Thomas Peter Priest was born in Lloydminster, SK to Arthur and Alice Priest and raised on a farm in the Hillmond district northeast of Lloydminster. As a child, he learned mechanical skills from his father and how to work hard from both of his parents. He soon became a "fixer" of everything. It was said that if Tom Priest couldn't fix it, it couldn't be fixed.

After a happy childhood with his older brother Ernold and sister Ileene, Tom lost his father at age 12. He stepped into a larger role in the family farm, working with his mother and brother. School was never Tom's favourite activity, so he quit after grade 10 and worked at Novlan's machinery dealership in Paradise Hill, SK, earning his journeyman ticket in mechanics. He also worked for local farmers, at Esso as a pumper and at Universal Industries in Lloydminster welding and in the parts room. He learned carpentry skills while working with his cousin Vernon and continued building sheds and the occasional home addition in the area north of Lloydminster for many years.

In 1993, Tom married Shelley Jones and took over the family farm upon the retirement of his mother and stepfather. He and Shelley had three children: Brent, Stephanie and Nicole. In 2004, the family moved to the Grenfell area to a larger grain farm, also raising sheep. The kids learned mechanical and carpentry skills and hard work from their father.

Thomas died after a lengthy illness and will be missed by his wife, Shelley, son Brent, daughters Stephanie and Nicole, sister Ileene (Rob) Lindsay, stepfather Ralph Anderson, stepbrother Larry Anderson (Brenda), sister-in-law Marlene Priest, and numerous nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Tom was predeceased by his father and mother, Arthur Priest and Alice Anderson, his brother Ernold, nephew Jim Lindsay and great-nephew Kyle Lindsay.

At Tom’s request, there will be no funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. To make a donation or to leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.matthewsfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements are entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville, SK.