THOMAS WILLIAM METCALFE

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THOMAS WILLIAM METCALFE

Thomas William Metcalfe passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2024, after 88 years, 9 months, and 2 days of sharing his joy on earth. Born on January 25, 1936, he was a devoted father to Matthew and Mark Metcalfe as well as Bruce and Craig Hnatowich.

Dad was hard-working and dedicated. He spent 34 years working for the Hudson Bay Company where he served his final period before retirement in 1991 as the Distribution Manager in Calgary. Despite his many responsibilities including coaching his son’s sports teams, he always made time for his family and his passions.

Though Dad may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of kindness, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Dad's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He grew up playing football with the Kelvin Clippers and then on to the Winnipeg Rods. ‘Tom the Bomb’, as QB was an integral part of the numerous championships that his teams achieved. In 1955 and 1956 Tom led the Rods to consecutive Canadian Championships which later earned the team an induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Tom also enjoyed spending his weekends at the lake and getting in the odd golf game. His love for flying airplanes was something he shared with his friends – often soaring the prairie skies with them at his side while doing Road-Traffic Patrol for CKRC up Highway 59.

He was predeceased by his mother Ethel, father George, sister Pat, sister Barbara, brother Mike, sister Lois, and brother-in-law Gerald. Also gone before Tom were wife Pat Metcalfe (Bryans), wife Edith Metcalfe (Hnatowich), grandson Pierce Hnatowich, and companion Ev Kwasnitza.

He is survived by sons Matt (Patti), Mark (Barbara), Bruce (Sharron) and Craig (Michelle) grandchildren, Eric, Nicole, Ryan, Kyle, Brett, Reid, Chayse, Melody, Stevee, and Sam as well as his faithful friendly dog Nola. Many friends and extended family members including nieces and nephews Chrissy, Diane, Jimmy, Bryan, Nancy, Michelle, and David will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank Home Care Aides Deb, Susie, Crystal, and Chris as well as Respite Workers Alexys, and Carissa. Mark would like to also thank Misty McDonald and John and Lynn McGhee for their continued support.

We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. Thank you Mark Metcalfe - to quote Edward Albert, “The simple act of caring is heroic.” The family would like to share with you the Winnipeg Rods song which symbolizes the life of ‘Tom the Bomb’

For a clenched fist is our emblem

of the way we play the game.

With strength, the guts, the stamina

Whether healthy, bruised or lame.

And when a team takes on the Rodneys

They will know they’ve met the best.

For when the big black really starts to roll

They go down like all the rest.

A clenched fist is our emblem,

and the Rods team is our name.

And we’ll always fight towards the goal.

To uphold its Glory and Fame.

Details on the upcoming Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2024, Nov 02, 2024