THOMAS JAMES PAYNE

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THOMAS JAMES PAYNE August 1, 1932 - December 7, 2018 Peacefully, on December 7, Tom passed away at the age of 86. He is survived by his daughter Wendy (Marc), grandkids Andrew and Shannon; and his son Chris (Anita), grandkids Keith and Caley. Tom was predeceased by his parents; two sisters; five brothers; and his beloved wife, Joan. Tom was born in Narcisse, Manitoba, in 1932. The family moved to Winnipeg Avenue and Tom fondly told stories of the "gang" and the fun they got into. Health Sciences Centre expansion forced a move to Ebby St. where he met the love of his life, Joan, in 1949 and never looked back. Mom was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis and Dad cared for her every need throughout. Tom was the top salesman for Johnson and Johnson medical division and turned in his briefcase for a fire hose. He started with the St. James Fire Department in 1961 at Station 11 and retired with the Winnipeg Fire Department after 31 years as Captain of Station 18. Dad worked with many great co-workers over the years and was always boasting about his Station 18 crew. He was known for his snorkel expertise and his "cash up front" hamburgers. Dad always loved music, especially organ music. In 1972 he organized an organ concert for Muscular Dystrophy and sold out the Concert Hall three consecutive nights. Dad was honoured to be a Mason and took the privilege very seriously. Our family spent the summers at Sandy Hook and Dad loved golfing or projects with his close neighbours. He scored a hole in one once and loved to tell the tale. The cabin gave him the chance to work even harder than at home. Tom and Joan were blessed with many good friends throughout their lives. Friends and family were everything to Dad and he spent countless hours umpiring baseball, helping with sports or teaching woodworking at the neighbourhood schools. If you had a project, Tom was helping out. Tom was a self taught woodworker and his countless projects fill friends and families homes to this day. He won Popular Science's top achievement carpentry award for his recreation room in the early 1960s. Dad never sat still and he was always tinkering with something, from train sets to Red River carts. There wasn't a tool he didn't own. He traded in his snow blower for a tractor and would spend countless hours clearing neighbour's driveways and only frostbite would force him to come in. He spent his later years ferrying grandkids to and from school, sports events or just taking them for lunch. He loved them very much and had a special bond with each of them. He loved to go for drives or just sit on the front steps and talk to neighbours or unsuspecting passersby. We would like to thank the Birchwood Medical Group, Home Care and all the caregivers at West Park Manor. Dad never lost his dignity nor his respect during his short visit there. A heartfelt thanks to Behzad and his family whom he considered his extended family. We were blessed to have Tom as our father and grandpa. Whatever you needed, he was always there. Dad, we miss you and will love you forever. Per Dad's wishes, a private service has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the MS Society of Manitoba or the charity of your choice. Pop, you're together again with loved ones. Rest In Peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2018