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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
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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My sincere condolences go out to Norma, and Rhonda and the rest of the family for the loss of Tom, patriarch of the Dickens family. Ever since the first day l met Tom, he showed himself to be a principled and kind man who cared deeply about his wife Norma, his children and his homeland South Africa. I knew him as a quiet and easy going man, soft spoken and passionate about Justice. Always with a smile, Tom accompanied Norma at many Caribbean banquets and social/cultural events. He will be missed by the community and especially by his family. May they be comforted by the many stories and love they shared. Rest in peace Tom. Your life shone a light in the world. - Posted by: Beatrice watsob (Friend) on: Jun 01, 2026
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Mr. Dickens was a great teacher and inspired my interest in history, although I never quite got a handle on economics. He also had a ready wit, which is a good thing for a teacher to have. - Posted by: D P (Student) on: May 31, 2026
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My sincere condolences to you Norma. Wishing yourself and family peace and comfort in the days ahead - Posted by: Joyce Graham Fogwill (Friend) on: May 31, 2026
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Mr. Dickens was a memorable teacher from whom I learned a lot. He was thoughtful and kind, and pushed us to think critically about the world around us. From him we learned about South African and McCarthyism, for example -- not necessarily topics on the usual curriculum. He made history and economics interesting. He showed us how our lessons connected to the real world, and helped us see that no everyone was privileged and that we should be responsible citizens. I visited him once after starting university and he pushed me to improve my marks -- I was capable, he said, of top marks, so I should not settle for less. No one else pushed me like that and it was a crucial lesson. He was a great person and great teacher. - Posted by: Donna Brown (Student, Kelvin High School '78) on: May 30, 2026
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Our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Dickens (Norma), and to Mr. Dickens' entire family during this time of loss. Mr. Dickens and my father George were great friends for many years, having both brought their families here to Winnipeg from South Africa in the late 60's. Our families bonded having arrived in a new country, and that bond continued on for many years. I have many fond memories of him and his family visiting over the years. After my parents (George and Tilly) moved to British Columbia, whenever they came back to Winnipeg for visits and stayed with us, Mr. Dickens would come over every morning for a walk with Dad. Mr. Dickens was always intrigued with my young sons stories who would regale him with elaborate imaginary characters and complicated scientific theories. As a teacher, his encouragement and interest played an important role in my son's future academic endeavors... Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Louise L. (nee Williams) (Friend of the family) on: May 30, 2026
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Mr Dickens was a transformational teacher for me and many of my friends. It's not easy to get high school kids to think, but he was able to do so. He challenged his students with his unique style and made school an engaging environment. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Robert Platt (Student) on: May 30, 2026
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Mr. Dickens was my teacher for Grades 10, 11, 12 for various subjects and home room at Kelvin High School from 1974 to 1977. Always enjoyed his classes and opinion on the world. Rest in peace - Posted by: R. Cohen (Former student.) on: May 30, 2026
