LEADBEATER
Rev. Thomas Loudon
1915-2014
In loving memory of our dear father, grandfather and great grandfather who died December 13 in Nelson, BC. Thomas was born August 16, 1915 in South Shields, England. He came to Canada at 18 years of age to fulfill his dream of becoming an Anglican minister. He attended and later taught at St. Chad's College in Regina, where he met and married our mother, Betsy Reierson in 1944. They later moved to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania where he worked on a Master's of Education at the University of Pittsburg as well as assisting at the Church of Ascension. In 1945 they returned to Canada, where Thomas was an assistant at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC. He was called to St. Saviour's Pro-Cathedral in Nelson, BC in 1948. In 1956, he became the rector at St. Barnabas Church in Calgary. In 1959, he accepted a calling to Holy Trinity Church in Edmonton, where he was rector for 22 years. Wherever his parish, Thomas worked tirelessly on pastoral responsibilities, visiting the sick, taking services, counselling, expanding church programs and building projects. Education and teaching remained a lifelong passion as did his love for reading and choral music. Thomas was known for an ecumenical outlook and, wherever he lived, he became involved with community activities. He continually advocated for the disadvantaged and opened doors at all hours to help with food and shelter when needed. He retired in 1981 but still kept commitments as a chaplain in the Veteran's home. In 2005, Betsy and Thomas moved to Red Deer to be near Graeme. Dad celebrated his 70 years of ordination in the Pine Lake Anglican Church where he occasionally took services. Dad never truly retired. For years he continued to perform countless baptisms, weddings, funerals and cared for the spiritual well-being of family, friends and acquaintances. In June 2012, Thomas and Betsy returned to Nelson where they were residents of Mountain Lakes Senior's Community. Thomas is survived by his three children: Betsy Anne DeClercq, David and Graeme, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held at St. Saviour's Anglican Church Nelson, BC at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 20, with burial to follow at the Nelson Memorial Park Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all those who have provided care for our father in his last years. In lieu of flowers a donation may be sent to St. Saviour's Pro-Cathedral Anglican Church Together in Mission Fund, 701 Ward Street, Nelson, BC V1L 1T3. Dad's spirit, faithfulness and intellect has touched us all. He will always be cherished and remembered. Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca.