William Thomas (Tom) Gossett, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 15, 2014 at age 78. Predeceased by his wife, Mimi, he leaves behind his two sisters, Antoinette Denning of Washington State and Elizabeth Karaman of New York City; his loving children, Walter (Kim), John (Lara), and Cathy (Kerry); his five grandchildren, Myrriah, Max, Trevor, Maria, and Calli. Tom was born in New York City on March 8, 1936 and was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Tom and Mimi operated farms and businesses in Durand, Michigan, before moving to Salt Spring Island with their children in 1975. He was the founder of Foxglove Farm and Garden Supply, and Foxglove Farm, where he bred and raised champion Polled Herefords on Mt. Maxwell Road. Tom was passionate about preserving the island’s watersheds and was one of the founding members of the Water Preservation Society. He believed our communities sustainable health revolved around clean water. Tom took a stand on this which wasn’t popular with some, but he believed in the greater good: a principal that guided his life. His family would like to thank Dr. Ron Reznick, Donna Hickey, Jill Hickford and Barbara Brindamour for their loving care and attention. Special thanks to the multitude of loving nurses and care aids at Lady Minto Hospital and Greenwoods Care Facility. The family would also like to thank the many people in the Salt Spring Community for their support and kindness during this time.
“I was truly guided to come here and it has been a privilege to become a part of this unique community.”
– Tom Gossett
“All your past except its beauty is gone,
and nothing is left but a blessing.”
– A Course in Miracles.
A celebration of Tom’s “graduation” will be held at Foxglove Farm and Garden Supply on Atkins Road on March 29, 2014 @ 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.