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THOMAS KORITAR
IN LOVING MEMORY
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Tom in Vernon, British Columbia, on October 14, 2026 at the age of 77.
Tom was born on November 29, 1948 in Montreal Quebec to Karoly and Mary Koritar.
He leaves behind to mourn his wife, Debra and his son Braden, along with many cherished close extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved son Jarad, niece Kristen, nephew Michael, his parents, brother Danny and sister Judy.
Tom grew up in Montreal, joining the Navy at the age of 17 where his lifelong love of all things water began. His service took him around the world with ports in Portugal, England, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium. After leaving the Navy in 1973, he moved to Manitoba where he began his career as a power engineer and refrigeration air conditioning mechanic with Brandon General Hospital, later retiring from the Capital Planning Department there in 2003. He continued working at Brandon University in management before fully retiring in 2011.
Tom married Deb in 1987 and after living for a few years in Brandon, they moved to Lake Wahtopanah in Rivers, Manitoba where together they raised their two sons. Tom built two homes on the lake in addition to spending countless hours fishing, hunting, skidooing, sailing and boating.
With a generous sprit Tom was always more than willing to serve where he saw a need. Over the years he gave his time as Cub Leader and served on numerous committees including Friends of Rivers Lake, Aspen Trail, Rivers Hospital Foundation and in later years the Vernon Yacht Club and the Seasons Strata Council.
Beyond his career and community work, Tom will be remembered for his remarkable ability to build and fix anything. Tom was always the first one called when friends and family needed a hand with a complex project. He loved and cared for his family and friends over the years with warmth, dedication, generosity, humour and, of course, with his ever - present toolbox that was with him wherever he went.
Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Tom’s life will take place at a later date.
As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 07, 2026
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My deepest sympathy to Tom's family. I worked with Tom at the Physical Plant at Brandon University. He was a wonderful guy and always had a warm smile and always ready to help where he could. So very sorry to hear of his passing. - Posted by: Stacey Harper (Friend) on: Nov 08, 2026
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Dear Deb and family: I am so sorry to hear of the death of Tom. He was a wonderfully warm and caring man, a great addition to the maintenance staff at the hospital many years with his numerous skills. He was always smiling, congenial, and eager to help any way he could. I am thinking of you at this time with great sympathy and compassion. Take care and please be in touch if you are ever on the island. Most sincerely, Hilary Bell - Posted by: Hilary Bell (friend) on: Nov 07, 2026
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I always remember the times when we were camping or at Tom and Debbie‘s place in Rivers and also doing the fireworks with them. My condolences to Deb and Braden and family and friends. He was much loved and and will be missed. - Posted by: Erica L Sheffield (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2026
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Deb, Barb, Daryl and children, Please accept our heartfelt Condolences on the passing of Tom. We remember him as a kind sole with a warm smile at every greeting. - Posted by: Larry and Suzanne Clark (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2026
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My sincere Condolences to Deb, Braden, and family on the passing of Tom. I always got warm welcome from Tom. A very kind and generous person. He will be deeply missed. Take care Traci. - Posted by: Traci Reid (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2026