Robert TOMPSETT

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TOMPSETT: Robert Dennis Tompsett was born November 9th, 1949 at the Deloraine Hospital. He is described by his many friends as having been “fierce” during his early years on the school grounds, as a teen athlete, and carrying on throughout his adult life as an avid sportsman and supporter of the Junior Rifle Club, a construction worker, a proud farmer and the King of the Gleaner Combine. Bob's strength and determination was evidenced in the way he chose to greet life and its many challenges. His ability to focus on the “What I CAN do!” and his famous grin in the face of danger continue to be an inspiration to many whose lives he has touched. Bob was predeceased by his father Chester, daughter Marie, father in law Mike and brother in law Garth. He is survived by his mother Kathleen, sister Gayle (Stephen Baird), wife Dawna, daughters Kristen (Stephen Cashin) and Shawna (Andrew Inverarity), and son Rob, Beth and granddaughter Payton. Bob is also survived by cherished cousins, his extended Skrupa family, Jean, Brad, Julie, Quinn, Keenan and Ron as well as his beloved Gervin family and many dear friends. The family wish to thank everyone for the support that we have received over the past years. Bob's Health Care Professionals bought us over two decades of added years together through their devotion to quality of life care and innovative alternatives. Bob pleasantly surprised many a specialist over the years by defying all odds and hopefully continues to inspire them to think of him when the going gets tough with future patients. The local Health Care Team became his family and he often spoke so highly of you all when hospitalized in the larger centres. He was so grateful for the personalized care that he received here in Deloraine and on more than one occasion made it impossible for him not to be transferred back prematurely so he could be “home”. Our amazing friends and family who took the time to visit and relive the good old days with us were a highlight. It never ceased to amaze me when stories were being told how much I obviously must have slept through over the years of working nights. Times that the kids and their friends had one on one with a dad who obviously could keep a secret or two. A special thank you to the Skrupa, Perriman, Inverarity and Cashin branches of our family for your love and support and to all of our places of employment for your understanding and accommodation of our needs. To Dr. Ali, Merle Teetaert, Margie Weidenhamer and especially Sheryl Billiaert and family, no amount of thank yous will ever seem adequate for your part in granting Bob his final wish. When he chose peace and comfort over the ever mounting struggles, and asked to be afforded the opportunity to live out his life in the home that he had raised his family in, you went above and beyond to make that a reality. Bob peacefully drifted off to his eternal rest on January 10th, 2013 whispering his final words - THANK YOU - in the arms of his wife and with his children, mother and sister at home with him. We will forever echo his gratitude to those of you who made this time possible for us all. Since his passing we continue to experience the blessings of his many friends and the residents of this amazing area. An outpouring of support through cards, flowers, gift certificates, plaques, ornaments, memorial donations, food, and times of reminiscence have eased our pain. The celebration of his life on that frigidly cold day was proof that warmth comes from the hearts of those who care. Thank you to Wheatland Chapel for orchestrating a day that Bob would have been comfortable with and to Glen Whetter, the man who married us with the vows in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, till death do us part, and was there for us through all of that. To Dave Gervin, Harley Bryson and Dolores Howden for having the courage to speak so eloquently of your dear friend, to Rick, Val, Wayne and Dolores and the Legion Ladies and Legion Staff for providing the nourishment and courage for us to remember Bob the way that he would have wanted to be remembered.We thank you all for affording us this time to heal and figure out how we go on from here. It is through your love and support that we will make Bob proud and live life the way that he taught us - to its fullest!

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 14, 2013