TOM SPRINGMAN

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TOM SPRINGMAN Peacefully, with his family by his side, Tom Springman passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2008. He was 76 years old. He leaves to mourn his wife Hope, his three children Nata (Avery), Maurie (Sheila), and Mal (Lisa), and his seven grandchildren, Adam, Derek, David, Maegan, Trevor, Rory and Deborah. He is also survived by his brothers Bernie (Phyllis) and Barry, sisters and brothers-in-law, his many nieces and nephews, his aunties Hilda and Rosie, and his mother-in- law, Annis. He was predeceased by his first wife, Pearl Springman, and his parents Annie and Rueben Springman. Dad was born in Saskatoon, SK and raised in Edenbridge. He attended Saskatoon Normal School before becoming a teacher in Leacross, Saskatchewan. He then taught in Headingley, MB and St. Vital School Division before moving to Winnipeg School Division No. 1, where he was a teacher and principal until his retirement in December 1987. He was a member of the Winnipeg Teachers Association, where he held a position on the executive for two years. He was also a member of the Manitoba Teachers Credit Union executive. Dad enjoyed sports and was involved in baseball while living in SK. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, curling and umpired fastball. In 1955, Dad began his sideline as a taxi driver with Moore's Taxi. Three years later, he became an owner/operator at Vet's Nash Taxi. He also sat on the executive of the company. In 1964, he became an owner/operator at Duffy's Taxi, and served on the executive until 1990. In July 1989 he acquired Star Taxi, which was built into a family business known as Spring Taxi. In January 2008, he retired from the family business. Over the last number of years Dad and Hope enjoyed travelling to Palm Springs in the winter, a theatre trip to Great Britain and many trips to see family in Canada. In Palm Springs, they enjoyed the large community of retired friends who would get together regularly. Dad had a full life, enjoying the time he spent with his family. He especially treasured his time with his grandchildren, taking the family on a winter holiday in 2004. In the last years, the grandchildren would invite him out for lunches and he always made time for them. Holidays around the large family table were meaningful and important to him. He believed it was important for the family to be together and passed this belief on to his children and grandchildren, who all looked forward to these special times. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grand-children, and was never shy about imparting his wisdom when he believed it was needed. His strong family, work and business values earned him the respect and admiration of family, friends and acquaintances, evidenced by the support given to the family since his passing. Services were held at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on December 3, 2008. Officiating were Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantorial Soloist Tracy Kasner-Greaves. Eulogies were delivered by his grandsons David and Rory and by his son, Mal. Pallbearers were his grandsons Adam, David, Trevor and Rory, nephews Sheldon and Mark and stepson David. Donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2009