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TOM GOODMAN
Tom Goodman of Stonewall MB passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 21, 2023.
A memorial service for Tom will be held at the Stonewall United Church, 369 1st Ave North on Friday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre in Stonewall.
Publish Date: May 20, 2023
TOM GOODMAN
Hey Dad, it’s your family. We love you more than you can imagine and are heartbroken to share this news with those who knew and loved you.
You were born in Winnipeg to proud Icelanders Arthur and Fjola, graduating from Daniel McIntyre high school in 1967 before completing your law degree at the University of Manitoba. After law school, you spent a summer working on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, living out a political dream and most importantly, meeting Debbie (Mum). You didn’t waste any time, proposing after only six weeks and marrying eight months later. It turned out to be a good decision, as you and Mum would go on to spend nearly 49 happy years together, raising four children along the way.
In 1976, you moved to Stonewall where you practiced law, made an amazing group of friends, and became an active member of the community you would come to love. You spent countless hours involved in minor hockey, fought to maintain the town’s French Immersion program, and worked to have an impact through politics by running twice for Parliament and serving for many years as president of the local riding association. As a lawyer, you worked hard every day to advocate for local residents and at a provincial level, you sat on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission, always acting with integrity and with an eye to what was fair and right.
As much as you loved Stonewall, the cabin at West Hawk Lake was where you were happiest. It was a reminder of your father, who built the cabin in the 1940s, and your mother, both of whom passed before any of their grandchildren arrived. It became a special place for you and your brother Paul, who in turn made it a special place for your children and nephews. Our two families spent summers together; water skiing, cliff jumping, bar frequenting, and (your favourite) having many ‘morning dips’. In quieter moments, you would do crossword puzzles or just sit and take it all in, beaming with pride and satisfaction over how close we had all become. Less quiet moments would include your annual Duffers golf tournament (which you loved even though you really hated golf) and the many evenings where you and Paul would drink wine and belt out Stan Rogers.
You retired in 2010, giving you more time to pursue your passion for writing; writing short stories about life in Manitoba and becoming a published author with Her Darling Boy, a story about your Uncle Archie who died fighting at Vimy Ridge. You also pursued a love of singing, performing with Mum at Stonewall’s Christmas Cantata and even taking a few solos. In more recent years, you began to spend your winters in Las Vegas and time on Vancouver Island and in Ottawa to be closer to your children and grandchildren.
You lived a blessed life and we’re so happy that you were with us long enough to see how our lives were shaping up, to meet four of your grandkids, and to enjoy many years of retirement travelling and just enjoying life. You impacted us in so many ways; your commitment as a husband and father, your values and dedication as a lawyer, and the pure joy you took from just having all of your family together.
You left us suddenly on April 21, 2023 in Las Vegas, to join your parents Fjola and Arthur, your father-in-law Harold, your aunties Florence and Lina, and many others who you have missed so much in the years since they passed. You have dealt with some health concerns in recent years, but you were taken from us far too young and before any of us were ready to say good-bye. We love you, Dad, and we will spend every day trying to be the people that you always wanted us, and saw us, to be.
Tom is survived by his wife Debbie; children, Brian (Andrea), Craig (Priya), Kevin (Emma), Allison (Robin), and dog Tugs; grandchildren, Isla, Teddy, Leif and Sebastian; brother Paul (Alanna, Stefan, Kristjan, Erik); sister-in-law Sharon (Dave, Lindsay, Kasey); and mother-in-law Mavis.
A memorial service will be held at the Stonewall United Church on Friday, May 26, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Stonewall Quarry Park. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Apr 29, 2023
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2023, May 20, 2023
Condolences & Memories (31 entries)
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Dear Debbie and family, I’m so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. He was a well loved and greatly respected gentleman. I was so pleased to get him to sign my copy of his book about his Uncle Archie. I found that book fascinating. Take care. - Posted by: Brenda Parrott (Sharon’s friend) on: Jul 06, 2023
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To Debbie and family. Hazel and I were very saddened to learn of Tom's passing. We will be forever grateful for the many kindnesses you showed to us during our time in Stonewall. I especially remember you hosting the party to celebrate our becoming Canadian citizens but also the fun times we had at the various sporting events for the kids and of course the famous Duffer's golf tournament. We were very glad you stopped by to visit us in Kelowna last year when you were here for the wedding but sorry Tom wasn't well enough to attend. We send our sincerest condolences to you all. James and Hazel Allison - Posted by: James Allison (Friend) on: Jun 11, 2023
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Kim just told me of Tom’s passing. I was so sorry to hear that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lynn Handregan - Posted by: Lynn Handregan (Friend) on: Jun 06, 2023
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Sincerest condolences to Debbie and the family. Tom was a very engaging, active member of the community and with his friends. Always enjoyed his conversations on books, and authors, especially his own writings. With fond memories I will always cherish the days at West Hawk at the annual Duffers tournament! Again our thoughts and prayers are with Debbie, Brian, Craig, Kevin and Allison. - Posted by: Eric Henstridge (Fruend) on: May 31, 2023
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Our deepest condolences to the Goodman family, seeing Mr.Goodman growing up during all our various sporting events was always great, always had a big smile on his face and he was always sure to see how we were doing. It was a pleasure knowing him, he had a big heart, he will be missed! - Posted by: Mark Rootsaert & Family (Family friend) on: May 26, 2023
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Debbie and family.. we too were shocked by the news of Tom’s sudden passing. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go our to you all at this difficult time. I look back at our years of working together in Stonewall (1977 -1993) with fond memories. Tom always impressed me by his easy going character and his sense of what was right about a situation. I expect he will be remembered by many as a great friend, solid contributor to his community and of course a loving husband and father. - Posted by: Ron and Marilyn Seymour (Friend and business associate ) on: May 24, 2023
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So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I was a neighbor of Tom and Debbie in Stonewall many years ago. I know Tom will be missed by the people of Stonewall as I know he had a strong sense of community. - Posted by: Raymond Ruth (Old Neighbourt) on: May 20, 2023
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So sad and shocked to hear of Tom's passing far too soon. We volunteered together on various projects over many years and Tom was always so upbeat and a pleasure to work with. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Barbara Switzer - Posted by: Barbara Switzer (friend) on: May 20, 2023
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Condolences to Alanna and Paul from Ontario. You are in our thoughts as you learn to accept the passing of a dear Brother and Brother in-law. Hope to see you in July. Sig - Posted by: Sigmar & Deborah Martin (Longtime friends of Alanna) on: May 09, 2023
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I met Tom on Parliament Hill in the mid 1970's - Tom & I were working on The Hill - there are lots of great stories as we know reflect on the passing on Tom. I had the privilege of introducing Tom to Debbie and the rest is history. There are many great memories I have of the Goodman clan - trips to Stonewall, West Hawk, Ottawa, England, Calgary & the Columbia Valley - these great memories will last for ever and help buffer the grief from Tom's passing. I hope Debbie, we can re-connect. John - Posted by: John Masters (Friend) on: May 07, 2023
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Dear Debbie and Family: Garth and I are new friends across the courtyard at Lake Las Vegas. We feel so honoured to have met Tom and you. He really was one of a kind and we are so very sorry for your loss. Kathleen and Garth Fairwinds, Nanoose Bay, BC - Posted by: Garth and Kathleen Paterson (Friend) on: May 06, 2023
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My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Darlene Spence (Friend ) on: May 04, 2023
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I was in shock when I heard of the passing of Tom. He was a fantastic neighbour when Linda and I lived in Stonewall. We spent several summers at Tom's cabin and I was part of the duffers golf group. He will be missed. Love you. Fred - Posted by: Fred stock (Friend ) on: May 03, 2023
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Debbie and family...So very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our deepest sympathies. Norman and Brenda - Posted by: Brenda Normand (friend) on: May 03, 2023
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My sincere condolences Debbie and family. How thankful I am for the friendship of the Goodman family. Tom was kind, caring, generous and supportive to my family. I have so many fond memories of gatherings in the Goodman home and cottage. - Posted by: Marilyn Nixon (Friend) on: May 03, 2023
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My sympathies to all the Goodman Family. I know all to well what it is to lose your spouse/best friend, and father. He has left some pretty tremendous memories though and I'm so happy to have known him and been involved with some of them. I trust you will live on knowing how he thought of you and loved you all. He was a great man in so many ways!! - Posted by: John Blower (FRIEND) on: May 02, 2023
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To Debbie & family we offer our deepest condolences. We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Hold onto Your Memories! Ken & Vi Hack - Posted by: Ken & Vi Hack (Small town acquaintances ) on: May 01, 2023
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Sorry for your loss! Tom was a great man! - Posted by: Jarrett Jackson (Friend ) on: May 01, 2023
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My sincere condolences Debbie and family…..I remember you telling us some funny stories at the office…namely the one where both you and Tom had the boys at at different hockey arena and “poor little Allison” got left behind for the rest of the day. Take care❤️ - Posted by: Jane Bell (Friend) on: Apr 30, 2023
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Debbie and family and I am truly very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I first met Tom when we had cases together as lawyers, starting over 30 years. Over the years we became friends and he became a mentor to me. Tom was brilliant, ethical, principled, a great person, multi-faceted, and a great lawyer. I was invited to a reading of one of his books at McNally Robinson some years ago. That was very special to me. After he retired, he and I kept in touch, either by phone or on twitter, I would check in with him from time to time and he would always talk about his kids, what they were up to, telling me how proud he was of each of them. He would tell me of his impending travels to visit them and of course his trips to Vegas. He was very proud of the home he and Deb purchased there and he told me he enjoyed going there very much. I will miss Tom and his wisdom but I know all of his kids will carry on his special legacy. Norm Yusim (friend and colleague) - Posted by: Norm Yusim (Friend and Colleague) on: Apr 30, 2023
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Sorry, to hear of Tom's death- He was always a great guy. We were friends in high school. I never saw him without a smile on his face or an intriguing story to tell. He will be missed. Bob Roddy - Posted by: Bob Roddy (High School Friend) on: Apr 30, 2023
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Our deepest condolences to you and your families. Tom will be greatly missed by many. - Posted by: Bob & Laurie Sylvester (Friend ) on: Apr 30, 2023
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I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Tom. I was fortunate enough to be part of The Duffers golf tournament for many years. I was always amazed how Tom just let the weekend's events play out in his cottage, always with an engaging smile and ready laugh, even when the boys got a little too rambunctious. My favourite times, were spent asking Tom about his views on politics, sports, and just about anything you cared to talk about. The town of Stonewall is very lucky to have such a dedicated community member and he will most certainly be missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Debbie and all the Goodman Family. Sincerely, Kim and Lynn Sharpe Qualicum Beach - Posted by: Kim Sharpe (Friend) on: Apr 30, 2023
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Debbie and family, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with Tom over the years. Although that was a long time ago. My condolences. - Posted by: Joy Sime (Worked for Tom) on: Apr 29, 2023
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We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and father Debbie. It was a pleasure to know Tom and all your family. My condolences and thoughts to you and family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Virginia Jackson (friend) on: Apr 29, 2023
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With deepest sympathies to Deb and family. Mom would be heartbroken to hear of Tom's sudden passing were she still with us. She had much respect for Tom as a lawyer and person. - Posted by: Margo Matwychuk (daughter of Lorraine Sigvaldason) on: Apr 29, 2023
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We've been shocked to the core to learn of Tom's sudden passing. He and Debbie have been good friends for many years and we always enjoyed getting together occasionally for dinner and banter. Jae will particularly miss the lunch gatherings he and Tom would have every so often where we were able to solve all the world's political problems. Trouble is, no one would listen!! Our heartfelt condolences to Debbie and all the family in your time of loss and sorrow. May peace be with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Jae & Rhoda Eadie (friends) on: Apr 29, 2023
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I was a witness to Tom and Debbie’s whirlwind romance back in the 70’s in Ottawa. It really does seem like a lifetime ago now. My condolences to you Debbie and your family. You will be in my thoughts today and I wish you all the best as you grieve your loss and yet remember all the good times. - Posted by: Bob Hanson (Old friend) on: Apr 29, 2023
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Roland and Bill had the pleasure of coaching Craig in hockey, and we had some great times as parents enjoying the company of Tom and Debbie at tournaments in different communities. To this day our son Gerry and Craig have remained close friends. Roland really enjoyed the Duffers Golf tournaments and the gracious host that Tom was. Our sincere condolences to Debbie and family. Our prayers are with you all. Roland and Huguette Dandeneau - Posted by: Roland & Huguette Dandeneau (Friends) on: Apr 29, 2023
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Shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Debbie, we offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. We have good memories of our group visiting Las Vegas and Murray especially remembers the Duffer tournaments. He is truly a loss to the community. - Posted by: Murray and Donna Hjermenrude (Friends) on: Apr 29, 2023
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So sorry debbie and fam for your loss. Tom was a very nice man. - Posted by: Sherry stodgell.(henkel) (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2023