WILFRED RALPH THOM

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WILFRED RALPH THOM It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Wilfred Ralph Thom, with his family by his side, on Sunday, April 3, 2005 at the Health Sciences Centre, at the age of 73 years. Wilf leaves to cherish his wonderful memory, his wife of 52 years, Dorothy; daughter Sharon and son-in-law Terry; son Terry and daughter-in-law Cathleen from Missouri; grandchildren, Allyson and Kara; brother Gordon and sister-in-law Isabelle; sister-in-law Jean; sister-in-law Hazel from California; numerous nieces and nephews and many great friends. He was predeceased by brothers, Eddie and George; sister Doris and infant brother Burt. Wilf was born in Winnipeg, November 28, 1931, the youngest child to William and Alice Thom and made Winnipeg his home for his entire life. While attending Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, he served in the Reserve Force in the Canadian Army and continued to be an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 4. After high school, he went to work for the Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Medical Services. On April 25, 1953, in St. Paul's United Church, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Cooper. While raising a young family he successfully completed the required coursework which allowed him to earn his CMA designation. Wilf spent 49 and a half years working for the Province of Manitoba, Department of Health retiring in May 1997. He joined the Khartum Shrine in 1978 and was one of the founding members of the Khartum Kops. He enjoyed many friendships and associations throughout his years as a Shriner. Dad's family was the priority in his life, and he was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He always looked forward to times the family spent together, celebrating someone's birthday, watching a movie, or just hugging. He was very much looking forward to the birth of his third grandchild. Dad and Mom enjoyed travelling and have many happy memories of their trips to Hawaii, Europe, Cuba and numerous trips to California and Mexico. He particularly loved spending time with family and friends at the family cottage at Lake St. George. He reawakened a love for hunting up there and spent many a good time fishing, hunting and telling stories. Winter time was a great time to be out on the snowmobile and he clocked many miles with his family and friends in the wilderness of the Lake St. George area. He was the current president of the cottage owners association. Dad was also an avid golfer and enjoyed weekly golf games with his many golfing buddies. In the winter, Dad curled with the Deer Lodge Antlers and he was the current treasurer for the league. Those who knew Dad well, knew that he had a great sense of humour and loved telling a really good joke. The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Dr. Melanie Morris, Dr. Justin Wong and all the staff on GD-4 at Health Sciences Centre for all of their care and compassion. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Wilf's life will be held on Thursday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Dr. Honorary pallbearers will be Wilf DeBow, Victor Driver, Michael Egan, Oscar Gaffar, Dave LeBlanc, Dave MacHutchon, Jack McKenzie and Ed Sliworsky. Wilf passed away due to complications from alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency, a hereditary liver condition. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Manitoba Chapter, P.O. Box 1943, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R2. WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW MUCH WE WILL MISS YOU. WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2005