Thomas "Tom" Gilchrist

Mr. Thomas ‘Tom’ Parker Gilchrist PEng, PAg, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Lois Gilchrist, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024, at the age of 89 years.

Tom was born in Medicine Hat on August 25, 1934, to Joe and Muriel Gilchrist, who lived on the Lost River Ranch, in southeastern Alberta. He was the oldest of three children. When he was five, Joe and Muriel moved to the Deer Creek Ranch east of Milk River, Alberta. His primary schooling for grades one and two was in Kippenville and St. Kilda. Grades 3-5 were in the front of the bunkhouse on the ranch through correspondence lessons. In 1945, the family purchased a house in Milk River, where Tom started grade six, and completed his secondary schooling, graduating in 1952. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1956 with his degree in agricultural engineering and received his professional designations in engineering (PEng) and agrology (PAg) in 1959, after working for two years with the Government of Saskatchewan. He also obtained his pilot’s licence in Regina during that time. Tom took great pride in flying his airplane to check his cattle, and to explore various places in North America. Tom flew for 59 years and logged over 5100 hours in his plane.

In 1958, Tom returned to the Deer Creek Ranch, and in August of 1961, married Lois Smith of Milk River. They made their home at the Deer Creek Ranch in the shadow of the Sweet Grass Hills where they raised their four children. Under their watch, the ranch was a home to many, and all were welcome. Together, Tom and Lois spent the next fifty years creating a successful business, weathering many snowstorms and droughts, improving both the irrigation and cattle operation at the ranch. Tom was part of industry and community organizations throughout his life, including serving as president of the Western Stock Growers Association, and chairman of the Milk River Watershed Council. He advocated for Canadian livestock producers, working with other beef producers, industry, and government leaders, receiving many awards and accolades for his efforts. He was one of the first to introduce the science of crossbreeding of cattle into his own herd. He travelled internationally to tour and learn from other beef operations.

Tom used his engineering skills to create a unique irrigation system that maximized the use of the water resources on the ranch. He enjoyed creating, building, and repairing just about anything, repurposing many items to innovative uses, as well as introducing new technologies to Deer Creek. Tom is remembered for his creative spirit – he made many treasures and beautiful pieces of functional furniture using wood, metal, and his imagination. He approached everything with grit, vigour, and tenacity.

Tom and Lois travelled the world, exploring new cultures and countries, visiting family and friends afar. The connections they made lasted long after their time on the ranch ended. Tom and Lois also entertained many family and friends at the family cabin in Waterton Park. In later life as snowbirds, they continued to make new lifelong friends.

Tom’s six grandchildren also brought him many hours of joy; he shared his hobbies with them and made them each feel special in their own way.

Tom was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He was a manager of water, grass, and cattle – a steward of the land. He will be remembered as a lifelong rancher, cattleman, horseman, pilot, neighbour, a community builder and industry leader, full of determination, gentle kindness, and easy laughter. He was known to many children as ‘cowboy Tom’. He will be greatly missed.

 Tom is survived by his wife, Lois Gilchrist; his brother Glen (Peggy) Gilchrist; four children Graham Gilchrist of Leduc, Janet (Garry) Gatrell of Calgary, Keith (Karen) Gilchrist of St. Albert, and Neal Gilchrist of Calgary; grandchildren Heather (Ryan), Ellie, Chay, Mitchell, Quinn, and Orion; sister-in-law Sharon Smith; along with his nieces and nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Muriel Gilchrist; parents-in-law Frank and Louine Smith; sister Joanne Taylor; brothers-in-law Derrill Smith and Dan Taylor; sister-in-law Ann Gilchrist, and nephew Rick Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., starting with lunch, in the Lakeview Salon, at the Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre, 3401 Parkside Dr. South, Lethbridge. Program to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation (www.stockmen.ca, 101 RancheHouse Rd, Cochrane, Alberta) or a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas "Tom" Gilchrist, please visit our floral store.