Tom McGarrigle
Feb 2, 1942 - Jan 26, 2009

More than 250 people gathered at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Markham on Saturday Jan 31, to pay their last respects to Tom McGarrigle, the iconic coach and Board Member who was part of the Club for more than 28 years. The service started appropriately with a procession into the church led by a piper. In addition to his family members, a number of whom made the trip from Scotland, the attendees included many current and past Club members, representatives of other Clubs, Leagues, the York Region Soccer Association and the Ontario Soccer Association. Speakers included Rev Peter Ma, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Wyn Hughes, Chris Shea, The 1976 Boys Team that was coached by Tom, Ken Wilson, Lynn McGarrigle (his niece), Greig Malby and Lynne McGarrigle.

The service brought forward many fond memories of Tom and there was laughter as we remembered his humorous and unique style. Tom wanted the Service to be upbeat and we're quite sure that he would have been quite pleased and humbled by the large turnout and the tributes that were paid to him. 

A number of people requested a copy of the poem that I wrote for Tom so I have provided a copy for you below.

Chris Shea

For Tom

I like to think that Tom is still among us
And I’m pretty sure that he is.
You know that he’s too stubborn
Just to leave us all like this

He was a small man
But still he was bigger than most
And when he spoke
We listened…
Because he spoke the truth

He never asked for much
But he already had a lot
His life was rich with special gifts
That he shared … Without a second thought

I shall walk the fields of Markham
Ever watchful that I might see him
Standing in the distance…
No one else near him

Maybe he’ll be wearing his blue Rangers shirt
Or maybe one from Markham
Whatever it is he’s wearing
I’m guessing that I’ll spot him

And maybe he’ll raise his hand and wave
And I’m sure that I’ll wave back
And our friendship will continue
Just different from the past

I hope that you’ll be watching too
And if you should happen to see him
Wave and say hello for me
And tell him that we miss him

And so my friends
I’m reaching the end
Of this little poem

Please don’t be sad. . .
For the wee man in plaid
Because he didn’t let it all get to him

His spirit lives on
And don’t forget
His passion was like a flame

Just do what’s right
And here I recite...
You have to love the game. 

Copyright - Chris Shea - 2009