Tom Menczel

Tom Menczel, Brother, Husband, Actor, Director, Teacher, Artist, Historian, Dog lover and friend extraordinaire, drew the curtain and exited stage left on January 28,2026.

The Hungarian revolution brought Tom to Canada in 1956 at the tender age of 7, young enough to be molded into the ways of Canada but old enough to never forget the tastes and smells and ways of European life. There simply wasn't a goulash he didn't like!

Toms early years at Victoria School shaped his passion for the arts, and with his drama degree from the U of A under his belt , Tom produced, directed and performed in plays at the Walterdale Theatre, the Fringe, Citadel, Theatre Calgary and so many more, gathering a community of likeminded intellectuals and artists that fed his heart, soul and stomach (but not always his wallet).

As acting in Alberta waned, Tom shifted gears and became a drama teacher, putting the same passion and energy into the craft as he always had, drawing out feelings and characters that his students may not have otherwise reached. Some of his most unabashedly memorable accolades were directing Grease, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Glass Menagerie and many more. This wasn't a step down for Tom, this was a shuffle in a new direction.

Eventually, Tom knew a different medium was calling and he closed the door to teaching and poked open another one with a paintbrush. Tom was an exceptional painter, and his art hangs proudly at the Alberta legislature with his portrait of Premier David Hancock as well as at Rowles Gallery and numerous private collections. Tom was able to capture in art the same essence of character that he directed in theatre, drawing out feelings of the people and places and things that he painted in oil.

Two years ago, Tom was diagnosed with that roaring dragon Alzheimer's, a topping on the cake of his cancer diagnosis a few years before that but one that seemed to not slow him down too much.

He still walked his beloved dog Belle, still discussed Canadian history with Ralph Young, still watched every Oiler and EE game offering free sports analyses with his friend Marty Forbes, still got up at ungodly hours to watch Formula one races with Gary McCorquodale, still met his sisters Agnes Scott and Leona Manna for Sushi, indulged in headcheese with his sister in laws Phyllis Reynar, Marlyne Garlough and Lois Jehn, did dim sum with Dave, debated pop culture with Myrtle (Marlene Podgurny), and still loved Sandra wildly and madly.

In the final exit of death, it is sometimes difficult to find things to celebrate but Tom left a legacy of art, beauty, love and kindness. His swift exit, although somewhat of a surprise, was perhaps a gift from the universe that allowed him to leave this world with his dignity, his sense of humor and most importantly his driver's license.

With immense gratitude and despite the current state of public health in Alberta, we want to thank the Royal Alexandra Emergency services staff and floor 6 west for making an unbearable time bearable.

If you wish to make a donation in Tom's memory, please consider the Dr. Sandra Woitas Educational Scholarship (Edmonton Community Foundation), PAWS for life rescue, or an animal shelter of your choice.

In Celebration of Life
Tom’s  favorite meal was a burger and a diet coke.
To honour his memory and palate, a BBQ will be held at the Riverdale Community Hall,
on Saturday May 23 from 1-4 p.m.