THOMAS WILLARD CRATE

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THOMAS WILLARD CRATE May 13, 1940 - September 3, 2008 Peacefully, with his family by his side, Thomas Willard Crate of Fisher River, Manitoba passed away, after a short battle with cancer, on September 3, 2008 at the Percy E. Moore Hospital, Hodgson, Manitoba. Dad leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his children, daughter Shelly (Robert) - Maxine (Ira), Jillian (Robert) and great-grandchildren Alexis and Royden, daughter Sandra (Dudley) -Lisa and Tom and great-granddaughter Shay Lynne, daughter Lorelei (Mike) - Shane (Mandy), Samantha (Shawn) great-grandson Brody, son Jeffrey (Wendy) - Kyle, Todd and Jessica, daughter Roberta (Doug) - Scott and Carly; sister Helen Cochrane; brothers Fred (Dorothy) Crate, Raymond Sinclair; sisters-in-law Gail (Charles) Jones, Sharon Unfried and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his loving wife Joan in 2006, whom he missed deeply. His parents Louis and Gertrude; brothers, Louis, George, Donald and Tony; sister Frances; father and mother-in-law Arnold and Olive Launsbury; brothers-in-law, Ben Cochrane, Geddes Campbell, George Launsbury. Dad was born and raised in Fisher River on May 13, 1940. He had attended Residential School for a brief time in Kenora, Ontario before contracting T.B. He was moved to Ninette, Manitoba to be treated. This is where he stayed for about two years before returning home. He then resumed his schooling at Fisher River until he was about 15 years of age. This is where he began his living as a fisherman on Lake Winnipeg. He fished alongside his father until his father's retirement. From there he took over the operation. He worked in the off season on numerous other jobs, such as carpentry and mining. Dad retired from his passion of fishing due to arthritis at the age of 55. He then started a small business in eavestroughing and insulation. This was his means of employment for about eight years until arthritis took a toll on him once more. Dad married mother in 1967 and together raised their family in Fisher River. He taught his family many strong values some of which was his determination to look after our families and homes. To treat each other with respect and to finish what you started, not to give up. His passion on retiring was looking after his yard. He loved his lawnmower which sometimes he thought was a 4x4. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Percy E. Moore Hospital for their exceptional care of our father, to Fisher River Home Care for all of their services when dad most needed it. To all his friends and family that came to visit and offer their prayers. He loved you all, to Fisher River Chief and council for their compassion. In compliance with dad's wishes there will be no formal viewing. Cremation has taken place and prayers will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Memorial service on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Both services will be held at Steven's Memorial United Church, Fisher River, Manitoba. Interment will follow at a later date. FISHER FUNERAL HOME In care of arrangements. Fisher Branch, MB (204) 372-6271 or 372-6803

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2008