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THOMAS LEONARD GILL
Born: Jan 05, 1925
Date of Passing: Feb 15, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryTHOMAS LEONARD GILL Peacefully, and with family by his side, Tom passed away at Parkview Place on Sunday, February 15, 2015, at the age of 90. Tom is lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Barbara, children Linda (Victor) Desrosiers, Larraine Gill, Karen (Geoff) Born, Diana (Paul) Sembrat, and grandchildren Daniel, Dennis, Steven, Ryan, Alex and Anna. Tom was predeceased by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Edward and Mae Aseltine. Tom was born January 5, 1925 in Winnipeg to Oscar and Gladys Gill. When he was 17 years old, his Aunt Annie got him a job at CN delivering telegrams on his bike. This started his career at CN that spanned 42 years. He retired in 1984 at the age of 59 (without missing a day of work). Tom was in the Air Force for the Second World War but the war ended before he was deployed overseas. It was in Pine Falls that he met the love of his life - Barbara Aseltine - and they were married in 1952. They raised four daughters, referred to by Tom as his lovely bunch of coconuts'. When the CN Pine Falls Station closed in 1973, Tom moved his family to Winnipeg and worked at Symington Yard. Barb and Tom enjoyed golfing and going to movies. He was an excellent whistler so everyone knew when Tom was coming. He had a love for music and played the tuba for three concert bands. Tom also enjoyed magic, casino games and circuses. He was an excellent woodworker and built several pieces of furniture, stilts for his kids, wooden horses for his grandkids and a spice rack for every daughter! In 2006, Tom and Barb sold their house in Windsor Park and moved into an apartment in St. Vital. Although Alzheimer's was starting, Tom enjoyed riding his bike and taking walks in the neighbourhood especially with Linda and her dog Roxy. In 2009, Tom moved into Parkview Place - a full care home. There Tom, affectionately known as Papa, would entertain the residents juggling tennis balls and performing yoyo tricks. Although his memory failed him and he could not speak for the last few years, Tom always had a smile and his eyes sparkled for his family when they visited. The family would like to thank Parkview Place, especially the 10th floor and recreation staff, for their loving care of Tom over the years. Tom, Dad, Papa, we love you and will miss you! A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Wheeler Funeral Home, 1800 Day Street, Winnipeg, MB. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2015
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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We always enjoyed visiting with the Gills in Pine Falls every second summer when we were kids. We would take the long trip from Ontario to be with family. Uncle Tom, Aunt Barbara and our cousins were always so welcoming. I cherish those memories. - Posted by: Barb Leschishin (nee Aseltine) (niece) on: Mar 22, 2015
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I am sorry this is late, I wanted to come to the celebration of Life but was unable to make it. I remember the girls coming early in the morning to see if they could have home made tupperware popsicles and to take Debra in the stroller. Have birthday pictures with all the girls in the neighborhood. Barb and Tom were always so happy to stop what they were doing and talk for awhile. We had a wonderful street and they were so much a part of it. I still drive down the street and say...The Gill's lived here. RIP Tom please say Hi to our other friends and neighbors that are with the angels. My thoughts and prayers are with the Family. Mrs. H (Lil Harrison) - Posted by: Lillian Harrison (Friend and Neighbor on Arundel) on: Mar 03, 2015
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I went to school with Linda. She was our singer in many school concerts, I am sure she got her music talent from her father. I remember Mr Gill as a very kind and friendly gentleman, always with a big smile. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to the Gill family. 'When you feel the pain of loss, close your eyes, and be comforted by his cheerful whistle'. - Posted by: JANICE L THOMPSON (Whitford) (friend of Linda's) on: Feb 22, 2015
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I remember Tom from when I was a child. He was a life-long friend of my parents and would often come by our home for a visit. He was always a kind and gentle man with an infectious smile. He left behind many fond and lasting memories. Our family's thoughts and prayers are extended to Barbara and the Gill family on Tom's passing. - Posted by: Carolyn Halbert (nee: Douglas) (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2015
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Sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts are with you (Mrs.Gill and kids) at this difficult time. My childhood memories growing up on Arundel are filled with the lovely sound of a pro- whistler that lived down the street. Mr.Gill (Tom) brightened the neighborhood with his beautifully mastered melodies that could be heard on a lovely summer day. Thank-you for the lovely memories Tom. - Craig Harrison - Posted by: Craig Harrison (old Neighbor) on: Feb 21, 2015
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I went to school with Linda in her primary grades and have not seen her since they moved away in the 1970s. I'm very sad and sorry to hear about your dad's passing. May you hold comfort in all of the wonderful memories that you hold and cherish. - Posted by: Lynda Miller(Sawchyn) (Friend of Linda's) on: Feb 21, 2015