An active member of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA), Senior Scholar in the Department of Biological Sciences, and former president of CAUT (2000–2002) and the CAUT Defence Fund, James Thomas “Tom” Booth passed away peacefully at his home in Paradise, NL, on January 26, 2026, at the age of 84. Throughout more than 50 years in teaching, research and service, Booth occupied almost every leadership position within UMFA and CAUT.
He was part of the group of faculty members who set up the CAUT Defence Fund in 1977. During UMFA’s first strike in 1995, Booth proposed that Defence Fund members show solidarity not only through financial support but by joining the picket lines in person. The Defence Fund’s flying and driving pickets were born. He was a familiar presence on picket lines, as part of flying picket contingents supporting academic staff on strike across Canada.
From protecting the rights of academic staff to safeguarding institutional autonomy, Booth was influential in shaping union culture within UMFA and in the provincial and national labour movement. He was honoured with CAUT’s Dedicated Service Award in 2008 for his outstanding service to UMFA and with the Donald C. Savage Award at CAUT’s 99th Council meeting in 2025 to recognize his exceptional contributions to advancing collective bargaining in Canadian universities and colleges.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 23 years, Michele; his children, Chytra (Craig), Matthew (Nathalie), Linnaea (Joshua), Tomaz (Melissa), Guillerme, and Tiago; his stepsons, Jason (Nikki) and Steven (Carlie); his sister, Susan; brothers‑in‑law, Karl (Denise) and Gary (Angela); grandchildren, Myrica, Emma, Chelone, and Kai; step‑grandchildren, Clara, Lexi, and Rory; as well as many other family members and friends.
