Flags at Town of Tillsonburg facilities have been lowered to half-mast in memory of distinguished Second World War veteran Thomas (Tom) Boneham, who died Friday at the age of 102.
Boneham served in the Home Guard during the Second World War from the age of 16. He would later enlist, joining the Royal Marines on his 18th birthday, following in the footsteps of his father, who served in the First World War, said his obituary notice.
Two years ago, a banner honouring Boneham was one of the 42 raised in the first year of Tillsonburg’s Veteran Banner Program.
Second World War veteran Tom Boneham had a banner raised for him in 2023 in Tillsonburg. It was one of 42 banners raised that year in the town. File
“I thought it felt nice,” Boneham said at the ceremony. “I felt proud of Tillsonburg to think of this, to recognize the veterans. It’s very good.”
Boneham was assigned to the 5th Battalion after completing training, but soon volunteered for ‘hazardous service’ and joined the newly formed Special Intelligence Unit, 30 Commando.
After being wounded and medically discharged, Boneham was awarded the Italian Star, African Star, and General Service Medal.
Boneham, born March 21, 1923 in England, went on to study electronics at Southampton University and subsequently worked for Marconi, testing radio transmitters for the R. A. F. In October 1952, he emigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto.
Boneham met his wife Cathy and moved to Mississauga. The pair joined a local Catholic Church where Tom later became a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus (Council #8668).
After Cathy’s death, Boneham moved with a friend to Tillsonburg where he lived independently for 12 years.
“Deepest sympathies to all that knew this treasure of a man,” Susan Van Moerkerke-Pettit posted online. “I did not know him; however, his obituary was beautifully written with kindness, compassion, integrity, and respect. He sounds like an amazing man; and the family that took him in was a gift. Keeping you all in my prayers. What an incredible blessing he was in your life.”
“Embracing Tom’s spirit with much appreciation and thanks,” said Brenda Pearce.
“A truly enlightened gentleman whose love of life touched so many. A pleasure to get to know. He was inspirational. Thank you for bringing Tom to Tillsonburg and enabling us to be better off for knowing him.”
A funeral service will be held Sept. 28 at 11 a. m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel (262 Broadway). Public visitation will be held on Sept. 27 between 2 and 4 p. m., and again from 6 to 8 p. m.
All are invited to attend a Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153 Poppy Service on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p. m., in the funeral home chapel.
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