Obituary of Thomas John Andrew Hannigan

On Thursday, January 3rd, 2013, Thomas John Andrew (Tom) Hannigan of London, in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of Nina Hannigan. Devoted father of John and wife Ruth of Toronto, and Brian of London. Loving grandfather of T.J. and wife Sarah, Timothy, Maeve and Olivia, and dear great grandfather of Andrew. The only child of John Andrew and Bertha Hannigan, Tom grew up in Guelph, Ontario in the 1920s and ‘30s, where his grandfather, T.J., co-founder with Sir Adam Beck of public hydro in the province, had a profound influence on his life. Early in World War II, Tom joined the Canadian Army, where he served as a Lieutenant in the Artillery, and met his future wife, Nina McMillan, while stationed at the Officers Training Centre in Brockville, Ontario. After the War, Tom earned a B.A. in Business Administration at the University of Ottawa and was employed as an economist for the Department of Fisheries. In the early 1950s, Tom moved his family to Windsor Ontario to take a position with the Canada Revenue Agency. From 1965 until his retirement in 1981, he worked for the Retail Sales Tax Branch of the Ontario Government in London. Tom’s diverse interests ranged from astronomy to gardening; but, his greatest passion was for classical music and opera (especially singers of the golden age). Beginning in 1967, he spent 25 years as a member of the Board of Directors for the London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra London). For four years (1972-1976), he served as LSO President, guiding the orchestra to a fully professional status through the formation of Sinfonia. In later years, he became London Region President of the Canadian Music Competitions, and assumed a similar role with the Current Topics and Probus Clubs of London. In 1986, Tom was named to the Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List for his contribution to the arts. Tom will always be fondly remembered for his sharp, critical mind, and dignity, wit and generosity of spirit. Special thanks to the nurses and staff of the 5th and 4th floors (Western Counties Wing) at Parkwood Hospital for their exceptional care throughout the final year of Tom’s life. The memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Sunday, January 6th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Darrell Shaule officiating. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Orchestra London or Veterans Care and Comfort Fund, Parkwood Hospital, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.