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THOMAS BERNARD BLEASDALE
Date of Passing: Jun 27, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryTHOMAS BERNARD BLEASDALE Thomas Bernard (Tom) Bleasdale, passed away at the Bethesda Place Nursing Home in Steinbach, MB on June 27, 2013 at the age of 79. Tom was born in Lancaster, England on February 9, 1934, upon graduation from St. Peters Cathedral School, Tom entered into a five year apprenticeship with the Lancaster Council as a painter and decorator, upon completion he worked for the Lune Valley water board for the next 10 years, while also working as a self employed decorator. During this time Tom also served on the local fire brigade as a volunteer between 1958 and 1962. In September of 1967 Tom emigrated to Canada choosing Winnipeg as his new home, he quickly found work with Freeman and Jackson decorating working there for a year before moving on the general painting and decorating. Seeking a more secure position Tom started work for Manitoba Telephone System as a Painter in 1969. During his tenure with MTS Tom became active in the union, his first official position was as vice president of the Manitoba communications union, although only a volunteer position he soon realized his passion for negotiation. Then in 1972 Tom traded in his paint spattered clothes for a suit and tie when he became full time business manager for the Manitoba communications union. In 1974 he moved on to the Canadian Labour Congress to become the representative for Manitoba, while serving at the CLC. Tom had the privilege of representing Canada as a labour representative in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1981 Tom joined the Manitoba Government Employees Association as director of education where he stayed until 1987, where upon he became Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour for the Manitoba Government up until his retirement in 1997. Even after retirement Tom kept himself busy serving on several boards and presiding as president of the Manitoba Government Retired Employees Association for seven years. Tom is predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Mavis Bleasdale (nee Patterson) 1934 to 2000 and grandson Sean Cory Bleasdale 1982 to 2007. He is survived by two sons Christopher Thomas and Keith Richard, four grandchildren Crystal Chubb (nee Bleasdale), Brent Bleasdale, Justin Bleasdale and Aric Bleasdale and seven great-grandchildren Damon young Bleasdale, Austin Bleasdale (Sean Bleasdale), Cole, Dylan and Everleigh Bleasdale (Brent Bleasdale) Aimee Mae Chubb (Crystal Bleasdale), Janelle Bleasdale (Justin Bleasdale), and finally his dear and special friend Ida Rocan who kept his last few years full of joy. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 5 at the Masonic Memorial Temple 420 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg. http://tinyurl.com/q6n9cy3 In lieu of flowers people may wish to donate to the Alzheimer Society. https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/memoriam.aspx?EventID=7853&LangPref=en-CA
Publish Date: Jul 4, 2013
THOMAS BERNARD BLEASDALE On June 27, 2013, in the company of family, Thomas Bernard (Tom) Bleasdale quietly passed away. Memorial service will be announced once finalized.
Publish Date: Jul 3, 2013
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2013
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I worked with Tom when I was the Canadian Labour Congress representative for Manitoba from 1980 to 1983. He and Mavis were truly supportive and welcoming to Elaine and I when I was transferred to Winnipeg from Saskatoon. We will always be grateful for their help and we remained friends after we left Winnipeg. As Gary has said, Tom was a mentor to many of us and his positive influence in both labour and government was instrumental in creating a better life for all workers in Manitoba. I'd like to express my deepest sympathy to Tom's family on your loss of a highly respected community leader and family member. Kerry and Elaine Woollard (Edmonton) - Posted by: Kerry Woollard (Co-worker and friend) on: Sep 19, 2013
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My condolences to the family. I worked under Tom's supervision during his tenure at the MGEU and found him to be a man committed to the union cause bringing with him a lifetime of experience and instilling a sense of fairness in others. - Posted by: Brian Havelock (Former co-worker) on: Jul 05, 2013
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My condolences to the Bleasdale family. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the memorial service. Tom was a great President of the MGREA and made Tuesday mornings a pleasure rather than work. - Posted by: Joan Peterson (I worked with Tom for the MGREA) on: Jul 04, 2013
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I worked with Tom on the CSSB Board of Directors for two terms. He was always very good to me and he was a real pleasure to know. I have many fond and kind memories of serving on that board with Tom. He was a good man. - Posted by: Susan Rusk (CSSB Board Members) on: Jul 04, 2013
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To the Bleasdale family, Ginny and I would like to offer our condolences to Tom's family. I got to know Tom when he was a leader in the labour movement in MB and later when we worked together at the MGEU. For many of us he was a true mentor, combining experience, intelligence and humour to work through the most challenging situations. Tom was tough, but fair and always put people first, which was obviously part of his upbringing. During any difficult bargaining situation Tom had the wisdom that motivated us to persevere to a positive conclusion. On a personal level, Tom was instrumental in my decision to seek a nomination for the NDP in 1986, which was the beginning of my political life. This eventually led to our election to government in 1999. I would not have been elected Premier were it not for the encouragement and hard work of Tom. I will be forever grateful to him. Our prayers and memories are with your family. - Posted by: Gary Doer and Ginny Devine (Friends) on: Jul 04, 2013