Obituary of Thomas Andrew Dobson

It is with incredibly sad hearts we announce the sudden passing of Thomas Andrew Dobson (Tom), 48, of Stillwater Lake, NS on March 28, 2020. Born in Halifax, he was the son of Dr. Thomas Dobson Sr. and Carolyn Jean Dobson (nee Perry). His formative years were family-oriented travelling often with his mom, dad and sister Kate. Tom spoke fondly of spending holidays in Antigua and the time he spent sailing with his dad. It was also during these years when Tom developed his passion for sport, specifically basketball. His playing days began with Halifax Minor Basketball as a Canadian Martyr where he won championships with both his U16 and U18 teams. He attended Halifax West High School in the late 1980’s and became a Warrior which was exactly how he played. Upon graduation Tom took his abilities and his #34 to Saint Mary’s University where he played varsity from 1990-93. Tom continued to play into his adult years and was a fixture in the Halifax Intermediate Men’s League. Tom also gave back to the sport he loved as a coach and mentor teaching the skills he learned on the court to the players that followed. As a young man he served as the assistant coach with the Saint Patrick’s High boys team. Most recently “Coach Dobson” took great pleasure in coaching his sons and other community members within the SLAM organization. He truly enjoyed watching his players develop skills and foster a love for the game. After graduating from SMU, his caring and generous personality ignited a new passion for Tom as he moved to Pittsburgh to further his education in Emergency Medical Services. As a lifelong Steelers fan, the location was ideal. Tom spent 23 years with Emergency Health Services Nova Scotia, serving as a paramedic, Operations Supervisor, Quality Coordinator and most recently, Manager of EHS Integrated Health Programs. He was passionate and proud of the programs and contributed significantly to the development of clinical and operations spanning the entire province. Most recently he was working on a program to deliver mobile testing for the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom was highly respected by his colleagues and loved by all. In 2000, on a trip south with friends, Tom looked two feet down and met the love of his life, Heather. Tom and Heather were married a year later on a beach in the Caribbean surrounded by their closest friends. They soon welcomed into their lives two amazing boys, Andrew and Max. The boys were so fortunate to have a father who instilled in them a passion for sports and the outdoors, as well as a sense of respect and kindness towards others (unless they cheered for the Patriots). The very definition of a true family man, Tom loved nothing more than spending time with Heather and playing with the boys. As part of Tom’s extended family, he remained extremely close to a group of friends that endured 40 plus years of life together, most dating back to the first day of kindergarten. He thoroughly enjoyed getting life updates from the boys, and was the first to initiate in-depth, sometimes heated discussions on politics, current events, and of course sports. Tom’s larger than life personality made it easy for him to make many lasting friendships over the years. His time on the court fostered lifelong friendships with both teammates and opponents alike. His commitment to work and to his colleagues allowed him to make even more lasting relationships along the way. All of us fortunate enough to have known him will forever remember a personality as big as his stature, an undeniable laugh that filled the room, and a friendship that will live on forever. Every social event that Tom attended was better because he was there. Tom’s smile, his grand entrances and love of life will never be replaced, only remembered. His family and friends will continue to tell the stories he loved and will forever hear that laugh. Tom is survived by his wife Heather (nee McKay) of 19 years, sons Andrew and Max, sister Kate, nieces Kayla, Sarah, and Olivia, and nephew Ben. Tom is predeceased by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Jean Dobson. A celebration of Tom’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KidSport Nova Scotia.