Sunday, July 14, 2019
Dear Molloy family
Please accept my condolences and best wishes. You have experienced a great loss, but I think you will be helped to deal with that loss with the wonderful memories you have of Tom and the many testimonies you've received of his sterling character, warm personality, and enormous contributions to Saskatchewan and Canada.
I got to know Tom about twenty-five years ago, drawn together by our shared interest in relations between Indigenous peoples and the rest of us Canadians. At the time I was a Professor of History at the University of Saskatchewan who taught and did research on the relations of Natives and newcomers. I knew of Tom's work on claims, of course, and asked him to come to my honours seminar to talk about his work. I also asked him to speak to the delegates of a conference on the history of treaty-making in Canada that I organized at the University of Saskatchewan. On both occasions, he did a wonderful job and was warmly received.
I also had the pleasure of having lunch with Tom a number of times, either at the Faculty Club at the universitiy or at the Saskatoon Club. I have many fond memories of our chats over lunch. And my wife and I had a brief chat with Tom at the reception following his installation as lieutenant-governor last year. That was another moving ceremony.
As you heard repeatedly at the beautiful memorial service yesterday, Tom was admired, liked, and respected by a wide range of Canadians. I hope that knowledge helps you as you deal with the unavoidable grief of losing a loved one.
With warm wishes,
Jim Miller, O.C., S.O.M., F.R.S.C
Professor Emeritus of History
University of Saskatchewan
