Obituary of Thomas Alan Richardson

November 3, 1967 to January 28, 2024.

Tom passed away after a difficult period of physical and mental health. An adored son, brother, partner and friend, he was a bright light bringing joy, warmth, love, mischief, adventure and laughter to us all.

A born scholar, Tom excelled academically from a young age, graduating from London Central Secondary School and receiving a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Geography from McGill University in 1989, a Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of British Columbia in 2001 and many academic achievement awards. His early work life took him to the mountains and the sea of beautiful Vancouver in 1994 where he worked for Canada Post as a mail service courier. His professional career in library science led him back to Ottawa in 2004, coordinating library services for the Canadian Public Health Association. Most recently, he was passionate about his client services and outreach work at the Library of Parliament. He provided leadership to advance key projects and participated on multiple committees to improve the workplace and raise funds for charity.

Born in London, Ontario to Liliane Delaquerrière and Alan Richardson, he grew up with his older brother, Bob Richardson, in a close-knit family where he developed a passion for knowledge, music, travel and literature. His brilliant mind, generosity and endless curiosity made him a connector of many circles of family, friends, neighbours and community. The caring he brought to those close to him and the contributions he made to the community are too many to name, but included over two decades of service on the Board of the Jack Purcell Recreation Association, Unity Housing, many years of hosting community trivia nights at Irene’s Pub in the Glebe and volunteering at several community music festivals.

Tom had a great love for his friends, family and the people he would meet in his day-to-day world on adventures close to home or in far off places. We will remember Tom dancing, laughing, engaging friends, family and complete strangers in delightful, sometimes exasperating, conversation, exploring lakes and rivers by canoe and in his kayak and sharing simple, intimate times with those in his close circles. He shared many great loves, finding the love of his life and learning some of the joys of parenthood. So loved, so deeply missed, never forgotten.

Tom cherished his family and friends. All are welcome to gather for a Farewell Memorial at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, 50 Sussex, Ottawa, Ontario on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 5 pm, with remembrance and special remarks at 3pm. Limited parking is onsite for the mobility challenged. Please park in the surrounding neighbourhood, south of Sussex Drive. To help with planning, please RSVP at https://everloved.com/life-of/tom-richardson/funeral

Donations can be made in Tom’s memory to the Canadian Mental Health Association Ottawa or the Ottawa Humane Society.