Obituary of William Thomas Molloy

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Thomas (Tom) Molloy on July 2, 2019 at age 78 after a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. As with all things in life, Tom faced his diagnosis with discipline and determination. He remained optimistic and encouraged by messages of support from across the country.

Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife of twenty-five years, Alice (nee Tastad) Molloy, parents George and Irene (nee Burke) Molloy as well as Alice's parents Norman and Eunice (nee Olson) Tastad. The joy of his life was his family. Left to remember him are his four daughters: Corinne; Jennifer (Ryan Babonich); Alison (Michael Haines); Kathryn (Elliott Pally). He was extremely proud of his eleven grandchildren: Hanna, Pepper and Ella Howe; Quinn and Jack Babonich; Emily, Zachary, Heidi and Charlotte Haines; and Maxwell and Calvin Pally. Also surviving are siblings George (Betty Augaitis), Sister Sharon RGS, and Mary (David McKinlay); and Alice's siblings Judith Chelsom, Doug (Mary) Tastad, Bryan (Noreen Donald) Tastad and Natalie (D'Arcy) Caslor. He also leaves behind a close and extensive extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was born and raised in Saskatoon, and completed his Law Degree at the University of Saskatchewan. He was called to the Bar in Saskatchewan in 1965, and worked in general practice until he found his calling as a skilled negotiator. Tom has been called a "modern father of Confederation" for his work in treaty-making and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of Canada. He was an inspired choice as Chief Federal Negotiator for Canada, which led him to the negotiation tables for the Agreement that led to the creation of Nunavut in 1999, the Nisga'a Treaty, the Inuit of Northern Quebec Off-Shore, and the L'heidle T'enneh and Sliammon Final Agreements. Through those consultations, long-term friendships were made, and common understanding and respect were created. His work changed the face of our country.

In addition to a distinguished legal career, Tom served as Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan from 2001 to 2007, and later became Chancellor Emeritus. His award-winning book The World Is Our Witness: The Historic Journey of The Nisga'a Into Canada was published in 2000. Tom grew up in a culture of service to others, inspired by his parents. His extensive community work included service to national and local organizations such as Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Indigenous Works, Forum For Young Canadians, the Canadian Landmine Foundation, the RCMP Heritage Centre, Habitat for Humanity Canada, the Kidney Research Foundation of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Community Foundation and many more.

In acknowledgement of his impressive professional achievements and outstanding community service, Tom was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996, he was invested into the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2012, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2009, and received the prestigious 2018 Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Law from the Canadian Bar Association, among many other honours and awards. Tom was sworn-in as Saskatchewan's 22nd Lieutenant Governor on March 21, 2018. Since his installation, he participated in hundreds of events, earning the admiration and affection of people across the province. He took part in many celebrations with Indigenous communities, in addition to his support for youth, mental health initiatives, literacy, new Canadians, and seniors.

Tom had a passion for exploring the world through travel. His work took him across Canada to its farthest reaches, from coast to coast to coast. He loved to share this country and the world with his family through travel, and more recently with his friend, Corinne Shepheard. As a family, we are incredibly proud of his many accomplishments, but we will always find comfort in remembering his sage advice, his witty sense of humour, his ability to always be there for us when we needed him and for instilling the importance of family, integrity and understanding.

We would like to thank all of the friends, family and the public that have sent messages of support during these last few months, as well as, the incredible team of health care professionals that took exceptional care of Tom during his illness. His friendships were sincere, and he cultivated a deep sense of loyalty and affection. Trust, understanding, and patience were his guiding values. He will be forever in our hearts. In lieu of gifts, the family gratefully asks that donations be directed to the Tom and Alice Molloy Fund at the Saskatoon Community Foundation.

The State Memorial Service will take place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Merlis Belsher Place (South of the Field House 2010 College Drive with access off Preston Avenue) and is open to the public. Condolences may be left for the family at www.ltgov.sk.ca.