THOMAS A. BECKETT

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THOMAS A. BECKETT December 15, 1945 - September 29, 2010 Peacefully, on September 29, 2010, Thomas A. Beckett, after a lengthy illness, went Home. Grieving his passing are his wife Elaine and son D'Arcy and wife Candace. He will also be missed by his sisters, Doreen (Orest), Linda (Bert) and their families; half-brother Glen; Elaine's brothers and sister, all their families and a host of friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Walter Beckett and Jane Beckett. Tom was born in Winnipeg and after high school Tom worked in Northern Manitoba. He attended Central Pentecostal College in Saskatoon where he met Elaine. They were married in 1971. Tom worked a variety of jobs including four years with the Shell Oil Refinery. In 1974, Tom and Elaine moved to Steinbach and purchased Sonny's Pizza. In 1983, they obtained the McDonald's franchise in Steinbach which they operated until they sold it in 2003. Tom and Elaine always enjoyed travelling. A cruise to the Antarctic and South America became a cherished memory. Their cabin at Falcon Lake provided many opportunities to create amazing memories for them, their extended families and friends. Tom was fascinated with cars, was an active birder and lived for music. However, of all of Tom's interests, none were more important to him than the people in his life. Tom enjoyed people. During the time of his illness, he frequently commented how friends were more important than anything in the world. In his own words, he left us with the desire of his heart: If there was one thing that I could have people remember about me, it's that I showed them kindness like Jesus. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to all medical staff and friends who so generously gave of themselves, providing comfort and assistance to Tom and the family during this time. Viewing will be Monday, October 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, 360 McKenzie Ave., Steinbach, MB. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 5, 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, with interment at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Wildlife Rehabilitation, P.O. Box 49, Glenlea, MB R0J 0S0. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2010