In Memory Of

Thomas "Tom" Patrick McGuigan

Jun 7, 1943 - Feb 21, 2026

Service

Monday, March 2, 2026
11:00 am
St. Matthew Catholic Church
5208-53 avenue
Rocky Mountain House, AB

Interment

Pine Grove Cemetery

Notice

Live stream

Obituary

We are saddened to announce the passing of Thomas Patrick McGuigan on February 21, 2026, at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre after a short illness.
Tom was born the 3rd of 7 children to Elizabeth and Tommy McGuigan, of Kilrea,
Co. Derry, Northern Ireland. He was named after his father and was affectionately known as “Sonny” to his family.
In 1969 Tom married his one true love Marie (McGlinchey) from a neighbouring town Aghadowey. Together they started their home in Kilrea where they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Michelle. A year later after a move to Antrim, Northern Ireland they welcomed their son Karl into their lives. Tom was a very patient and kind family man.
While in Antrim Tom worked as an Instrument Technician in a factory owned by Enkalon. In 1974 with a young family the decision was made to move to New Zealand where Tom found work in the pulp and paper industry. During their time in New Zealand Tom and Marie met Canadians Brian and Susan Herbert who convinced them that a move should be made to Canada.
In 1977 with the help of Brian, Susan and their families Tom brought his family to Canada. Shortly after moving to Canada Tom was hired to work as an Instrument Technician for Aquitane in the oilfields of Rainbow Lake. This was a unique experience and in true Tom fashion he made more lifelong friends while settling into life in the North. When in 1980 the opportunity for a transfer to Rocky Mountain House came up, Tom made the decision to move the family one more time. Tom worked at the Ram River gas plant until finally retiring in 2015 working under the Husky Energy label.
Tom never forgot or lost touch with his Irish roots and made multiple trips back to Ireland to see his family and friends. On several occasions he and Marie invited some of their Canadian friends along to enjoy the country they grew up in. After retirement he began to include regular winter visits to Yuma Arizona and other warm destinations in his travels.
Music was a lifelong passion for Tom & Marie, and they enjoyed nothing better than getting together with their many friends, some of which were gifted musicians for a party and sing-along. Another hobby Tom had was curling, he found great comradery at the curling rink and spent many enjoyable winter evenings with his team. Tom enjoyed rodeo and chuckwagon events, he met some incredible people there who finally encouraged him to get a horse of his own, he bought a mare and kept an Irish influence naming her “Colleen”. Tom truly loved exploring the west country by horseback with his friends. Tinkering in the garage and doing small projects around home were something Tom never stopped.
Tom was a proud, long-standing member of the Rocky Lion’s club and was heavily involved in their community activities. He served as President and received a Long Service Medal and commendation for his charity work from the District Governor. Helping others was such a strong quality of his.
Tom was always very proud of his family and roots but was elated when he gained the title of Grandpa, he went out of his way to spend time with his Grandsons Blake and Damon making memories with them he would always enjoy.
Any opportunity for a good conversation would stop Tom in his tracks, he had time for everyone and his bright smile along with quick wit would keep folks engaged and visiting. He truly was a “People Person”
Tom is survived by his daughter Michelle McGuigan and son Karl (Jennifer) McGuigan, grandsons Blake and Damon McGuigan, sister Carmel (Chris) O’Donnell of Coleraine Northern Ireland, brother Patrick (Dolores) McGuigan of Randalstown Northern Ireland. He was predeceased by his loving wife Marie, parents Elizabeth and Tommy along with siblings Alex, Margaret, Gerry and Sean.
Tom will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and in his honor please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or local community service group of your choice.

Condolences

Stephen Mc Allister:

My sincere condolences to Karl and Michelle and all the family. Tommy’s generosity and hospitality will abide in my memory.

Amy McAllister:

I have very fond memories of Tommy, who was a particularly kind and special gentleman. I pray he is reunited with his late wife, Marie and that his soul rests in peace. May god hold him is the palm of his hand and angels welcome him in to paradise.

Frank Walton:

My Sincere Condolences to you Karl and Michelle.
I have lots of good memories when sharing time with your dad, take care.

Ernie and Lorraine Murias :

Dear Michelle, Karl, Jennifer and boys. The mcGuigan and Murias families go a long way back. We always enjoyed a visit or quick lunch at Tim Hortons with your dad. The positive part, him and your mom are together again! Prayers are with all of you as you get through this difficult time. Hugs. Sorry circumstances don’t allow us to be with you tomorrow. The murias family.

Sandy Johnstone:

Michelle, Karl, Jennifer, Blake and Damon my heart goes out to each of you.
How fortunate I have been to be a part of many awesome adventures with Tom and the family that he adored.
His incredible smile…his open arms…often laden with gifts…were his trademarks.
He never met a stranger!
He was always ready to share his time.
He was a tremendous member of the Lion’s Service Club.
He often proudly shared their latest projects.
Service above self.
BUT…family was his world.
He played every role with perfection.
He was a role model for all.
Michelle…Karl…Jennifer…Blake and Damon you’ve lived the dream with Family memories etched in your hearts forever.
Tom…Dad…Grandpa was so very proud of each of you…You definitely were the wind beneath his wings…and the sunshine to his soul!
Tom was such a faithful member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.
Imagine the McGuigan reunion above…Tom and Marie together again! So many siblings reunited. That’s truly a reason to party!
Let the good times roll!
Tom McGuigan you were a blessing to us all!

Gregg and Dorothy Robinson:

Karl, Michelle and family, we were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom and Marie were our earliest and best friends in Rocky and helped us settle in and introduced us to their great circle of friends and always included us in any events. Tom was a wonderfully warm and jolly man and always fun to be around. No doubt he will be greatly missed but warmly remembered.

Jim Watson:

I am a Sylvan Lake and district Lions club member. Tom would contact me when he and his Lions club, had collected eye glasses and hearing appliances for recycling. I assisted him to pass on our combined collection . Over the years, we would meet in Sylvan Lake and have a coffee. He was a very valued Lions club member. I loved his sense of humour and outlook on life. I will miss our visits and that smile.

Ron and June Wesner:

Karl, Michelle, Pat and families - please accept our sincere condolences, we too are heartbroken with the passing of your Dad. He touched so many people with his life's journey, his character, integrity, his good heart, sense of humor, his stories and his helping hand to others. We feel grateful for the time we had with him, richer for his friendship, and blessed to have had his remarkable spirit here among us. Keep your memories close to your hearts. Rest in peace Tom, our dear friend, my "brother", and "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand".

Miles Nielsen:

My sincere condolences to the family. Tom was a wonderful man. I had the pleasure of working with him at Ram River.

Lisa Wesner:

Sending big hugs and condolences to you all - Tom has meant so much to my folks and our family for many many years and he will be deeply missed. I have such fond memories of Tom throughout my childhood riding out West, at the curling rink, playing cards, and having big dinners with lots of potatoes! It was so nice to see you all at his birthday party last summer. I will always remember his big smile, his laughter and his joyful spirit.

Mark and Debbie Huenison (Moose Jaw, Sask):

Our condolences to Michelle, Karl and their families.
We always enjoyed a visit with Tom anytime we were back in Rocky.

Linda Dubois:

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Tom’s. I didn’t know Tom well but he left an impression on me of a kind, thoughtful, happy man devoted to his family and his God. He will be missed.

Ron & Diane McLeod :

To Karl & family, & Michelle
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Miles Nielsen:

My heartfelt condolences to the family . Tom was a wonderful man! I worked with him at the Ram Plant.

Patty Atkinson:

To All Who Mourn the Passing of Tom;
Terry and I met Tom through mutual Rocky Mountain House friends while spending winters in Yuma, AZ. He was a very generous and thoughtful fellow of whom we had many found memories. His orchestrated celebrations of March 17, St. Patrick's Day, every year were "events" of celebration to say the least! Terry passed in Dec of 2021, and I received a heartfelt and sincere condolence message from Tom. I will always remember that creeping grin as he told a story, and the twinkle in his eye. The picture you have chosen to place here is so fitting, the signature grin is there, and the happiness he spread is evident. Cherish your memories as I am sure he has left you with many great ones!
Sincerely,
Patty Atkinson
Nanton, AB

Larry and Gloria Collicutt :

Michelle, Karl and family, we are so sorry for your loss, Your Dad was a wonderful man, a great neighbour and friend, He was always so kind and respectful to everyone, a true gentleman, he will be missed.

Warren and Diana Randall:

We are so sad to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful man that always had a smile and a hug. What an honour to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
Sending you all love and hugs in your time of sorrow. May God’s love bring you peace and strength .
Warren and Diana

Eric & Candice Dillon:

Karl, Jen & Michelle;

Our deepest sympathies on Tom’s passing. For us, during our time in Rocky, spending time with the McGuigans was a big part of our time there and we have so many fond memories of Tom. He was larger than life and always so full of life. I have memories of Tom that I will remember for a lifetime, all of them in a good way that still make me laugh.

Monday is going to be a bad day to be a Bushmills. Sending all of our prayers to each of you as you celebrate what was a life well lived.

Eric & Candice Dillon

Peggy Bensmiller:

So sorry for your loss

Ralph & Beth Tjostheim :

Michelle, Karl & Jennifer & family,
We were very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.
We are thinking of you all with deepest sympathy as you mourn his loss.
We always enjoyed our visits with Tom & have great memories of happy times spent together.

Andrea Lund:

My sincere condolences. I was sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was always so kind and thoughtful. Always cheerful whenever we ran into each other. He will be greatly missed.

Scott McCrady:

Karl, Michelle, and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of Tom. He was a truly remarkable man - warm, quick with a smile, always ready for a visit, and gifted with that sharp wit and unmistakable Irish charm. The kind of person who made others feel seen, welcomed, and valued simply by taking the time to talk.
He clearly left a lasting impression wherever he went. That kind of legacy is rare and deeply meaningful.
I’m unable to attend the service as I will be out of the country but I will be thinking of you and holding you in my prayers.

Mary Kennedy:

Michelle, Karl, Jen & family,
We are sad to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful, kind and friendly man. He always had time for a visit and his smile would light up a room. We will miss having conversations with him. He truly had a genuine spirit that will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with you Michelle and Karl.
Mary and Brent Kennedy

Bill and Kathy Ramage:

Our deepest condolences to Tom’s family. Tom was always up for a visit whenever we saw him.

Cheryl Toal:

My deepest condolences to your family. I worked with Tom at Ram River Gas Plant. He was a treat to talk to, very congenial. Tom and my husband had a good natured banter every time we met up, being gentlemen from Northern Ireland. He will be missed.

Lennis Maxwell:

Deepest condolences to Karl, Michelle and family! Tom was always a pleasure to visit with at the rink or anyplace we ran into one another! Always up-beat and came at you with something sharp to initiate an always colorful conversation! Rest in peace, Tom

Ruth Peterson:

Sorry Michelle, Karl and families to hear of the loss of your father. Carla let me know. I always enjoyed talking to him and enjoyed his accent. God's blessing as you remember him throughout the years. Love and prayers Ruth.

darren woitas:

From the Woitas family our sincere condolences Tom was loyal and amazing friend to our Dad through thick and thin for many decades...he is truly irreplaceable... Rest in peace dear Tom

Erin Fingler:

I'm so sorry to hear that Tom has passed away. He was a genuinely kind person and I have fond memories of him and Marie. Their family in Northen Ireland took me in for 10 days in 2001, when I was on my European adventure (Chris & Carmel, Jerry & Mary, Pat & Deloris, and Patsy). I am forever grateful for Tom putting me in touch with them. My sincere condolences to Karl, Michelle and families.

Rena Tom Stewart:

Karl and Michelle please accept Rena and I's Deepest Condolences for the loss of your father, Tom was such a great conversationalist, we always enjoyed his taking time to visit and share his thoughts.

Ken Moesker:

I’m saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I knew him to be a kind and thoughtful man, quick with a smile and a friendly greeting. He always had time for people.
He will be sorely missed.

Flo and Rod Lennie:

Our sincere condolences. We are sure you will miss your Dad and Grandpa. Maybe he will be with his close cousin now and reminiscing the good old days of childhood.

Geoff Bostick:

I’m so sorry for your loss, Karl, Michelle, family, and friends.

Carla Peterson:

My sincere condolences to Michelle, Karl and families. Tom was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all who knew him. As sad as I am to learn of his passing, I can't help but smile at the thought of him and Marie finally together again. Prayers and hugs as you navigate these difficult days.

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