Skip to content
April 13, 1930 - January 17, 2021
The biggest range has gained a cowboy. Thomas Haws (Cowboy) passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the age of 90.
Tom was predeceased by sisters Lynn and Ruth, brothers George and Eddy, and son Shane.
He is survived by sisters Peggy, Debbie, Dee and Donna, brothers Dick and Don. Survived also by his children Tom, Daryl, Cosette, Sandy, Heidi and Jody. Cherished grandchildren Westyn, Justin, Tharon, Breanna, Alex, Riley and Kegan, and first great granddaughter Aria.
Tom left his imprint on many places and people. Born near Prince George, BC in Salmon Valley, the oldest sibling to his first, and later blended family. His family would soon reside at Island Cache in Prince George, before moving to the Kamloops area.
One of his first jobs was working on the tugboats in Vancouver with his brother George, but found city slicker life not for him. He spent many years on some of the largest working cattle ranches in BC including Cherry Creek, Guichon, Stump Lake, Douglas Lake and Quilchena.
'Tommie' as he was known on the ranches, had countless adventures with his cowboy family in the cow camps, never missing a rodeo to participate in bronc riding and calf roping. The Cariboo region called him back in the 60's, as a hunting guide near Bowron Lake with the Cushman family. Summers spent driving the stagecoach in Barkerville with his eldest son at his side.
Tom would blend his small family with another and gain more kids to love - and love he did! Eventually relocating to Louis Creek with his family, he resumed logging and horse logging. Though never far from a saddle; teaching his kids how to ride, team-roping with buddies, and judging rodeos.
After retirement, Tom returned to Bowron Lake as a hunting/pack trip guide with the next generation of Cushman's. Summers in Barkerville, spent driving the mail wagon (often filled with the giggles of kids as they hitched a ride with their favorite cowboy). He would return to the North Thompson to live out his days with family and his faithful border collies.
An avid mountain man, he would take his family on overnight backpacking trips into the high country, teaching respect for all things wild and beautiful and how to tread lightly in nature. Pastimes were foraging pine mushrooms, hiking, or simply entertaining with his fun-loving antics.
Tom was a self-taught artist, carver and leatherworker; many proudly display his canvases, carvings and his well-travelled homemade saddle. Kids and horses gravitated to Tom, unable to resist his kind and patient demeanor.
He loved wholeheartedly, reciprocated by all he crossed paths with. The world will miss his gentle touch and radiant smile.
The family would like to thank Kamloops Seniors Village for their compassionate care extended to Tom. A gathering for Tom will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com
250-377-8225

 Drake Cremation & Funeral Services


Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.