from nearby farms. He attended a one-room school in the country, often riding his trusty horse there and back home through all kinds of weather.

After finishing his schooling in Langdon, he ventured off to the big city of Calgary to go to SAIT to study carpentry, woodworking, along with evening classes in photography. His first job was with the Ford Motor Company in both Edmonton and Hay River. Afterward, he worked for the City Parks department where he was responsible for the development of two of Calgary’s most beloved parks that still exist today. He also worked at the tree farm at Heritage Park and the City green houses.  Because of his innate ability to work with animals, Tom was placed in charge of receiving and caring for Gyro, the very first elephant at the Calgary Zoo, who was shipped from Thailand in a wooden crate.  The frightened baby animal immediately bonded with Tom for its care.

After his contract was completed at the Zoo, Tom partnered with friends to begin two fiberglass businesses called Astrolite and Century Fiberglass.  Tom was responsible for the design, construction, assembly and manufacturing of products, using this new material at that time. One of his more memorable moments was the design and assembly of a helicopter and airplane shelter on Melville Island in the high Arctic. Many of Tom’s fiberglass products were used throughout Calgary, Canada and the US.

In 1964, he met the love of his life, Vi in art classes at SAIT, and they married in 1968. After his company closed, he decided to go back to his farming roots. He moved to the Strathmore area where he cleared the land on an acreage, renovated a century old house, and had a quonset shop built, to continue with his fiberglass projects. He also worked on many small businesses, such as market gardening, berry farming, and beekeeping. By this time, his children Jody and Lyle had come along, and they enjoyed many adventures on the acreage. As a devoted father and husband, Tom’s home-based business allowed him to spend more time with his children in their growing years.

It was at this time that Tom decided to get back to his old love of photography, which began as a young boy when his mother gave him his first camera. After studying photography at SAIT, he decided to turn it into a professional business. Tom often travelled throughout Alberta and BC for photography work, as well as using his home studio.  He became well known for his great portraits and ability to work with all kinds of people. He also had many hobbies and excelled at woodworking, model building and gardening.  Always an avid reader, Tom loved books of every kind.

An outgoing and friendly person, Tom loved to sit and chat with friends and family about the many different experiences he had over his lifetime.  

The Crilly family would like to thank Dr. Michael O’Brien, his family doctor, and Strathmore Ambulance services for their supportive care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Alberta Lung Association or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home, (Prairie View Chapel 1605 – 100th Street S.E., Calgary) on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. A Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow. Viewing prior to service. To express condolences and share memories, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.