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THOMAS W DICKENS
Born: Feb 11, 1934
Date of Passing: May 17, 2026
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
THOMAS W DICKENS
We regret to announce the passing of Thomas W. Dickens on May 17, 2026, at Seven Oaks General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thomas leaves to mourn his wife, Norma, of 31 years; his daughters Rhonda (Kevin) and Natalie (Mike); his grandchildren Aynsley Dickens D’Ottavio (Martino) and Jayne Dickens (Spencer), as well as his great grandchildren Olivia and Caroline. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret (“Rita”) Dickens.
He also leaves his stepdaughters Arlene Minott (Bonneville), Colette Stewart (Dean), and Claudine Cooper (Donovan), and grandchildren Ariel, Candace, Kamal, Marie, Joshua, Brooke, and Ellia. He is remembered by family members in South Africa, England, and Australia, and friends in the US and Jamaica.
Thomas was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1934 to Percy and Mary Dickens. In 1966, he emigrated to Canada, where he quickly fell in love with Winnipeg. Though he embraced his new home wholeheartedly, he never forgot the struggles he left behind, becoming an impassioned voice in the Anti-Apartheid movement. He remained connected to his roots in the spirit he brought to the cricket pitches at Assiniboine and Kildonan Park, and also to the South African community where he was a welcomed presence at cultural gatherings and events.
Thomas obtained a teaching degree from the University of Cape Town and a Master’s of Education from the University of Manitoba. He was instrumental in introducing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to Manitoba at Kelvin High School, where he served as coordinator. After retiring, he continued teaching at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. Thomas’ love of teaching and soccer coaching became one of his greatest legacies and inspired generations of students and colleagues. His contributions were recognized through numerous awards, including the James H. Gray Medal for outstanding achievement in Prairie History and the 125 Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal.
Thomas’ interests ran deep and included all sports, particularly the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, travel, politics, literature, music, and gardening. He cared dearly for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always supported their hobbies and interests. He and Norma spent many cherished years wintering in Ocho Rios, where they enjoyed time with family and friends, and being together at the beach.
Thomas was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend. He lived with honesty, passion, integrity, generosity, compassion, humour, and a deep empathy for others. He embraced life fully and remained gracious to the very end. Thomas carried a uniquely hopeful outlook on life and recently shared with his family that despite all odds, “life goes on.”
We are profoundly thankful for his life, his wisdom, and every moment we were fortunate enough to share with him. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, Tom. Your legacy continues through the countless lives you touched.
In the spirit of Tom’s generosity, donations to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society are greatly appreciated.
Please join us for the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Atlantic-Garden City United Church, 725 Atlantic Ave, Winnipeg MB.
A photo biography honouring Tom’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2026
