Thomas (Tom) Harold McNeilly, beloved husband of Beth McNeilly, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on December 27, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

Tom was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1942. He left high school to go work for Underwood, cleaning and repairing adding machines. While working, he attended night-school at Sir George Williams University. There he met Beth Atkinson in 1961. Beth’s dad encouraged him to further his education. While Beth attended teacher’s college, Tom earned his B.Sc. in Computer Science. He went to work for Prudential Life in the IT department, before there was such a thing as IT. He also taught math and physics at a high school on the West Island of Montreal.

He grew up in Greenfield Park, a small closely knit community on the south shore of Montreal. He helped his dad renovate their homes, and learned many handy skills. In his early twenties, he bought a red Austin 850, which he was so proud of.

Tom and Beth were married in 1967. He worked at the Bank of Montreal and was instrumental in the developing the system for Mastercard. In 1973, they moved to London, Ontario, where Tom earned his MBA at the University of Western Ontario. During the summer, he taught computer science courses at the Prudential head office. Tom and Beth returned to Montreal in 1976, and their daughter Jennifer (Jen) Lynn was born.

In 1977, the family moved to Calgary, Alberta. Three years later, their son Steven (Steve) Thomas was born, and the family was complete.

Tom worked for M.J. Data Consultants as a systems analyst and, simultaneously, ran his own business, T.H.M. Computer Services Inc. He was an avid volunteer supporter of Jen and Steve’s activities. He loved to teach and impart knowledge, and was a mentor to many neighbourhood children.

In 2007, Tom and Beth retired and moved to Lethbridge, where he volunteered for the community garden at the University of Lethbridge and the Wildrose Party. He occasionally worked for H&R Block and the City of Lethbridge Census.

In 2012, Tom and Beth adopted their beloved dog, Lady, and enjoyed many pleasurable hours taking her for walks in the neighbourhood, before she passed away in 2020. After that, Tom and Beth were willing dog sitters for many of their neighbours.

In 2019, Tom and Beth joined his brother Bob and sister-in-law Dolores on an Alaskan cruise. It was so very special to spend all that time together.

Tom was a life-long learner and took online computer courses right up to his passing. In recent years, he took an interest in application development. He was working on developing a game for Android phones called Slider.

Tom and Beth were patrons of the Calgary Philharmonic Symphony and the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years. He loved to joke that he played the keyboard too – computer, that is.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Beth, his children Jen (Kyle) Burns, and Steve (Rachel), his sister Lorraine, his step-brother Bob (Dolores), and several nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Agnes, and his step-brothers Thomas Arthur, Walter (Claudette), and Keith McNeilly.

His family would like to express appreciation to the Palliative Care staff (4B) at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their caring and compassion during Tom’s short stay.

As per Tom’s wishes, there will be no service at this time. In the spring, the family will host an open house to celebrate his life. If you would like, a donation can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Lethbridge & District Humane Society.

Tom will be fondly remembered as a proud, patient, and loving partner and father.