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THOMAS (TOM) KRAKALOVICH
Date of Passing: May 31, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryTHOMAS (TOM) KRAKALOVICH Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Tom passed away at the age of 45 years on Thursday, May 31, 2012, at St. Boniface Hospital after a brief sudden illness. Mourning his loss are his beautiful wife, Lisa, the love of his life, their loving children Austin, Kennedy, Lucas, Xander, and little Reagan, father Stephan, mother Olive and her husband John Hnatiuk, mother and father-in-law Audrey and Lorne De Jaeger, brother-in-law Jason and many extended family and friends. Tom was predeceased by his loving grandparents, Irene and Josafat Krakalovich, and Alexander and Tillie Polubok. All were blessed by having him in their lives. Tom's passion for life was palpable. He was a devoted husband and father. Growing up as an only child, having five children who he loved deeply, was a dream come true. He spent countless hours encouraging and cheering them on. He loved hockey, a game he played from the age of 10, up to the day before his illness. His teammates nicknamed him Tommy 2 bags after watching him combine two passions into one - hockey and his corvette - the only thing he loved but one that would not hold a single large hockey bag. Fascinated by science and nature, he completed his degree in chemistry and enjoyed both his work and his associates at Health Canada. The exuberance he expressed when talking about the wondrous equipment he used in his analysis left most people confused, but confident he loved what he did and that he did it well. Evidence of his perfectionist trait was seen everywhere: at work, at home, being green, and just living life well. And he did it all with a great sense of humour. He will be greatly missed but he leaves a lasting and loving legacy - one that is being documented by his children in a memory book they are creating. The family extends sincere gratitude to the ICU staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their kindness and gentle care. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 4, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. Funeral Mass will take place Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1175 Main St., Winnipeg, MB, with burial following at St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Tom's memory be directed to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation Intensive Care Unit, D1003 - 409 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086 ejcoutu.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2012
Condolences & Memories (29 entries)
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I met Tom in high school and remember the day that he decided to do chemistry in university. I was hoping to see him again and catch up. I thought about Tom often over the years. I tell people the story of when Tom choose to study chemistry to get them to realize "it's never too late to change your path." I've applied that principle many times in my life. Thanks for the example Tom! - Posted by: Kevin Georgison (High School Mate) on: Jun 19, 2013
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I knew Tom for many years, both sharing similar interests (family, cars, hockey, and of course mass spectrometry). Tom will be remembered for his kindness, passion for his work and just being a great guy. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Tom you will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. - Posted by: Kerry Peru (Friend and Colleague (Environment Canada, Saskatoon)) on: Jul 03, 2012
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To Lisa, Austin and children, we just recieved the news about Tom, we are so very sorry to hear of his passing, Rob and I will always remember Tom and his corvette, the love of hockey - Jared and Austin used to play hockey together in your back yard on Brookhaven, Tom made the best rink in Southdale. Jared gives his condolences to Austin. Tom was a great man we will never forget as neighbours. Melissa, Rob and Jared Gauthier - Posted by: Melissa, Robert Gauthier (once neighbours ) on: Jun 19, 2012
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My deepest sympathies to the Krakalovich family. I worked with Tom a few years ago as a summer student at Health Canada and will always remember his passion for hockey (especially during the Vancouver Winter Olympics). My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and his family. - Posted by: Samantha Simon (Former co-worker) on: Jun 11, 2012
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My sincere condolences to Lisa and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. - Posted by: Kim Charleson () on: Jun 07, 2012
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To Lisa and all Tom's loved ones, our deepest sympathy on your heartbreaking loss. "What will survive of us is love" Philip Larkin - Posted by: Ken & Lisbie (Lisa's cousin) on: Jun 07, 2012
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Our sincerest condolences. Sending your whole family thoughts of strength and keeping a special place for you in our prayers. - Posted by: Karly, Brendan, Barb and Patrick Devlin (Friends) on: Jun 07, 2012
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Our deepest sympathy to you and your children, Lisa. It was a huge shock to hear of Tom's passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Doris, Alanna, & Natalie Essenburg (Friends) on: Jun 06, 2012
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Lisa and family. We are very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...Joy & Gordon Wright - Posted by: Joy & Gordon Wright (Friend) on: Jun 06, 2012
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Dear Lisa, Kennedy and Family; We are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. We remember him at Lucas' hockey games played with Jack as he cheered him on. Also, with Kennedy this year in soccer. He often talked about Lisa his wife and I know how much he adored her and his kids. He will be missed. Tannis, Mark, Jack and Miya Steiman - Posted by: Tannis, Mark, Miya, Jack and Max Steiman (Soccer and Hockey friends) on: Jun 06, 2012
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We offer our sincere condolences to your beautiful family. - Posted by: Jennifer, Don, Melanie, Rob, and Michael Cairns (friends) on: Jun 05, 2012
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My deepest sympathies Olive in the loss of your "star" Tom. May he shine on you for many years to come. May he rest in a very comfortable bed in the Lord's heaven. - Posted by: Rose-Marie Davis (Air Canada (co-worker)) on: Jun 05, 2012
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We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Anne and Lindsey Feener (friend) on: Jun 05, 2012
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Thinking of you all, in this very untimely passing! May God, in all of His infinite Wisdom, provide Peace through His covering of Love to you all! Blessings, Angie - Posted by: Angie Cooper (Former co-worker with Olive at Air Canada) on: Jun 05, 2012
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Lisa and family, so very shocked and saddened to hear about Tom. We shared some chemistry classes together at university and would run into each other on occasion at work related seminars. He was always cheerful with a big smile and we would make a point to chat for a few minutes and catch up. It was always a pleasure to see him. My prayers and condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Christine Epp (Former Classmate at University, colleague in industry) on: Jun 05, 2012
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Lisa, Kennedy and Family, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.........Kim, Todd, Chelsea & Carlie - Posted by: Kim Hagen (Friend) on: Jun 05, 2012
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This is a complete shock. I worked with Tom at Cangene and I always found that he tackled challenges with humor and enthusiasm. His technical excellence was second to none and he always made you feel welcome. I can attest to his two passions but his family was always number one in his life. My sincere condolences to Tom's family, Andrew. - Posted by: Andrew Minkevich (Former co-worker and friend) on: Jun 05, 2012
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It was with great sadness that I received the news of Tom's passing. Although it has been several years since we played hockey together in Winnipeg, the memories of Tom that have ceased to fade are of his unbridled love for family and his passion for hockey. My deepest condolences to Tom's family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Aaron Spott (Teammate) on: Jun 05, 2012
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Dear Lisa, we're so sorry to hear about your loss. Take comfort in your family and friends and know that we are praying for you. - Posted by: Linda Stewart (Friend from WPUC Mom and Tots) on: Jun 05, 2012
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Our deepest symapthies in the loss of your son at such a young age. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Jim Daeninck (Air Canada Co Worker) on: Jun 04, 2012
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Good bye Tom. You will be missed by so many. You were too young and I wish peace someday for your family. God Bless. - Posted by: Terri Wagner (Friend and class mate) on: Jun 04, 2012
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Lisa and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Just please know that we are thinking of you guys. If there is anything at all that we can do for you please do not hesitate to ask. All our love Laura, Tyler, Cailin, Cassidy, Hayley and Ella. - Posted by: Laura De Jaeger and Tyler Bennett (cousin) on: Jun 04, 2012
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My very deepest sympathy to Uncle Steve, Lisa and children, Olive and family. I am sorry I cannot be there in person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these most difficult days. - Posted by: Cheryl Boychuk (Cousin) on: Jun 04, 2012
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I am so sorry, there is so much Tom did for u. He always came into the dressing room with the greeting "Good day gentlemen", we loved to tease him as well. He will be missed very much. - Posted by: Tony Montagnon (Team mate) on: Jun 04, 2012
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My sincerest sympathies to the Krakalovich family. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Tom and played hockey with him during my late teens and early 20s. He was a very kind and considerate person and I know he will be dearly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. - Posted by: Paul Krueger (Friend (Hockey)) on: Jun 04, 2012
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Our sincere condolences to you, Lisa and your children at the loss of you husband and father, Tom. He had such a vibrant personality, and at every chance meeting, always had a firm handshake and a friendly smile to offer. We would often run into him when picking up the kids or at a school function, and he was always ready to chat about his children or talk about his love of hockey. If there is anything that we can do to help you in any way, please don't hesitate to ask. Our prayers are with you at this sad time of loss. - Posted by: Guy, Jan and Dayna Jeanson (Friend) on: Jun 04, 2012
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You all in our hearts at this difficult time. Uncle Stephen, Lisa and families. - Posted by: Elaine & Dennis Lilley (cousins) on: Jun 04, 2012
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Lisa and family, my deepest condolences. I am so sorry to hear about Tom. He was a great man and I enjoyed getting to know him through Hockey. If there is anything we can do to help please let us know. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.. Doug and Melissa Reimer - Posted by: Doug Reimer (Friend) on: Jun 04, 2012
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My sincere condolences to Tom's wife, children and family. In the years I've worked in Health Canada, I came to know Tom and appreciate his kind and considerate nature. He always had a welcoming smile and cheery "hi" for me when I visited the 510 Lag building. I know that he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. With my deepest sympathy, Brenda - Posted by: Brenda Mercer (HR- Learning & Career Consultant) on: Jun 04, 2012