Thomas Charles "Tom" Durling

Our family is saddened to report the loss of Thomas Charles “Tom” Durling in the early morning of May 28, 2026. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all those who loved him. Born on January 21, 1952, he was the second son of the late Lester Durling and Sheila (Bell) Durling. Having lived his life in various areas between Halifax and the Valley, he spent the last 20+ years residing in Kingston, Nova Scotia with his partner, Mary McWhinnie, and their two dogs, Hoover and Sassy.

Tom was employed by Sobeys, at TRA Atlantic as a maintenance manager/foreman in the warehouse for over 35 years. He took his career seriously, and he worked very, very hard at it.

Throughout his life, he hobbied primarily in music, with his wife, Linda (Allen) and his two children, Bonnie and Tony Durling. They often spent summers touring the province at a variety of festivals, jamborees, and concerts. He was a much-respected sound man in his day, being asked by bands and willing to help in any way that he could, and he always did his very best. Those that will remember him from that era of his life continue to hold him in high regard. His reputation proceeded him.

Upon his retirement at the age of 64, life slowed considerably. He enjoyed his home with Mary and his dogs immensely. He lived out the rest of his life very quietly, enjoying the occasional family holiday meal with his children and his grandchildren, and most recently, his first great grandchild. Meeting her was a very happy day for him, indeed.

Tom was predeceased by his wife, Linda Durling in 2007; his father, Leslie; his mother, Sheila; his brother, Jim; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Left to mourn are his partner, Mary; daughter, Bonnie; son, Tony; four grandchildren, Rebecca, Jamie, and Aleia, and Charlie; great granddaughter, Charlotte; stepdaughter, Tina Potter (Greg), Waldec; stepson, Andrew Johnston (Dana Surrette), Port Wade; nephew, Paul; niece, Lisa.

Cremation has taken place. As per Tom’s wishes, there will be no formal celebration of life service; however, there will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, at the Kingston United Cemetery with Rev. Leon Langille officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or the Daffodil Campaign for Breast Cancer Research. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff at the Franey Unit at Grand View Manor, Berwick, for their care and compassion.

Arrangements are entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com