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THOMAS ANTHONY STARR
Date of Passing: Mar 28, 2011
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryTHOMAS ANTHONY STARR District Chief, Badge #266 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas Anthony Starr, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in his 80th year, on March 28, 2011. Tom was raised in the Interlake region of Manitoba and graduated from Teulon Collegiate. He then moved to Winnipeg where he started his first job at the Salisbury House, where he worked for 59 years. There he met many friends and associates who enjoyed his warm and welcoming smile; it wasn't long before Tom became known as the Duke of Broadway. Tom was proud of his involvement in establishing the Salisbury Employee Association where he served as president for many years, remaining active until the present time. Tom went on to join the Winnipeg Fire Department on January 1, 1953 and retired as District Chief 41 years later. He prided himself on never missing a day, his career with the Fire Department brought him great satisfaction. Tom had many stories which he cherished while serving the department, his association with the brotherhood he held in the highest regard. Tom lived a very fulfilling life, and had a unique way of making people around him feel special. His particular interests were music and dance; he always had a tune to listen to and a dance to step to. Tom married Helen Korman in 1963 and together they raised two children, his beloved Rob (Keely) and his princess and best friend Norma Jean (Robert Lecker). The family filled Tom with endless amounts of love and he delighted in their accomplishments. Tom was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Doris, his brother Lawrence, and long time friend Jack Montgomery. He is survived by brothers Jake (Anna), David (Sharon), son Glenn, granddaughters Whitney and Andrea, sisters-in-law Eleanor Starr, Eileen Dalman (Dennis) and cousin Sonia Podruchny (Tom). Tom will be sadly missed by his friends Leif Gottfredsen, Joe Gallagher, Michael Sheps and Ron Trapp. The family would like to thank Tom's caregivers Janis Bates, Christine Couch and Zarina Paulino and the staff on 5E at St. Boniface Hospital. Tom Starr was a force, an amazing man and an icon. At Tom's request a private cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Manitoba, Thomas Anthony Starr Award in the Faculty of Music, 179 Extended Education Complex, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2011
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I first met Tom Starr when he was a Winnipeg firefighter at the Osborne Street Fire Hall. I was just a young man at that time working at Glows Pharmacy that was located right across the street from the fire Hall. Glows Pharmacy was more of a general store than a pharmacy and Tom was a frequent customer. Often times. He would come in from across the street proudly wearing his firefighter uniform, just to browse and talk. It was during these conversations that I learned he also worked at Salisbury House. Tom was such a pleasant man, always laughing and smiling and it was so easy to like him and become a friend. We had many many chats during his “ purchasing” and “ non purchasing visits”. I in turn would often go to Salisbury House often, for the good food, excellent service and of course the good company of Tom. He always made me feel welcome. I worked at Glows Pharmacy for a number of years and had the honor of calling Tom my friend. As the years went on we lost touch with each and I later became a Police Officer retiring after 28 years of service. I always endeavoured to proudly wear my uniform with the same pride that Tom wore his. Tom was the hardest working man I ever knew, but then again Tim did not consider his work as a firefighter and his work at Salisbury House jobs, because he loved what he was doing. I know that this memory is years late, but I just felt compelled to write this. Tom, you were an inspiration to many people. Thank you for your service and thank you for the memories and friendship. - Posted by: Norman Carter (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2023
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With much love - Posted by: Nathaniel bolton (Friend of children) on: Nov 07, 2012