Thomas Alexander Chisholm (1941-2026)

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Alexander Chisholm on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Tom was born August 11, 1941 in Inverness, Nova Scotia to Donald Vincent and Anna Mae (Beaton) Chisholm. He was the youngest of their eight children. In 1964, he met Mary Paula McNamara at a dance. They were married at St. Theresa’s Church in Halifax on October 9, 1965. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.

They began their married life in Lower Sackville. In 1968, he began working for Nova Scotia Forest Industries (later Stora) at which time he and Paula built a house in Whiteside. In 1974, he moved the family to Ontario (Deep River and then Port Elgin), where he worked with Ontario Hydro. In 1976, they moved back to Nova Scotia where he found a job with AECL in Point Tupper. They were able to repurchase their original house in Whiteside. Eventually, Tom went back to working at the Mill.

Tom was quite active in the community and was always glad to volunteer and participate in various sports and activities; which included Boy Scout leader, hockey coach, bowler and shuffleboard player. He enjoyed fishing, time in his boat, and just puttering around as well as spending time with friends and family especially his grandchildren.

In 2023, Tom and Paula moved to the Maples Community in Antigonish, where their friend base grew again. He could be found at darts, cribbage and many pub nights.

Tom is survived by his wife Paula, Antigonish, children: Malinda (Travis) Parsons, Brandon Manitoba; Len (Pam), Coxheath; Sue (Mark) Penny, Antigonish; Eileen, Antigonish. His grandchildren: Alexandra (Connor) Riach, Pinawa, Manitoba, Laura Parsons, Brandon, Katie Parsons, Winnipeg, Cameron, Liam and Ryan Chisholm, Coxheath, Leah and Rebecca Penny, Antigonish and his great-grandchildren Danny and Evan Riach, Pinawa. He is survived by his brothers Harold (Francine), Halifax and Leonard (Pat), Reserve Mines and his sister-in-law Rose Chisholm, Halifax. He is also survived by a large number of nieces and nephews and their families.

He was very close to his McNamara family, whose members are too numerous to mention.

He was predeceased by his parents, as was as siblings and in-laws Don (Liz and Blanche), Greg (Marg and Joan), Eileen (Bob) Brogan, Clifford, Ann (Otis) Drysdale and nephews Kevin Chisholm, Dr. Richard Chisholm and Robbie McNamara.

The family wishes to thank the Palliative care team at St. Martha’s for the wonderful care that they gave to Tom.

At Tom’s request there will be no visitation. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 11 am at St. Francis de Sales Church, Lower River Inhabitants, Nova Scotia with reception to follow at Riverdale Community Centre.

Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Antigonish Palliative Care Society or the Whiteside Cemetery Fund.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com