Thomas Campbell (Tom) Learmonth

LEARMONTH, Thomas Campbell (Tom):

Passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Wairau Hospital, aged 83 years.

Beloved husband of Gail.

Dearly loved Dad to Tamar and Gerard, Kyle and Jo, Hamish and Janine, Callum and Aly.

Dearly loved Grandpa to Jared, Shannon, Saskia, Zoe, Jay, Tarras, Guy and Kobe.

Special thanks to Seaview & Bethsaida Rest homes for their care of Tom over the past 18 months.

Messages may be sent to 260A Waikawa Road, Picton 7220

In accordance with Tom’s wishes a private farewell has been held.

Tribute from Saskia Learmonth – 
When I think of Grandpa, one of the first memories that comes to mind is my 5th birthday in Glenorchy. I got a little red bike, and my legs were just too short to get it going by myself. Grandpa would give me a gentle push to help me start, and I’d ride around with the biggest smile on my face. I don’t remember every detail of that day, but I remember exactly how it felt safe, loved, and completely carefree with Grandpa, Nana, and my family around me.

One of the things I loved most was that Grandpa and Nana were always there. No matter what was happening in life, I always knew where to find them. There was something so comforting about that. And if you were looking for Grandpa around 6 o’clock, you didn’t really need to look at all, you knew he’d be on the couch watching the news. That was just Grandpa. Steady, calm, and always there.

Looking back now, I realise how lucky I was to grow up with that kind of love and consistency. Those ordinary moments have become some of my most treasured memories. I hope wherever you are now, Grandpa, they’ve got the news on for you.

Tribute from Hamish Learmonth – 
Farewell Dad.

Thanks for being my Dad
Thanks for the cool presents we got when we were boys, Raleigh 20s- I remember the huffing and puffing you made one cold morning when you came with us, bow and arrows, sheath knifes, endless adventures in our clinker dingy, the false snow on the windows at Christmas. Getting jobs for us on the farm every holiday. Putting us thru boarding school. It is not easy being a Dad, and you did amazingly at it. I wouldn’t be the man, or the Dad I am for my family if it wasn’t for you.
I love you, thanks for being my Dad.
Hamish

Tribute from Tarras Learmonth – 
One of my absolute favorite memories with Grandpa was those evenings around 6 p.m. He’d always be settled on the couch, watching the nightly news his routine. I was a bundle of energy, bouncing on this light blue exercise ball to the side of him. He warned me, with that calm voice, ‘I’d watch out if I were you man.’ But of course, I kept going. Within seconds, I flew off, bumped my head, and while I was getting back up, he gave me this hearty laugh. He looked at me with that mix of humor and wisdom only he had, and said something like, ‘Well, now you’ve learned something, haven’t you, man?’

Tribute from Vicki Baker – 
I used to work on Toms computer years ago, always enjoyed going there and having a chat, really lovely man, and then later years seeing him near the Waikawa launching ramp while out for a walk, sorry to hear he’s passed away.
Lovely tributes from the family, am sure he would be very proud.

Tribute from Richard Wayne Gatchell –
Tom. I had the pleasure of working with you when I worked for N.Z.K.S I was on the Harvest Crew, since we worked Sunday to Thursday I’d often work overtime on Friday’s & often id be working with you. Starting there at 16 you always took the time to go that extra mile to teach me certain things even if it took longer to do even now in later life i remember & use the techniques you taught so thank you Tom, Also i Remember in you’re Scottish accent you saying No No No it aways made me chuckle inside most of the time. I’ve often thought about you and Gail and how you are.
I really enjoyed my time working there and Certain people stood out and Tom you were one of them it was such a pleasure knowing.
Richard Wayne Gatchell.