Thomas Roger Canham Jr. was born Ft. Bragg, NC on May 23,1954. Tom’s adventures in life started early as a military kid. Tom along with his brothers, Jeff & David, lived all over the world including Alaska, Germany, & Iran. After graduating high school in Huntsville, AL. Tom attended Samford University before choosing to teach in Iran for 2 years. When he came back to the states, Tom graduated from Methodist College in NC.
After working as a hospital therapist in NC, Tom made a move to FL to be closer to family. In 1987, Tom started his career with the state social services, Dept of Children & Families, where he worked as a devoted employee for 32 years. It was while working with DCF, he met Charlotte Palmer. Thus began the love affair of the ages, or as Tom liked to say he’d met the woman who made the best meal of his life on their first date. As a couple, they became extremely involved with philanthropic organizations like the Jaycees, Boy Scouts, and the Masonic Lodge.
His son, Thomas Clark Trabue Canham was born in 1996. Ragnar immediately became the next great love of Tom’s life. He adored Clark & Charlotte. They were his world.
Tom was a lifelong Boy Scout, imparting that passion to Clark. The Canham brothers started in Cub Scouts, and Clark continued the tradition with his dad being both a Cub Master and a Scout master. Tom encouraged his son all the way to Clark’s Eagle Scout. The many camping trips, Pine Wood derbies, & summer camps were enriched by Tom’s presence. He instilled the values of scouting and service to not only his son but to all those who have been fortunate enough to have known him.
As an adult, Tom’s faith was first in his life. He was a member of Apostles Lutheran Church in Brandon where he taught Sunday school, confirmation classes and an active member of A-Men. Of course, he sang in the choir, like all God’s creatures. Tom’s tenor was a sound we all loved to hear; be it in church or at an Irish pub sing along.
But Tom wasn’t just about serious life stuff. He had a wicked sense of humor, quoting Monty Python or belly laughing at Mel Brooks. He loved wines, music, books and random collections. Few things brought a smile to his face like their dining table being filled with good friends, good food, & good conversation which was always in abundance throughout his life. His friends as well as his son’s friends, all knew that the door was always open, there was always a place at the table, and his heart was always willing to listen.
An avid adventurer, Tom was well traveled, well read, and well versed. He loved a good debate. Yet his heart was true, kind, and that rarity, compassionate.
Thomas Roger Canham, Jr embodied service to humanity being the greatest work of life.
Tom is survived by his wife, Charlotte and son, Clark. He is also survived by his brothers, Jeff and David Canham; his nephew, Brandon Canham (Heather), and niece, Rebecca Marchant (Michale) and two darling great nieces, Kyla and Lela Marchant. Lest we forget his furry devoted babies, Snoopy and Diamond.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 P.M. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Apostles Lutheran Church, Brandon, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to services. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Boy Scout Troop #79, 12408 Windmill Cove Drive, Riverview, FL 33569 OR Apostles Lutheran Church.
Previous Events
Visitation
29
Jul
200 Kingsway Avenue
Brandon, FL 33510
Celebration of Life Service
29
Jul
200 Kingsway Avenue
Brandon, FL 33510
A reception will follow.
