THOMAS SMITH (1916 - 2009)

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THOMAS SMITH (1916 - 2009) It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our father Thomas Smith at the Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg on Friday, November 20, 2009 at the age of 93. He was born and raised in Winnipeg and was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Jean in 2004 and his sisters Iris (Harry) and Ruby (John) of Winnipeg, and Margaret (Bill) of Nanaimo. He is survived by his caring and loving children, John and Gloria (Jordan) of Calgary, Janice of Chicago and Tom (Carole) of Winnipeg. He was adored and loved by his grandchildren Jocelyn (Rae), Andrew (Stephanie), Bonnie (Rod), Sean (Kara), Stephanie, Elizabeth (Andy), and his great-grandchildren Russell, Justine and Kiyomi. Also, he was adored by his many loving nieces and nephews. Tom, like his father, was a piper. Tom started piping as a young cadet in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in Winnipeg. As his piping progressed, his father, a member of the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band, allowed Tom to play in the band whenever a substitute was required. As war broke out in Europe, he enlisted fully with the Camerons and went overseas in 1939 and saw action at the Battle of Dieppe where as a piper played his pipes into battle. After Dieppe, Tom saw further action in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany and returned to Winnipeg once the war was over in 1945. Tom was honoured to be a returning veteran to Dieppe in 1992 for the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary, where upon he piped his fellow veterans to the Memorial Service. After the Second World War, Tom became a member of the Winnipeg Police Department and became a member of their Pipe Band. Upon his retirement, Tom joined the Winnipeg Khartum Shrine Pipe Band and he served two terms as their Pipe Major and honorably received the designation of Pipe Major Emeritus. He was also the Honorary Piper of the West Kildonan Legion. Tom was a respected and noted piper and like all fine pipers he could easily bring a tear to anyone's eye. Tom was also a dedicated volunteer for the cancer society and he received a number of certificates of recognition for his contributions. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the members of the staff on the 2nd and 4th floors at Deer Lodge Centre involved in Tom's care. A funeral service will be held at Thomson Funeral Home on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook St. Winnipeg, MB., R3C 2B7, or Khartum Shrine Centre, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. R3P 1B9 THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2009