In Loving Memory of

Peter Thomas 'Tom' White

of Edmonton
Nov 21, 2023

Peter Thomas White, 90, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2023.

Thomas, fondly known as Tom, was born in Brighton, Sussex, England, in January 1933.

Tom will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Nellie; his daughters: Sandra White (Greg) and Joanne Andrews (Dave); and his much loved grandchildren: Josie and Connor Andrews; his brother, Graham White (Dorothy) in Sussex, England; the Van Hemert family; and his many nieces and nephews both in Canada and England; as well as his dear friends of many years: Tom and Bea Vanderweide, and Jacquie and David Meffen.

Tom immigrated from England as a young boy, accompanying his sister, Kathleen, who was a war bride. They settled in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Tom moved to Edmonton on his own in his early teenage years and went on to become a strong figure in Edmonton. As a young man he was involved in soccer and Boxing with the Southside Legion. With his gregarious character and charm, he was known as Edmonton's Santa Claus to the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980's, the Cross Cancer Institute, Operation Wheelchair, and breakfast with Santa at Woodward's.

A genuinely self-made man, Tom worked his way up in sales working for Kraft Foods and Andres Wines, which led him to become an influential member of the Chef's Association. With his knowledge of food service and his dream of owning a business, he opened Nellie's Tea Shoppe, which he and Nellie ran together for twenty years. He was an entrepreneur involved in many businesses, including being a founding member of the St. George's Society of England.

Tom's work ethic never wavered. He loved people and with that, even in his 80's, continued to purvey wares at the Super Flea Market.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m on Thursday, January 4th, 2024, at Laurier Heights Community Hall, 14405 85 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB.

Arrangments entrusted to Foster McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home