THOMAS EDWARD SENIOR

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THOMAS EDWARD SENIOR

March 21, 1944 - September 30, 2025

Tom Senior passed away in the early hours of September 30, 2025, listening to the Statler Brothers, with his loving wife close beside him. Although he fought and won his battle with prostate cancer only two and a half years ago, this time cancer took his life less than a month after diagnosis.

Tom leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Lesley, whom he adored to the end, (he will also miss his TV watching poodle buddy, Cotton the Wonder-dog), sister Donna, brother-in-law, Victor, niece Anne, nephew Adam and their families, sister Susan, and brothers Paul and Patrick. Tom was pre-deceased by his mother, Linda, father, Ken, step-mother, Mary, and sister, Pam.

Tom was born in Winnipeg, but moved with his mum and dad, Linda and Ken, to Regina very soon after. His parents split up when he was only eight years old, and he was brought up by his father. When he was a teenager, his father remarried, and Tom always said that his stepmother, Mary, saved him.

When Tom was in Grade 8, the family moved back to Winnipeg, where Tom was enrolled in Laura Secord School for the Spring term. Afterwards, the family moved to the North End, where he attended Andrew Mynarski Junior High and Sisler High School.

Tom was a teacher, and after attending Manitoba Teachers' College, he began his career with a position in Bissett, Manitoba. He taught Grade 6 there for two years, and then began his long employment with Winnipeg School Division. He taught in a number of schools in Winnipeg School Division, retiring from Meadows West School in 2000. While employed with the Division, he was an active member of the Winnipeg Teachers' Association, working as a school representative, a Table Officer, and a member of the Executive.

Being a Saskatchewan lad, Tom was a staunch Roughriders fan. Win or lose, he was on their side. He had their flag flying from the house, Rider green decorated the basement, and Cotton (and Hunter before him) wore Rider clothing, just like their owner. He was a Jets fan, too, but the Riders were number one!

Tom was an avid curler for most of his life, beginning in his teen years. He was a member of the West Kildonan Curling Club. He was president, and sat on the executive. When curling was available on television, you could be assured he'd be watching.

Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing. At one time, he co-owned an ice fishing shack with three other friends, Jim, Bob, and John, who called themselves "The Four Grumpy Old Men." Tom had more fishing rods, reels, lures, tackle boxes and whatnot than you needed to stock a shop, yet he and Lesley still loved to go to fishing stores! (He even bought her her own purple rod and reel!)

He loved to golf, and bought Lesley her own set of golf clubs for her birthday (purple, of course) and they enjoyed many rounds of golf.

Lesley and Tom took a trip to Britain in 2011, and a cruise to Alaska in 2013, as well as many trips to the U.S. with their casino buddies, Mel, John, Diane, and Bob.

Tom had a group of guys, all retired teachers, who got together once a month at a friend's house. They called it "Wally World" and Tom looked forward to these get togethers very much. He had great times with them all: Walt, Jim, Gord, Fred, Al, and Keith.

Whilst teaching at Queenston School in the 70s, Tom made friends with the mothers of two of his students. These mothers, Louise and Shirley, remained friends with Tom and they all still had lunch together on their respective birthdays. Tom always called them "his ladies."

Tom was a very special person, and maintained friendships from his school days until the day he passed. Not many people can say the same.

Cremation has taken place, and at Tom's request there will be no service. Instead, get together with a friend and raise a glass to him. Celebrate a life well lived. He'd like that.

No flowers, please, but in his memory donations could be made to: Winnipeg Pet Rescue, info@wpg.pet.ca 204-832-7387, or Before The Bridge Senior K9 Rescue, beforethebridge@hotmail.com, Stony Mountain, MB, R0C 3A0, or any no-kill pet rescue of your choice. He'd like that, too.

Lesley would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and health care assistants at WSR2, HSC, who took such good care of Tom during his stay with them. They went over and above basic treatment, and were so very kind and compassionate. They treated him with absolute dignity. Thanks also to Joe and Deb, and Helen and Kevin, who were the best dog sitters. Many thanks also to Jim, Walt, Kelly, and Glen.

Lesley would also like to thank The Rev. Sherpard Gwende of St. George's Anglican Church Crescentwood and members of the parish for all their moral support.

Our love story is not over, Tommy. It lives on forever. See you on the other side.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2025