THOMAS JOSEPH

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THOMAS JOSEPH McGRATH July 7, 1936 - January 9, 2004 It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Tom. He slipped away peacefully in his sleep at the Convalescent Home on Friday, January 9 at the age of 67 years. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Leona, of 47 years of marriage; sons, Al (Kim), Mark (Pam) daughter Sharon Kelly (Don) grandchildren, Ryan, Sean, Justin, Melissa, Adam and Jaimie; numerous nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Priscilla Tessier; Leonas family; sisters, Diane Malcoln (James), Barbara McGrath; and sister-in-law Jenny McGrath. Tom was predeceased by his parents Mary and Frank; brothers, Patrick and Ronald; and his son Frank. Tom was born at home in Rowdon Township, Hastings County, ON. In 1949, at the age of 13, he moved to Winnipeg where his family took up residence in the North End. He attended St. Johns High School. At 18, his family relocated back to Ontario while Tom remained in Winnipeg. While looking for a place to rent, he met and fell in love with Leona. They courted for six months, got engaged and married within the year. Dads love of cars led him to a career as a mechanic. Through his work many good friendships were to be made with Moe, Al and Rolly. He loved the outdoors. We always had a place to go to enjoy the summer: first Wendigo, and then Lee River. Dad could always be seen outside puttering in the yard, cutting the grass, planting flowers, playing with Scruffy, his dog. For many years he was an avid golfer and billiard player. Tom was a member of the Fort Rouge Legion, where he volunteered for many years by calling and checking bingo. He also volunteered at the Rockwood Legion, the Eagles Hall and the Lord Roberts Community Club. Dad met and made many good friends through all of his volunteering - Shirley and Doug Fisher and Sharon Harris just name a few. A celebration of Toms life will be held on Sunday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. in the Fort Rouge and Imperial Veterans Legion No. 252, 426 Osborne St. S., with Ms. Helene Friesen officiating. Special thanks go out to all the staff at the Victoria and Misericordia Hospital and Dr. McGowan, who took care of Dad five years prior. Dad resided at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg for the last four and one-half years. Our family would also like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at the home for everything they have done for Dad. Each and every one of you went above and beyond with your support, kindness and compassion, not only to Dad, but also to the family. He loved the home and all of you. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Toms memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 220, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102 - 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6. Though his presence is gone forever; His hands we cannot touch, Still we have so many memories of the one we loved so much. His memory is our keepsake with which we will never part. God has him in his keeping We have him in our hearts. "Dad, we will watch over Mom for you. We love and miss you.... Youre in our hearts forever." WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2004