THOMAS FERGUSON

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THOMAS FERGUSON In the loving company of his family, Tom Ferguson passed away on the afternoon of April 11, 2008 at the Grace Hospital. He leaves to mourn his loss, but also to remember with laughter his wry wit and sense of humour, his daughters Wendy (Peter), Collene (Bruce), and Cindy (Steve); his fiercely cherished grandchildren, Meghan, Carly, Erin, Sean, Zaccary and near constant companion Michael; his much-loved oldest sister Kathleen, brothers Robert (Gladys), Ernie (Mona), Jim (Virgie), and Wilbur. He was predeceased by his parents Catherine and Thomas, and his youngest sister Maureen. Tom will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews who cared very much for their uncle, and by his dear cousins from the Selkirk area with whom he shared his childhood. Tom was born on December 27, 1933 and grew up with his parents, grandfather (known as little Grandpa ) and his four brothers and two sisters in the old house that still stands at 340 Elgin Avenue. He developed an illness at the age of seven that doctors believed to be life-threatening, and so for a year Tom spent his school days seated next to his father doing rounds in a milk truck, and being indulged with milkshakes and onion sandwiches. Even after he recovered, young Tom somehow managed to maintain his special status and continued to be doted upon by his mother and watched over by older sister Kathy. A favourite family story is about the year Tom wanted a chemistry set for Christmas. It was an expensive present in a household where money was scarce, and it was explained to Tom that if he really wanted the chemistry set it would have to be his only present. That was all well and good in theory, but on Christmas morning his siblings found themselves having to hand over some of their own presents to the woeful Tom. In 1958, Tom married Jackie Parker and they raised three daughters in Wolseley. Tom's life revolved around his family, and, not surprisingly, when his grandchildren began arriving he became an extremely devoted grandfather, attending innumerable swimming and skating lessons, soccer and hockey games, horse shows, Christmas concerts and piano recitals, and playing the roles of babysitter, chauffeur and dog walker. He shared an especially close bond with his oldest and youngest grandchildren, Meghan and Michael. Tom and his daughters would like to offer their loving thanks to Dr. Mike and Kelly Carter of Kelowna, B.C. for their immeasurable kindness, compassion and support over the past months. Sincere thanks also the many people who were there for Tom, including Dr. Gregoire Nyomba and his wife Esther, longtime friends Tom Gibson and Jack Morrison, and Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Harris. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m., at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street, with reception to follow at the same location. Flowers are graciously declined, but those wishing may make a donation in Tom's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3 or to a charity of one's choice. May the roads rise to meet you. May the wind be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; The rain fall soft upon your fields And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca Ample parking behind funeral home

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2008