Thomas OBERTON

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OBERTON: Thomas Paul Oberton. On Sunday, June 9, 2013, Tom left his tired and worn out body behind and entered into the arms of his heavenly Father.Waiting to greet him was his dad, Henry, who predeceased him in 1984. Memories of his amazing life will be treasured by his family: mom and step-dad, Audrey and Ben Kardoes; sister and brother-in-law Andy (Ozzie) Oswald, niece Kristin Oswald, nephew Nick (Janice) Oswald, great-nephew Ethan; brother Hank, nephew Matthew Oberton; brother Chris, niece Catherine (Neil) Booy. Tom was born June 25, 1963 in Winnipeg where he resided until moving to Brandon in 1994. As a person with an intellectual disability, he was a spirited advocate for acceptance and inclusion of all people regardless of their abilities. His first years in Brandon were full of discovery, new friends, new possibilities, travel and fun. In March 2001, after experiencing a life - altering illness that took away his ability to breathe, eat or walk, Tom began his teaching years. Acceptance, patience,gratitude for the smallest kindness, taking pleasure in the simplest things, genuine interest in everyone he met, to love and care about the animals - these were the lessons he taught us. And always he used his infamous teasing and humour to wear down any barriers around people's hearts. Rarely did a person spend any amount of time with him and not leave smiling. Tom's last week's here were very tough on all of us. But he's okay now. And we will be too. For over 10 years, Tom has made his home on A3 at the Assiniboine Centre. What he experienced there was not just good care - IT WAS A LOVE STORY! To each one of you - so, so, so many - thank you. Love, Andy. The Ceremony to Celebrate Tom's Life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 1:00 pm. Viewing will take place prior to the Ceremony from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Joe Ball, Hospital Chaplain will officiate. Tom's 50th Birthday party will follow right after the service. Please join us. It's time to celebrate. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Tom to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 17th Street East, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6 or to the B.R.H.C. Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel &Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 15, 2013