It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Thomas (Tommy) O’Keeffe, peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2023, during his short stay at Bethell Hospice, after a strong battle with bone cancer.
Born in Waterford City, Ireland in 1941, he is pre-deceased by his parents John and Lil O’Keeffe, his brothers Paddy, Joe, and Robert, his sisters Kathleen, Mary and Bridget. Survived by his two daughters, his three sisters Tess, Frances and Philly, his brother Johnny, and his many nieces and nephews who deeply mourn his loss, including his many fans, friends and adoptive families.
Tommy’s education and passion for horses started very early in life. Back in Ireland, Tommy would run to the bookies for his mom after his father became gravely ill. Leaving the family home for England at the age of 13 to work on a horse farm, he returned back home after being “black-booked”, and started work with a family friend named, “Morgan”, breaking yearlings.
Morgan put Tommy on an older horse named “Sympathy” and was told to go down on the furrow and back, jumping over three of Tommy’s first fences. Morgan didn’t care that Tommy was black-booked because he saw through his capabilities and passion. After a wee bit of a battle between Morgan and “Brooks” from England, Morgan got the best of Brooks, and was able to get back Tommy’s papers. On August 9th, 1959, Morgan put Tommy in his first race, running steeplechase on “Granddaughter 2nd” amongst 28 horses at Phoenix Park in Dublin, and naturally won first place. There was a party for Tommy’s success with a bonfire, singing and dancing – just as he would have loved.
Tommy came to Canada in 1961. Already a lifelong horseman who was well-respected for his passion, welfare for horses, mentorship, and successes – such as winning 245 races of which were 15 stakes, Tommy worked until the day he was physically unable, with his last win for INGORDWETRUST on July 1, 2022. On Woodbine’s opening day of 2023, it hit him the hardest when he realized for the first time, that he was not able to be working. The offer for taking him to attend, was just not enough.
Tommy will be forever remembered by all those who were blessed to have known him. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, wisdom, and many fond memories. His words of encouragement, advice, and positivity, sport talk – (especially about Manchester United, and impressed for the women getting their deserved recognition in golf) – and always being ready for a good laugh, will last with us always.
“In Memorial” Funeral Services will be held on Saturday morning, January 27, 2024, from 10:00am until Memorial Mass begins at 11:00am, at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South (Hwy. 50), Bolton, Ontario L7E 2C6 (905-857-2213) with a light luncheon to follow.
Those unable to attend the service in person are invited to view the service through live streaming through ForgetMeNotCeremonies.com. Please click the following link:
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=5310de40-a9ff-41b9-8771-9e683123726d
You will be required to register for the service and then Forget Me Not Ceremonies will immediately send you an email with the actual link to the service. Please check your junk or spam inbox if you don’t receive the email with the actual link. If you experience any issues or have questions in regards to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. Their customer service team will guide you step by step.
In lieu of flowers, it is kindly requested that memorial donations, in honour of Thomas (Tommy) O’Keefe, be made to either, Bethell Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 75, Inglewood L7C 3L6 (905-838-3534) https://foundation.bethellhospice.org/ or LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, 555 Rexdale Blvd, P.O. Box 156, Toronto M9W 5L2 (416-675-3993 ext. 3440) https://longrunretirement.com/donate-now/
Condolences may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
To the O’Keeffe families,
Thomas was a kind man who will truly be missed. May your sweet memories of him, bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
sue leslie
Tommy was the consummate Horseman. He played by the rules and was compassionate to horses and his co-workers.
He was a credit to our industry and I know is missed by many. On behalf of myself and your fellow horse people at HBPA, we are thinking of you and your family.
You’re in good hands now Tommy!
C
Tom is a person I could never forget. He had my back when I needed it most and always had the best advice. His words of encouragement to me will forever be cherished. He was a rare horseman, an amazing friend and mentor.
So much love to all who knew him and my deepest condolences to all who feel the pain of this loss.
Im just grateful to have had the honor of knowing him.
Mike & Sylvia
Here’s a Guiness for you Tommy and for all the horses with wings that you’ll be training! We had good times, lots of laughs and lots of music! One day we will meet again.
Tove Morgan
Spent the first 2years at woodbine working for Tommy best boss and a great friend I will remember you when ever I hear one of your favourite songs save the last dance for me as you sang along with it you’re so missed. . Tova
Valerie Jankovich
So sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. I have always heard such good things about him. I am blessed to own one of his horses Roisin Dubh. She is the horse of a lifetime and I’m certain his spirit and passion lives on through her. I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet him.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Julia Carey
I will miss you Tommy. Here on earth, but you will be with us all in spirit , laughing and correcting me when i make a foolish mistake. You taught me a lot about race horses I will always cherish that gift. Will always love you. Travel well to your next adventure. Whisper a little secret in my ear every once in a while
Emily Walker
Tommy took me under his wing and taught me so much in life and not just about horses. He was like a father to me. He truly cared and always had my back. I worked for him on and off for 15 years. Rest in peace Tom you will never be forgotten
DOLORESE LAROSE
My condolences to Tommy’s families. I was best friends in high school with his bride, Emer, in the 60’s, ‘meeting’ his firstborn at their home. I’ve searched for Tommy and Emer for all the following years. Sure hope this message reaches her.
dl1948lynn@yahoo.com
Respectfully yours,
dolores Larose