THOMAS PATRICK DOOLEY

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THOMAS PATRICK DOOLEY It is with sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of our much loved father and grandfather on August 23, 2010. Tom was born in Winnipeg to Daniel and Mary on January 20, 1916, the youngest of four brothers and a sister. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Betty, their daughter Maureen, son Murray and grandson Mark. He leaves to cherish his memory: son Tom and his children Chris (Trish Sale) and Laura (Brad Granberg); son Terry (Amanda) and their daughter Erin (Rick Sellar); daughter Karen Glavin (Gary) and their son Matthew; daughter Colleen and her children Tyler and Megan; son-in-law Ted Miller (Barbara) and his daughter Kelly (Dwain Mayner); daughter-in-law Elke Ruediger-Dooley and her children Michael and Angela. Tom and Betty met in high school and were married in 1939. They began their life together in Elmwood. In 1951 they moved to Norwood where they raised their six children. Tom and Betty were both active members of Holy Cross Parish. After graduating from St. John's High School Tom's work career began at C.P. Rail, following which he moved on to manage in the hotel industry which subsequently led him in 1944 to a long career with Shea's Brewery (later purchased by Labatt's). He was Director of Purchasing at Labatt's until his retirement in 1981. Tom was very active with the Norwood Council of the Knights of Columbus, where he became Grand Knight in 1955 - 1956. Tom's community involvement included working with the Knights in the establishment of the St. Amant Centre. Tom also served as president of the Children's Aid Society of Eastern Manitoba. The Canadian Red Cross acknowledged his commitment to supporting its blood bank program by recognizing him as a Distinguished Citizen and Humanitarian. A passionate curler, Tom was involved in several curling leagues, ultimately becoming the president of the Fort Garry Curling Club in 1972 - 1973, where he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 1983. Tom's love of curling took he and Betty to many Silver Broom World Curling Championships in Europe and North America. Tom was president of the Manitoba Curling Association in 1986 - 1987 and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 1988. Tom was also a member of the Elmhurst Golf and Country Club and was president of the Manitoba Senior Golfer's Association which awarded him a Distinguished Service Award in 1991 (and a Life Membership in 1996). Tom greeted everyone with a warm smile and an engaging comment. He travelled many paths and established many lasting lifelong friendships. Tom received a Volunteer Award from Tache Centre in 1988. Later, during Betty's 14 year stay at Tache Centre, Tom became a bit of an institution, exchanging greetings and stories with staff and residents alike. After Betty's death Tom became a member of the Dakota House community in St. Vital, where he made many new friends during his two-year stay. The family extends special thanks to the Jocelyn House Hospice and W.R.H.A. Homecare staff for their kindness to and loving care for our father during the past three years. Prayers will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 26 at Dakota House, 1145 Dakota Street. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 27 at St. Timothy Parish, 135 John Forsyth Road. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, a donation can be made to the Mark Dooley Memorial Bursary Fund, St. Paul's High School, 2200 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 0P8. DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2010