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THOMAS EDWARD MCDOUGALL (TOM)
Born: Aug 02, 1953
Date of Passing: Nov 25, 2020
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THOMAS EDWARD MCDOUGALL
August 2, 1953 - November 25, 2020
He will be forever loved and missed by Karen; his sons, Craig (Chelsey) and Rob (Chantelle); father Tom Sr. (Lilia); brother Jim (Lisa); grandsons, Logan, Bryce and Haiden; nieces, Samantha (Joel) and Emily (Thomas); mother-in-law Lois Johnson, brother-in-law Bruce Johnson, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. Tom was predeceased by his sister Sharon, mother Marlene, father-in-law Gord, and brother-in-law, Barry.
Tom grew up in a loving home in Kings Park (Winnipeg). He was a strong student and developed into a talented hockey player and all-around athlete. His parents instilled in him a remarkable work-ethic and ability to persevere through life's many challenges. He and Karen met in high school and started dating after graduation.
Tom and Karen married in 1977, beginning their married life in Alberta, where they lived and worked for seven years. Shortly after the birth of their first-born son Craig in 1982, Tom and Karen relocated back to Manitoba, settling in the wonderful community of Pinawa. There they welcomed second son Rob into the family in 1986. Tom balanced hard work for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), an unwavering commitment to his family, and numerous volunteer and recreational pursuits including golf, hockey, baseball and music, all of which he enjoyed with many friends over the years. Tom was a skilled banjo player and was always keen to participate in a little pickin' and grinnin' with a wide assortment of musician friends over the decades. He was a great hockey coach, helping to mold many young people into strong skaters, good passers, and more importantly, team-players and quality people. He loved spending time at his family's cabin at Beresford Lake, Manitoba, nurturing his sons' love of fishing and boating with countless trips "up the creek".
Tom faced some serious health issues that persisted and evolved through the latter half of his life, beginning with a diagnosis of the autoimmune disease Lupus at the age of 30. He was sidelined by illness numerous times over the years that followed, but through his incredibly strong will to live and be with his family and friends, Tom always found a way to look onwards and upwards through recovery and re-assume an otherwise normal life. In doing so, Tom continuously astounded and inspired so many around him. He retired from AECL in 2012 after almost 30 years of service, at which time he and Karen moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family. In his retirement, Tom cherished his new-found role of "grandpa" and over the years, enjoyed many winter snorkeling trips with family and friends to destinations such as St. Lucia, Mexico, Jamaica, Bonaire, Florida, Hawaii, and Curacao. In 2016, Tom realized one of his dreams with the purchase of a cottage at Pickerel Lake near Kenora, Ontario. He cherished many beautiful days and fun times at the cottage with family and friends while fishing, swimming, worm hunting, playing crokinole with his fishing buddies, and building campfires with his grandchildren. Pickerel Lake became Tom's happy place, and we would give anything to grace him with a little more time to enjoy it.
We are eternally grateful to the generous family who, 20 years ago, donated their loved one's kidney, allowing Tom the gift of 20 more years bursting with love and life with his family and friends. The Manitoba Transplant Clinic and their phenomenal staff have been a lifeline for the last 20 years, providing exceptional medical care and compassion to Tom and Karen, and for that are owed a heartfelt thanks. Thanks also to general physician Dr. Henriette Groenewald for her ongoing care and compassion, as well as to the various Health Sciences Centre staff for assisting us through these difficult final weeks. Lastly, thank you to the many former neighbours and family friends in Pinawa who repeatedly and selflessly dropped everything to help Tom and his family when medical issues arose.
A graveside service for immediate family was held at the St. Vital Cemetery on December 2, 2020. Due to COVID concerns, the date for a celebration of Tom's life will be planned when it is safe to do so.
Flowers gratefully declined. The family asks that you please consider organ donation and register your wishes at signupforlife.ca. Donations in Tom's name can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch.
Tom, we will love you forever.
Condolences may be sent to
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Dec 5, 2020
THOMAS EDWARD MCDOUGALL
A longer obituary notice will follow.
Condolences may be sent to
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Nov 28, 2020
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2020, Dec 05, 2020
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Karen & Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew Tom through his ChemEng Tech friends at SAIT. He helped me purchase my first banjo and while I never became an accomplished player like him, I have very fond memories of singing The Battle of New Orleans while Tom plucked the banjo one night when we were camped along the Red Deer River 40 years ago. I’m glad to know of the happiness he experienced with all of you in Manitoba. - Posted by: Bob Shepherd (Friend from a long time ago ) on: Dec 26, 2020
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We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. Our condolences to the whole McDougall family and especially to you Karen. We will never forget the warm welcome you and Tom always had for us during those 8 years of bringing our youngest son to play hockey in Pinawa. We have also the two of you to thank for introducing us to kayaking, a sport we took up soon after trying it at your family cottage. Thinking of you at a very difficult time. Glenn and Carolien - Posted by: Glenn and Carolien Malkoske (Friends) on: Dec 23, 2020
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Dear Karen and Family. I am so sad for your loss. Tom and I grew up across the street from each other. Always outside playing after supper. His mom always willing to fill a spot on our scrub baseball team. My condolences to all. Brenda Prette - Posted by: Brenda Restall(Prette) (Childhood friend) on: Dec 20, 2020
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So sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We worked together in RD-14M for years and he was always a rock. Our crew missed him greatly when he retired but it was time to enjoy his life. I'm sure that you have a heart full of memories to remember him by. Take care and stay safe. - Posted by: Joanne Gervais & Randy Kolesar (Co-worker) on: Dec 16, 2020
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Dearest old friend Karen & family Craig & Rob. I am so sorry to hear of the lose of your dear husband & father Tom. We have fond memories of friendship with you & Tom & boys many years ago in Pinawa. Where has the time gone eh? Sending our love. Take care all. ❤️Would love to reconnect Karen. - Posted by: Marlene Thorne (Former Pinawa friend ) on: Dec 10, 2020
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Dear Karen, We send our deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. We were shocked at the news and our thoughts are with you all. Tom's was a life well lived and I know you have many, many wonderful and precious memories. Take care and be safe. - Maureen & Dan Barchyn - Posted by: Maureen and Dan Barchyn (Friends) on: Dec 08, 2020
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Tommy and I were Distant cousins...my grandma Caroline & his Mom Marlene's dad, Ed were first cousins. My memories were from a long time ago back in the early to mid sixties. Tommy and I were about 11 or 12 and we both used to go over to the Southwood Golf Course and caddy for the members. I think we were lucky if we got $5 for carrying a bag around for 18 holes but back then that was a lot of money. Lost touch after those times but always remembered him and his smile and great attitude. So sorry to hear about his untimely passing. My sincerest condolences to the McDougall Family. - Posted by: Cliff King (Distant relative) on: Dec 07, 2020
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Dear Karen, please except my sincere condolences to you and your family. I was sad to hear of Tom’s passing. I understand what you are going through and memories will last forever. Take care. Sharon K - Posted by: Sharon Kuzyk (Friend, neighbour and coworker) on: Dec 07, 2020
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Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Karen and family. Our hearts and love are with you all during this sad time. RIP 🙏 Tom. A life will lived!🙏🙏🙏 - Posted by: SUSAN GOSINE/ Glenn Chase (Cousins ) on: Dec 06, 2020
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Our deepest condolences to you Karen and family. We always our time with you folks. Tom was a great man, coach and friend - Posted by: Chris and Jan Moore (Friend ) on: Dec 06, 2020
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We are so sorry to hear about Tom. But we are so grateful that Pickerel Lake turned out to be his "happy place". I know he wanted a legacy for his family - how wonderful it was that he was able to fulfill that dream. I babysat Tom - he babysat our kids - and then there was the reconnection when you purchased your special place at PL. We so appreciated his efforts to keep us "in the loop" throughout that first year after selling our own place - he knew it was not an easy time for us. He was a "kind" man - he will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with you. David and Judy Kidd - Posted by: David and Judy Kidd (Friends ) on: Dec 05, 2020
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Thinking of you Karen, Craig (Chief), Rob. Tom was one of the fathers I grew up with that always made it easy and relaxing to talk with. He always made sure to greet me if it was just simply at the local gas station or just passing by on a bike or walk. I remember endless amounts of bonfires and fun at his Pinawa residence. Tom would host the annual Pinawa birthday party with Karen for all of us Pinawa kids to make our summers just that much sweeter and cooler.... I will carry the name " blues man" close and I will always remember the banjo playing days when I was 13 / 14 and so on. I have fond memories I hope your resting in peace my friend. - Posted by: Walter Bychuk (Family friend) on: Dec 05, 2020
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Oh Karen, I can't speak. Deeply grieving this unexpected loss of your wonderful husband and my dear old friend Tom. I loved that he always called me Sis. I am so sorry for your loss, and all of our loss- he was loved and respected by everyone he met. Do you know, you and Tom were with me and my family on my first son's first birthday, and when my second son took his first steps at Beresford Lake? These memories are precious to me. We will get together when we can again, and I will be there for Tom's celebration of life, whenever and wherever it will be. I am an organ donor, and thank the family that donated to Tom so we could have Tom for many years more than otherwise. - Posted by: Phyllis Medhurst (longtime friend of Tom and Karen) on: Dec 04, 2020
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Dear Tom - we are sending our deepest condolences to you and your family on the sad loss of your son. We hope you find some comfort in knowing that others care. Giant hugs from Ontario. - Posted by: Chris and Wayne Penhall (second cousins) on: Dec 03, 2020
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Our condolences to your family. Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: David and Alvin Runke and spouses Dale and Dolly (Second cousins) on: Nov 28, 2020
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