Obituary of Thomas Norman Trafford

Thomas Norman Trafford, 82, died comfortably at home Sunday morning, July 28, 2013 with family by his side. On July 20,1931 I was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the son of Sidney and Anna (Bowman) Trafford and spent my early childhood in New England. Following graduation from Classical High School in Providence, RI, I received my BA (‘54) from Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, the first person in my family to obtain a university education. Following two years as a draftee in the US Military Service (‘54-‘56 radio operator in the artillery, stationed for 15 months In Germany), I returned to Mt A for my BEd (’57). Brenda and I were married Sept.1, 1956. Our three children Jeffrey (Jody), Tamra and Terrilee, filled our lives. The first four years of my teaching career were in Shelburne, NS (57-61) and the remaining years (61-89) were at Sackville High and Tantramar. During my NB teaching career, I was actively involved in the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association (1969-1971 President NBTA), New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation (1969-1971 Co-President NBTF) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (1974-1975 President CTF). I am extremely proud of the fact that I chaired the committee that brought about the creation of NBTF, which was the first recipient of the DIALOGUE NB AWARD. I served a total of 15 years on the Boards of the two NB organizations, as well as 8 years on the Board of Diretors of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation including one year as National President. One of the highlights of that year, was leading a three person educational delegation to the Soviet Union. On Sept. 1, 1974, I had the honour of opening a Grades 1 to 12 school in St Petersburg, Russia. We were blessed with the opportunity to visit every province in Canada plus two territories and to travel worldwide, much of it as a family. When I retired in 1989, I was the recipient of the NBTA Centennial Award in recognition of my contribution to education in NB. During the ensuing years I served the Boards of the Sackville Public Library, Cape Jourimain Nature Centre and District Two Board of School Trustees (Chair for three years). Throughout life I have been dedicated to sports (my beloved Yankees), to TRHS sports and to exercise, walking to school daily and in retirement at the YMCA. Probably the most exciting venture during retirement, was serving for sixteen years on the Board of the NBTA Credit Union, of which I was Charter Member. In 2009, the Credit Union honoured me by naming its Boardroom after me. It was at that time that I became completely occupied with fighting cancer! Predeceased by my parents and my brother David, I leave my wife Brenda, my three children Jody Trafford (Cathy) Lower Sackville NS, Tamra Trafford (Mark Crain), Shepherdstown WV, and Terri Black (David), Point de Bute, NB; my three grandchildren, Chrissy Trafford (Chris Hawkes), Lower Sackville, NS; Shelby Trafford, Lower Sackville, NS and Jasper, AB; Braedon Black (Janice Gorecki), Fernie, BC; my brother-in-law, Jim Hughson (Lorna) Fredericton, NB; my sister-in-law Heather Schwarzkopf, Toronto, ON as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. The nucleus of the happiness in my life has been the love and support of my talented wife, Brenda, three successful children, their spouses and three joyous grandchildren. I have also been extremely fortunate to have lived in three remarkable communities: Shelburne, NS, Sackville, NB and Murray Corner, NB … perhaps doubly so for Murray Corner, because it was a summer haven for the family for many years prior to its becoming our permanent home. I would like to thank all my friends and colleagues for making my life as full and rewarding as it has been, and to all those in the medical profession who have made my years living with cancer as enjoyable as it could possibly have been. A special thanks to Dr. Sylvie Bourque, who showed me how to live with a positive attitude while carrying cancer and to the extraordinary, remarkable care-givers who work with Home Care Extra Mural. My ashes will be scattered, by my family, “in the forest”. I would be grateful for donations to the Cumberland County YMCA in Amherst or Cape Jourimain Nature Centre Inc. Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville, N.B. (364-8188). Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 6-9 pm. The funeral service will take place at the Tantramar Regional High School Theatre, Sackville, on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 1 pm with Bill Drysdale officiating. Following the service, a reception will take place at the school.