in loving memory
Tom Thomas,
who passed away at his home on May 1 at 45, was a lifelong music lover and a walking encyclopedia of his favourite genres. From the age of six, he immersed himself passionately in the music that resonated with him - rap, hiphop, rock, reggae, house. Later in life, this keen musical sense and a sharp memory - he could recall whole drum sequences and even complex bass lines - contributed to his great success as a DJ.
But Tom’s passion for music was just one of his many admirable traits. He also loved sports and played hockey from his elementary school days through his early 20s. He was on the basketball team at Sutherland Secondary High School in North Vancouver and was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to the Canucks. After high school, Tom attended the University of British Columbia, where he was a fixture on the Dean’s List and obtained a B.A. and a Master’s degree in Education.
Tom met his partner Alison in 2001 at the Lotus Sound Lounge, where the pair quickly bonded over their mutual love of electronic dance music. When he subsequently co-founded the “Overproof” and “Lotus Long Weekend” party series, he brought his usual curatorial zeal to the music, the guests, and the space, creating an inimitable, transcendent vibe for all in attendance. Alison joined the team as a DJ alongside Tom, cementing a personal and artistic connection that endured for nearly two decades.
The Overproof parties originated at the Anza Club, which Tom adored, and moved to the Lotus Sound Lounge in July 2003, enchanting house music lovers and revelers every Thursday until early 2006, with the Lotus Long Weekend parties continuing for a few more years. Tom was himself an extremely popular DJ and tastemaker, playing at clubs all over Vancouver in addition to his own residencies at the Lotus. He will also be remembered in the house music community for his generous support and mentoring of new DJ talent. Tom was an independent thinker and had the strength of character to live life on his own terms. He was a man of modest means, never driven by money, yet was notably generous, readily sharing what he did have with his family and friends.
Those who were fortunate enough to know Tom will remember his genius for storytelling and his hilarious monologues. He was also unstinting with compliments and never shied away from providing honest positive feedback, the kind that builds people up and makes them want to do even better.
Tom’s gift for music and comedy delighted and entertained Alison every day. They laughed together daily, right up to the end. He also loved animals and spoiled his two cats with special cuddle routines and brushing regimens. Local felines were known to clamour for Tom’s attention (and his stash of treats) and he was affectionally known to neighbours as “the Cat Whisperer.”
Tom was predeceased by his father, Morton Thomas. He will be lovingly remembered by his adoring wife, Alison; his mother, Florence; biological parents, Geoff and Eroca; sister Darcy; uncle Pete; aunt Heather and her husband Stephen; his cousins Kyle, Caleb, Eli, and Aylah; aunt Carol, and many friends.