THOMAS WELLINGTON ROTHWELL

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THOMAS WELLINGTON ROTHWELL Thomas Wellington Rothwell, 82, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, of Crystal City, Manitoba, passed away entirely on his own terms, on April 17th, 2008, in Rock Lake Hospital, Crystal City. The son of Hollard and Julia Rothwell, and the youngest of nine children, Tom was born on November 21, 1926, in Winnipeg, and spent his early years in the Interlake region, in and around Woodlands. He began his teaching career in 1946 and married the love of his life, Eraine Porteous on July 12, 1952. Their first three sons were born in Winnipeg. Tom and Eraine moved their young family to Crystal City, Manitoba in 1957, and added three more sons and one daughter there. Tom's teaching career spanned many years and ended in 1981, the final 24 years of which were spent in Crystal City. Tom loved the village and the area, and he rarely strayed far from home. He was predeceased by his loving wife Eraine in 1987, and she remained always in his heart and constantly on his mind. As testament to their love, Tom leaves six sons and one daughter. Rennie of Calgary; Craig and wife Sandra, of Ajijic, Mexico; Tim, of Winnipeg; Tom, of Calgary; Chris, of Yellowknife, NWT; Scott and wife Jan, of Houston, Texas; and Laurel Leonard and husband Denis, of Crystal City. He loved dearly and was very proud of his seven grandchildren, Ceilynn, Kimberley, Kate, Jordan, Casey, Amy and Julia. He will also be fondly remembered by his brother Jim Rothwell and his wife Irene, of Stonewall; and his sisters-in-law Lorna Strachan of Calgary; and Peggy and husband Frank Mack of Winnipeg, and numerous nieces and nephews. One of Tom's most rewarding achievements was his long service with the Lions Club of Crystal City, for which he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship. Tom was perfectly content with a chair in the sunshine, a good book and a sip of scotch, and to many of his dearest friends, that is how he will be remembered. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, at Crystal City United Church. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations in Tom's name can be made to the Crystal City Benevolent Society for the Crystal City Lion's Club or the South Central Community Cancer Resources. Graham's Funeral Service entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.wheatlnd.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2009