THOMAS (TOM) ANTHONY HART

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THOMAS (TOM) ANTHONY HART January 11, 1928 - July 17, 2007 Suddenly but peacefully on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, while vacationing in Wisconsin Dells, Tom was called home to be with his beloved Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, at 79 years of age. Born in Porozov, Volhynia, Poland on January 11, 1928, Tom immigrated to Canada at six months of age. He grew up in Minitonas, MB, first on the farm and later in town, and moved to Winnipeg in 1943 after his father joined the army. After graduating from Kelvin High School and Success Business College, he was proud to have been employed as a Station Agent and then Administrative Officer with the City of Winnipeg Waterworks for 38 years, retiring in 1986. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Anna, brothers, Milton and Jerry, and sister-in-law Ann; parents-in-law, Harold and MayBelle West and brother-in-law Gordon West. He leaves his loving wife and life-partner of 55 years, Virginia, and their children, Alan (Lisa), Wendy, Gordon, and Darrell. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Jennifer and Amanda Druzyk, Crystal and Hailey Hart, and Caitlin, Megan, and Evan Hart. He is survived by brothers, Charlie (Lorraine) and Lawrence, sisters, Annie (Gaston) Vialard and Betty (Bill) Turnock, and sisters-in-law, Florence and Ada; and his in-laws, Louise West, Vivian (Ross) Cameron, brothers-in-law, Bill (Bonnie) and Gary West. There are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends who will miss him dearly. He took such pride in his children and grandchildren and never turned down an opportunity to spend time with them. As a compassionate and caring person he was always ready to lend a helping hand or take charge as the need required. Tom always looked for and found the best in everyone. He was a people person and enjoyed volunteering. We will miss him terribly but cherish forever the time and love we shared. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend. Deep fondness for nature was a part of him; he attracted birds and animals like a magnet and fed the birds and deer around the condominium. He loved gardening, swimming, canoeing, biking, hiking, and picking all kinds of fruit and berries which he then turned into delicious jams and jellies to share with family and friends. Camping trips with the family were a special delight over many years. St. Malo brings fond memories of 40 years of summer camping with family and friends. Tom and Virginia met at the Baptist Camp at Clear Lake and so began a lifetime of involvement of church camping. After the children were grown, they went on many trips - Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Bolivia, several great winters at Desert Hot Springs, and wonderful cruises in the last few years. Always an adventurer, Tom's activities included parasailing, kissing the stingrays, scary rides, waterslides, wilderness canoe trips, mountain climbing, and chasing bears! Tom enjoyed most sports. He played baseball in his younger years, was an avid curler, initially with his brothers who formed their own team with Tom as skip and won many trophies. Later he played baseball and curled with the City of Winnipeg teams. Hockey and football were his favourite spectator sports. He was a Charter Member of St. Vital Baptist Church (now Willowlake) for over 50 years, serving in many capacities such as deacon, treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, Cub leader (Akela), and a member of various church councils, boards and committees over the years. Tom also was involved in denominational work and served on the Board of the Baptist Union of Western Canada for six years. In the last few years he used his love of nature to care for the flowers and grounds around the church. In addition he showed his fondness for the children of the congregation by volunteering to help care for the Toddlers class who called him Grandpa (or Uncle) Tom.' Sincere thanks to all the kind, caring people who helped at Wisconsin Dells; the Sandy Beach Resort staff and guests who assisted, the Lake Delton Police Department, Fire Department, paramedics, Water Rescue, ambulance staff, the coroner, All Faiths Funeral Services in Madison, WI, and Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, MN, and especially to our dear friends, Geoff and Hilda Cross for their incredible love, help and support. A memorial service in celebration of Tom's life will be held on Monday, July 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Willowlake Baptist Church, 45 Willowlake Crescent, with Pastor Mark Doerksen officiating. Reception following at the church. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be gratefully accepted for Willowlake Baptist Church, 45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R2J 2Z4. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 21, 2007