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RANDALL (RANDY) THOMAS TONN
Born: Mar 07, 1959
Date of Passing: Jun 15, 2022
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RANDALL (RANDY) THOMAS TONN March 7, 1959 – June 15, 2022
A passionate life, a man incredibly adventurous, funny, fearless, giving, gone too soon. With deep sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Randy Tonn in Winnipeg, Canada at the age of 63.
Randy is survived by: his elder brother Greg (and brother's wife Dhiwya and son Jaysheel); and his younger brother Jim (and brother's partner Leah). He is predeceased by his father, Walter, and mother Marguerite (nee Carrière). He leaves a large extended family with Métis roots from St. Laurent, Manitoba, and a close community of friends.
Randy grew up in Winnipeg, attending Kildonan East Collegiate, class of 1977. In his childhood, he loved the freedom of spending summers in St. Laurent with his brothers. He enjoyed his time there with his family and cousins, including Yvon and Guy Lambert, making slingshots, frog picking, and exploring the land. In his teens, his love for sport grew with pick-up volleyball and basketball at community drop-in centres. He spent his career working for more than 30 years in manufacturing with Westroc Industries, where his father had also worked. Beyond his family, Randy was loyal to his friends from many communities in Winnipeg including: Kildonan East high school friends whom he stayed in touch with; volleyball teams he competed with and camps that he mentored; co-workers at Westroc Industries and the Airport Hotel; neighbours he supported; and people he met while volunteering with food banks.
Randy had many gifts. His happy, carefree, mischievous nature sometimes led him into mishaps, yet allowed him to persevere through challenges. In his early years, he rarely listened to anyone and did what he wanted. This singlemindedness translated into a fearless approach to sport with which he sought to play aggressively at the highest level. On the court, he was "all in". Randy became a gifted athlete competing in volleyball, basketball, and badminton at an elite level. He was ranked as one of Manitoba's top volleyball players after high school and received several scholarship offers from Canadian and U.S. universities. One of his top achievements was playing with the St. Vital R.O.C. volleyball team who won the Canadian senior men's volleyball championship in 1980. A compassionate man, Randy cared about the people around him and loved to give back. A child at heart, Randy had a strong bond with children in particular. He cared a lot about his nephew, Jaysheel, who he loved to give gifts to. Randy was generous with his time, delivering food to his neighbours, helping friends when they needed him. He made friends easily and was always willing to lend a hand.
A memorial service and celebration of Randy's life will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at the Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg with a Spiritual Service at 2:00 p.m. (doors open 1:30 p.m.) and reception at 3:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend one or both events. Masks encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Randy's name to Morberg House in St. Boniface, Winnipeg.
Randy embraced a life of joy and compassion, and faced his struggles with laughter and courage. He is missed and loved dearly. His spirit is strong in our hearts as his soul continues his journey.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2022
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Randy was a great guy! He was so sweet and funny and silly. He always made us laugh. We only recently heard of Randy's passing and are so very saddened by this news. Randy, you have a wonderful heart, and we will miss you so much. Love fromLe ah, Lauren and Joe McBride - Posted by: Leah (Friend ) on: Jul 29, 2022
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I had the pleasure of playing with Randy on various high school teams. Randy was an elite athlete, a kind and humble soul, and a good friend during my latter high school years. I always remember how much fun he had on one court or the other. My favourite memory of him was on a high school volleyball court at Kildonan East. Our team statisticians recorded a perfect game for him - unbelievable. Perfect meant he didn't miss a pass, a spike, a block, etc. You were awesome Randy and I hope you are having a few pick-up games somewhere. Lots of love to Greg and Jim and other members of his family. - Posted by: Daryl McCartney (High School Teammate and Friend) on: Jul 17, 2022
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Randy and I met back in the late 70’s.... We shared a lot of adventures, laughs and mutual things in common.. music, camping, Winnipeg “ socials”.....and meeting new people. Randy was a kind, and generous soul, he harbored a hilarious knack for being mischievous... in a great way! He was loved by all that met and knew him. I am heart broken. My sincere condolences to Greg, Jim, and familys.....Randy will be sooo missed, but never forgotten. Sincerely, Susan Perich Klopak - Posted by: Susan Perich (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2022
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Dear Greg, Dhiwya and Jaysheel, We are so sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time and sending you all our love. - Posted by: Marilyne Delaquis (Friend of the family) on: Jul 13, 2022
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We meet Randy while we did volunteering at the food bank. He was also friendly and could take a joke as well as give them. He would always look for others before himself. I wish we could have meet him earlier in life. He has been a great to all us and will be greatly missed. Peace and blessings be with him and his family. - Posted by: Donald and Rob (Friends) on: Jul 13, 2022
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While it has been many years, my memories of you are clear. As my brother Dave's friend, and growing up together in Morse Place, you became my friend too. My heart goes out to Gregg and Jim and to all who knew and loved this wonderful man. -Jim Scott - Posted by: Jim Scott (Friend) on: Jul 10, 2022
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Randy was a wonderful, kind, fun loving soul and always brightened our day. My children were thrilled when ‘Uncle Randy is here’ ……..when he popped in for a surprise visit…..chocolate bars in hand. We will all miss you Randy, but you will never be forgotten. Love you buddy. Give Guy a hug up there. 🤗 - Posted by: Karen Lash (friend ) on: Jul 09, 2022
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Ever since we first met at a golf tournament in the mid 80s, I never new that a strong relationship would develop between us till your passing. We shared so many lasting memories , through the good times to the most challenging ones it was all worth it. My sincere condolences to both Jim and Greg. Rest in pease Randy, I'll never forget you. - Posted by: Eugene Hawryshko (Friend ) on: Jul 09, 2022
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So sad to hear about Randy’s passing. Randy and I became coworkers and friends in 1985 at Westroc we remained friends and kept in contact until his passing. Randy was one of a kind he was generous, kind and always made me laugh even when the situation was bleak. Will truly miss you Randy! Condolences to his family and rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Cindy Dudeck (Friend and co-worker) on: Jul 09, 2022
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My deepest condolences to the Tonn family. I knew Randy in high school. My personal interactions with Randy left me with a life long impression of one of the kindest young men I’d ever encountered. I always recall him when I think of our school days and the friends we hung out with. Randy was considered “a jock” in school, but he never let his ego take over and was always sweet. RIP old friend. - Posted by: Dawn McDonnal (High school friend) on: Jul 09, 2022
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My condolences on the loss of your brother Greg and Jimmy. He was an active person and will be remembered. The obituary is very well written. - Posted by: Bev (Hendricks) Kliewer (Childhood neighbour/friend ) on: Jul 09, 2022