In Memory of

Tom

Meredith

Obituary for Tom Meredith

Born in Ellesmere Port, England on March 9, 1932 to the late Griffith Thomas and Gladys May (Parker).
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Valerie (Jinks), son Stanley (Lori) - Highland Village, son Richard (Cindy)- Great Village, daughter Rosemary (Mark)- Highland Village, daughter Valerie - Highland Village and grandson Tom (Jaime) - Greenfield.

Grandchildren Matthew, Christine, Andrew, Megan, David, Renee, Mitchell, Olivia, Valene, & Roger
Great grandchildren Brenton & Paul, Tierney, Conlinn & Finnigan, Kaycee & Benjamin, Jordan, Danika & Sahara.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and his eldest son Griffith Thomas.

Tom’s innate love of farming was inspired by boyhood memories of spending time on his uncle’s farm in Shobdon, England.

This led to his decision to attend Reaseheath Agricultural School in Cheshire, England where he not only successfully completed his studies, but also found his partner in agriculture and love of his life. Tom & Valerie went on to purchase “Great Leys” farm from his uncle and during the next 13 years they successfully developed a mixed small holdings farm and began their family. While milking one evening and listening to a local agricultural program on the radio he was intrigued by the opportunities offered to immigrant farmers to come to Canada. After exploring Nova Scotia agricultural properties, he purchased the Geddes farm in Highland Village and in April of 1969 relocated his family to the shores of Cobequid Bay. Working along with his family he began the incredible task of building a farrow to finish swine operation from the ground up. His knowledge of the Canadian pork industry led to his integral contribution and development of Pork Nova Scotia and his elected positions on the Board of Pork Nova Scotia and the Canadian Pork Council. This included a tenure as Chairman of the Canadian Pork Council and working with other board members both home and abroad to improve the overall swine breeding stock in Nova Scotia and putting Nova Scotia in the forefront of Canadian swine excellence.

Along with the livestock and as equally important was the cultivation of the land. Tom being the great steward that he was it brought him great gratification in producing a wide variety of arable crops. His dedication and success to improving the land through sustainable farming practices opened the door to the opportunity to hold the position of Chairman of the Livestock Feed Board of Canada. He derived immense satisfaction from assisting Eastern Canadian farmers through the administration of the Feed Freight Assistance Program.

Along with the love of farming, Tom had many other passions including his joy of exploring lesser known Caribbean Isles with his Val. Together they relished snorkeling in the warm blue waters and strolling hand in hand on moon lit beaches.

Tom also spent many enjoyable hours bird watching and recording the wide variety of birds he identified. As well as keeping immaculately mowed lawns and an extensive catalogued stamp collection, he took great pride in showcasing home raised barbecued meats.

Ever the farmer and wanting the family farm to succeed, he was the foundation of The Farm Gate shop. His talent for making delicious bacon wrapped brochettes was well known and sought out.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to all those who provided care and support during Tom’s illness.
Cremation has taken place and at Tom’s request there will be no service. Family friends are welcome to drop in to the farm at any time. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to The Issac Walton Killiam Children’s Hospital, the Colchester East Hants Health Centre or a charity of choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro where online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ColchesterCommunity.com

“Lay down your tools Dad. You have earned your rest and sleep peacefully in the knowledge that you have passed on your wisdom and love of farming to the generations that follow.”