THOMAS JAMES DALKE

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THOMAS JAMES DALKE (February 3, 1943 - August 30, 2006) It is with great sadness and deep regret that we, the family of Thomas James Dalke, announce his sudden passing at his home on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at the age of 63. Dad leaves behind his wife Chris (Dollery) of 25 years; his two children, Curtis and Katelyn; and foster children, Michael and Randy. He also leaves behind Verna Dalke and their children, Laurie (Greg Payne), Tommy and Shawna (Jamie Jamieson); grandchildren, Kayla, Adriana, Kristina, Jordy and Sara; four sisters, Martha, Dolly (Clifford), Marjorie and Gail (Carl); and brother Wayne as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by both his parents, Emma and Gustav Dalke and his three sisters, Olga, Elsie and Diane. Tom was born in Winnipeg and lived here as a young child until the age of 8 when his mother passed away, therefore spending the rest of his growing years being raised in Northern Manitoba. Dad never had an easy life, but he tried the best he could to give to those, the lives he touched, the things that he never had. He began his first job working at the Greater Winnipeg Gas Company for approximately 15 years eventually working his way up to a management position. His final place of employment was at the Winnipeg Regional Housing for over 30 years as a Property Manager. After this time, Dad decided to retire to spend the rest of his time enjoying his life and family. Dad loved the outdoors and especially loved his most cherished dog Oreo, spending the early mornings walking with her. Dad was also a man who loved a challenge and most importantly loved the sport of baseball. He was an avid baseball player for the Crestview Cavalier's Men's Fastball League for over 35 years. He will be sadly missed by the many friends he made over this period of time. In the last years of his life, Dad and Chris had the desire to offer other children a life and home that he never knew or had. Not only did they take in several foster children over the years but they chose to raise children with special needs. We know that these children also grieve the loss of the only dad they knew. At Dad's most recent request, no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of his life and a farewell to Tom will take place on Monday, September 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Club 3D (Kirkfield Motor Hotel) 3317 Portage Ave. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Dad's honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society. We wish to thank the staff of the Grace General Hospital with a special thank you going to Major Faye Shail, Chaplain of the Grace Hospital. Her prayers and the time she spent with us in helping us cope with our loss will never be forgotten. We also wish to thank our friends and extended family for supporting us in our time of grief. Dad, we never got a chance to say goodbye to you. This is our farewell to you. WE WILL REMEMBER that you will always be our Dad. WE WILL REMEMBER that you loved us the best way that you could. WE WILL REMEMBER the years that you gave us the best of all you had. WE WILL FOREVER REMEMBER that no one else could ever be our Dad. This is not goodbye as we will all be together again one day. Daddy, we will always love you! Surely, I have calmed and quieted my soul.... Hide me under the shadow of Your wings. (Psalm 131:2, Psalm 17:8) Thomas' arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 02, 2006