Obituary of Thomas KNOTT

Tom Knott, beloved husband of Shirley, passed away on February 3, 2012 at the age of 59 years. Tom is lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley (nee McLachlan) and their three daughters. He was a proud and affectionate father to Catherine and her husband Daniel Leonard, Deborah and Virginia. Tom is survived by his brother William (Bill) Knott and his niece Jacqueline Knott, as well as his niece Patricia Knott (daughter of the late John G. Knott). Tom is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law John A. and Emily (nee Whiting) McLachlan. Tom is survived by his brother-in-law James McLachlan, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Connie (nee McLachlan) and Jason Sutherland and their children Claire, Grace, and Olivia. Tom is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ward and Michele (nee Matta) McLachlan and their children Taryn and Devin. Tom is predeceased by his father John G. Knott, mother Helen Knott (nee Seaton) and brother John G. Knott. Tom was born in Etobicoke, Ontario on September 24, 1952. He married the love of his life, Shirley, on August 30th, 1975 at Beechwood Presbyterian Church near London, Ontario. They moved to Calgary in 1979 where they permanently settled. Tom was a “jack of all trades” but his specialty was finish carpentry. Tom and Shirley enrolled their daughters in soccer at a young age. This is when Tom first discovered his passion for coaching soccer. He always had a strong desire to make a positive contribution to his community. This led to his involvement in a variety of sports organizations. Tom started coaching with Millican Ogden Community Association and from there he was involved with Carburn Sports Association. Tom coached for these and many other soccer clubs. He served as President of Calgary Minor Soccer Association for a number of years. Tom was also involved with the Calgary Soccer Federation and the Alberta Soccer Association. He volunteered countless hours to these organizations. Tom also spent some time as a soccer referee. His most recent contribution was to serve as the President of the Calgary Women’s Soccer Association. Tom’s three daughters all continue to enjoy the sport that he was so passionately involved in. Another passion of Tom’s was spending time with his family in the mountains. They took many hikes and backpacking trips together. Tom’s passion for the mountains led him to become involved with the Alpine Club of Canada. He used his skills as a carpenter to help restore and improve back country huts throughout the Rockies. A favourite getaway for Tom and his family was the Wates-Gibson Hut located on Outpost Lake in Jasper National Park. Tom fulfilled a variety of occupations during his life. He worked for many years as a finish carpenter and was highly skilled in this area. Tom also worked as a project manager in the construction industry as well as in other areas. His independent spirit and ambition led him into his biggest entrepreneurial endeavour, founding Borealis Building Consultants Ltd. with the help of his family. He enjoyed working out solutions to challenging building repair and maintenance problems. He achieved the advanced status of Master Water Restoration Technician and was working towards further certifications. His goal was to become an instructor in his field. Tom also served as an executive member of the Alberta Building Envelope Council. Tom’s daughters worked with him and learned valuable skills that they will forever appreciate. Tom’s spirit will live forever in the hearts of his wife and daughters. A memorial service for Tom will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Ogden Branch 154, 2625 78 Avenue SE, on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm. Condolences may be forwarded to www.hffs.com.