Thomas Patrick McGuigan
June 7, 1943 – Feb. 21, 2026

We are saddened to announce the passing of Thomas Patrick McGuigan on Feb. 21, 2026, at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre after a short illness.

Tom was born the third of seven children to Elizabeth and Tommy McGuigan, of Kilrea, Co. Derry, Northern Ireland. He was named after his father and was affectionately known as “Sonny” to his family.

In 1969, Tom married his one true love Marie (McGlinchey) from a neighbouring town Aghadowey. Together they started their home in Kilrea where they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Michelle. A year later after a move to Antrim, Northern Ireland, they welcomed their son Karl into their lives. Tom was a very patient and kind family man.
While in Antrim, Tom worked as an instrument technician in a factory owned by Enkalon. In 1974, with a young family, the decision was made to move to New Zealand where Tom found work in the pulp and paper industry. During their time in New Zealand, Tom and Marie met Canadians Brian and Susan Herbert who convinced them that a move should be made to Canada.

In 1977, with the help of Brian, Susan and their families, Tom brought his family to Canada. Shortly after moving to Canada, Tom was hired to work as an instrument technician for Aquitane in the oilfields of Rainbow Lake. This was a unique experience and in true Tom fashion he made more lifelong friends while settling into life in the North. When, in 1980, the opportunity for a transfer to Rocky Mountain House came up, Tom made the decision to move the family one more time. Tom worked at the Ram River gas plant until finally retiring in 2015, working under the Husky Energy label.

Tom never forgot or lost touch with his Irish roots and made multiple trips back to Ireland to see his family and friends. On several occasions he and Marie invited some of their Canadian friends along to enjoy the country they grew up in. After retirement, he began to include regular winter visits to Yuma, Arizona, and other warm destinations in his travels.

Music was a lifelong passion for Tom and Marie, and they enjoyed nothing better than getting together with their many friends, some of whom were gifted musicians, for a party and sing-along. Another hobby Tom had was curling. He found great camaraderie at the curling rink and spent many enjoyable winter evenings with his team. Tom enjoyed rodeo and chuckwagon events; he met some incredible people there who finally encouraged him to get a horse of his own, so he bought a mare and kept an Irish influence naming her “Colleen.” Tom truly loved exploring the west country by horseback with his friends. Tinkering in the garage and doing small projects around home were something Tom never stopped.

Tom was a proud, long-standing member of the Rocky Lions Club and was heavily involved in their community activities. He served as president and received a long service medal and commendation for his charity work from the district governor. Helping others was such a strong quality of his.

Tom was always very proud of his family and roots but was elated when he gained the title of Grandpa. He went out of his way to spend time with his grandsons, Blake and Damon, making memories with them he would always enjoy.

Any opportunity for a good conversation would stop Tom in his tracks. He had time for everyone and his bright smile, along with quick wit, would keep folks engaged and visiting. He truly was a “people person.”

Tom is survived by his daughter Michelle McGuigan and son Karl (Jennifer) McGuigan; grandsons Blake and Damon McGuigan; sister Carmel (Chris) O’Donnell of Coleraine, Northern Ireland; brother Patrick (Dolores) McGuigan of Randalstown, Northern Ireland. He was predeceased by his loving wife Marie, parents Elizabeth and Tommy, along with siblings Alex, Margaret, Gerry and Sean.

Tom will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and in his honour, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or local community service group of your choice.

A service was held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Rocky Mountain House, Alta.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.