Thomas Charles Randall — known as Tom, T.C., Dad, Poppa, Coach, and “Fox,” passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 28, 2025, at the age of 81. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, compassion, and a lifetime of captivating adventure stories that only became more detailed and exciting each time he told them.
Born into a military family in Winnipeg in 1944 to Duncan and Phyllis, and raised in Montréal by his Uncle Ray and Aunt Marcella, Tom spent a brief time as an Air Force recruit until he discovered how long it would take before they’d actually let him fly a plane. He was the beloved son-in-law of WWII Royal Canadian Navy veteran Jack Wright, and grandfather to recently retired Naval serviceman Andrew Mason. He cherished these connections and upheld their values with pride.
Tom worked as a technician with Bell Canada, where his knowledge of communication technology and attention to detail would serve him well in future intelligence, surveillance, and undercover work. He had a brief but noble stint as a paramedic which was cut short when he realized his strong stomach was no match for actual blood. It was with the Ontario Provincial Police that he found his true calling.
During a decorated career spanning decades, Tom served with unwavering integrity and unmatched work ethic, rising through the ranks to become Superintendent and District Commander. He was trusted with some of the most sensitive operations in the province, including taking down corrupt judges, infiltrating organized crime syndicates, and providing protective detail for HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their 1984 visit to Toronto. He was seconded as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Solicitor General, trained future officers at the O.P.P. Police College in Brampton, and led the O.P.P. Veterans’ Association as President in his retirement.
Tom earned an Executive MBA from Queen’s University and was — as his daughters proudly say — “woke before it was cool.” He advocated for diversity in policing, championing gender, racial, and cultural representation within the O.P.P. because of his core belief that officers should reflect the people they serve. He was also proud of the relationships he built with First Nations neighbours wherever he served, and with every community member he protected with quiet dignity and empathy.
A true gentleman and natural-born leader, he may not have quite reached his childhood dream of becoming six feet tall, but his presence was commanding. His voice could silence a room, a mere glance could settle the most unruly toddler, and his calm, steady manner earned him instant respect. When Tom Randall spoke, one was wise to listen. His stories, while entertaining, often contained real life examples that provided significant learning opportunities – both professional and personal. His mentorship changed lives and careers. He saw the potential in everyone and made every person he met feel heard and welcome.
Outside of the uniform, Tom wore many hats: hockey coach, soccer coach, stage dad, dance critic, and amateur sideline commentator. He rarely missed a play, recital, game, or other opportunity to beam with pride over his daughters, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. He was an eloquent speaker, a gifted writer (with an affinity for the strongly worded letter), and a man of faith who served his church with the same quiet commitment he gave to his family and community.
Tom loved sports: curling, golf, les Canadiens, les Expos (RIP), the Jays, and the Packers – turning off the TV the moment his team was eliminated from the playoffs. His marksmanship may have been questionable but his hole-in-one was legendary.
He is predeceased by brothers Robert (Liz), Martin, and Dennis (Betty), and survived by his sister Judy Dougan (Hugh), brother-in-law Greg Wright (Starr), and sister-in-law Donna. He is mourned deeply by his wife Elizabeth, daughters Melanie Rich (Jarvis), Hillary Randall, and Heather Randall, grandchildren Andrew Mason (Josh), Spencer Mason (Julia), Avery, Alice, and Ellen Sutherland, Marin Jarrell, J.T. Barrett and great-grandchildren Warren and Wrenley, who lovingly called him “Big Poppa.” He is also remembered fondly by friends and family from Nova Scotia to Victoria, Noelville to Windsor, Green Bay to Destin, and everywhere in between.
He passed down a 200-year-old shortbread recipe, made lemon meringue pie from scratch, flipped the world’s best blueberry pancakes, and somehow rocked a Speedo with confidence. Though outnumbered, he had unrelenting patience for the four women in his life and a gift for seeing the big picture in policing, parenting, and the world around him.
Tom loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved the O.P.P.
A celebration of life will take place on Aug 6, 2025 from 1-4 at the Moose Lodge on Richmond Street in Chatham. Please join us with your 1950s playlist and your best stories of everyone’s favourite guy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chatham-Kent Hospice at www.chathamkenthospice.com to show appreciation for the unsurpassed care they provided for Tom and his loved ones in his final days.
