THOMAS (TOM) STRUC

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THOMAS (TOM) STRUC It is with deep sadness that Tom passed away on July 2, 2006 peacefully after a short stay at the Seven Oaks Hospital with his wife Olive, sister Helen and nephew Terry Chymy by his side. Tom was born February 6, 1930 in Broad Valley, MB and is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Olive, brother Nick (Jean), sister Helen Chymy, sister-in-law Mary Struc and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his most precious daughter Judy in 1962, father and mother (1936 / 1968), two brothers and a sister Mary in infancy, brother George (1952), brother Sam (1985) and his precious cats Puddy (2001) and Frisky (2003). Tom loved nature, animals, birds and all God's creatures and he also loved music. His first instrument of choice was the violin, and tutored by his brothers Sam and George, he learned to play and read music at the age of 7. At 9 years old he started playing with his brothers band at weddings, dances, etc. He later switched to sax, clarinet and finally the accordion at the age of 17, then successfully started teaching at the age of 20. As he taught, he maintained his practical and theoretical studies and became a Charter Member of the Accordion Teachers Association (in its existence). Tom played with most of the bands in Winnipeg, but his longest stand was with the Polka Drifters, who played many Ukrainian weddings, socials, etc. in the city, country, including tours in Alberta, Saskatchewan and TV start at CKND's Polka Party, and also recorded an LP record on the V Record Label. He was inducted into the Ukrainian Musician's Association Hall of Fame. Having farm roots, his one dream was to own a small farm, and in 1980 he bought a 100 acre farm in Stead, MB. With an enormous amount of work, capital and help from his brother Nick, nephew Jim, brother-in-law Joe and wife Olive, he turned it into a beautiful Hobby Farm. Unfortunately, due to some health problems, he sold the farm in 1998, but his love for his farm never faded. Tom and Olive celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary June 12, 2006. Olive and family would like to thank the staff in Emergency, especially Karen, the Intensive Care - Jeff and Jennifer, and the 5th floor Unit 6. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. with Rev. Fr. Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. presiding. A private family interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Struc, Dave Struc, Terry Chymy, Franco Lisi, Johnnie Hrynkow and Paul Hrynkow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Seven Oaks General Hospital Emergency Foundation or a charity of your choice. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2006