Tom served with the Royal Navy during the second world war. He later joined a practice in a small village in Suffolk, England, and in 1952 became a founding member of the Royal College of General Practitioners. In 1966 he moved to a small town in Alberta, Canada. During his 30 years of practice there he served as chief of staff for the hospital and coroner for the region, and had a special interest in obstetrics and gynaecology. He loved outdoor activities and was an avid fisherman. He leaves a wife, Ann; three sons; and 10 grandchildren.