McDONNELL, Thomas Oliver

It is with profound sadness that the family of Tom McDonnell, of Lake Echo, announces his sudden death on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at his beloved cottage in Tennecape. Tom was born Feb ruary 23, 1949 in Cork, Ireland. His family moved to Canada when he was eight years old. Tom is survived by his wife, Pat (Roberts); his amazing children: son, Ian; and daughter, Erin; beautiful granddaughters, Violet and Madison; and his new favourite child - fur baby Clifford. He is also survived by his father, Vince; sister, Joan; brother, Barry; as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Tom was predeceased by his mother, Eileen; and brother, Bob. Prior to 1975, Tom was a member of the Royal Canadian Navy, serving first on the ships and then on submarines. Tom earned his 15 minutes of fame operating a submarine in a scene in the movie "The Neptune Factor". He was a well-known member of the automotive community, operating his own auto repair businesses for the past 44 years, most recently as the owner of Tom McDonnell’s Service Centre, working alongside his wife and son. In his earliar years, Tom enjoyed participating in the local drag-racing circuit, running occasional marathons, and was an avid member of the Orenda Canoe Club Masters team. He also organized and played summer hockey and was a member of a winter hockey group. More recently, Tom enjoyed spending time at the family cottage "The Cliff ". His gift to the community was designing and building a special staircase, complete with irrigation system, to withstand the Tennecape tides and soil erosion and allow year-round access to the beach below. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, December 21st in the Owl’s Club, 34 Oakdale Cres., Dartmouth. Please drop in to share your stories and memories with all. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.