THOMAS GEORGE LAST

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THOMAS GEORGE LAST September 15, 1929 - July 16, 2004
Our loving Father, Husband, and friend passed away peacefully at Concordia Hospital on the morning of July 16, 2004. With his family at his side every step of the way Dad fought valiantly and uncomplaining against a lengthy illness which finally overcame him physically but was no challenge to his brilliant mind and strong spirit. In that sense he will be with us forever. Predeceased by his mother Hazel and father Sam, Dad is survived by his devoted wife of fifty two years, Gloria (nee Scinocca) and daughters Aurelia Last and partner Shirley, and Glory Dawn Last and husband Doug. He also leaves to mourn his sister Jerry McMeekin and brother in law Roy McMeekin with whom he spoke to almost every night on the phone just to give each other the gears; brother in law and sister in law Shirley and Ron Scinocca from San Diego; childhood friends Brian Flye and wife Jody Flye, friends since second grade. Dad also leaves many other friends, family, nieces and nephews who each held a special place in his soft heart including Granddogs Fysal and Bertie. His friends in the block have constantly asked about him and miss him holding court in the lobby while neighbours spanning every generation stopped to talk to him, pouring out their hearts and appreciating his careful but nonjudgmental attention. Dad was born in Chicago Illinois and moved to Winnipeg with his family at the age of two. He was raised in Winnipeg but served in the American Army in Kentucky as a Master Sergeant for four years from 1948 during the Korean War. His hilarious army antics were endless and formed some of the best years of his life. Dad left the Army to return to Winnipeg to marry Mom, the woman of his dreams whom he had met in grade nine. They married on June 18, 1952 and Dad was welcomed into the warm, loving, and hilarious arms of Moms large Italian family. Dad and Moms family hit it off immensely and this Irish-English and Italian culture formed a rich tapestry for raising their two daughters. Dad was the quiet one often sitting in the background taking in the lively and raucous behaviour around him. He loved to listen to Mom play the piano or watch her jitterbug around the living room as he just smiled and shook his head. We never knew when he was going to come out with one of his quirky one-liners but when he did everyone was in stitches. Although a man of few words he could always be relied on to participate in whatever practical joke was being planned if he wasnt the instigator in the first place. His life was his family and his preference in his later years was to spend time with the people closest to him. His often gruff exterior never fooled us knowing his heart broke in a million pieces to see anyone having a difficult time. He encouraged us to pursue our dreams, accept what unfolded in our lives, appreciate and love the differences in others, and always be on time. One of our last big gatherings was a party at Winnipeg Beach for Mom and Dads Fiftieth Anniversary. Guests came from all over the U.S. and Canada on this special occasion. Friends and family paid tribute to this couple who had been a part of their lives for over 60 years and spoke of Dads kindness to them and /or were compelled to tell a typically hilarious Tom story. Dad just sat and beamed through the whole event. Although confined to a wheelchair during the last ten years Dad never complained about his situation but instead set about making the best of things and being as independent as possible. He loved to get on a plane two or three times a year to stay with Glory and Doug in Toronto with whom he had a special bond. They would go for lunches, shopping, and his all time favourite outing was to Woodbine Racetrack. At Woodbine an entourage of friends accompanied him and they would rely on him to help them make their bets while they laughed and enjoyed the buffet. Dads treat of course. In the summer Mom and him would drive back and forth to their cottage at Winnipeg Beach where he was surrounded by friends and family. We will always picture him sitting under his tree enjoying the flowers, birds, and other little four legged visitors. Thank you Dad for the wonderful interesting loving life you showed us and your unwavering love to Mom. We will talk to you every day and miss you always. Safe passage to you now until we meet again. A Memorial Service in celebration of Dads life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at Klassen Funeral Home. Reception will follow. KLASSEN Funeral Chapel 1897 Henderson-North of McIvor 1-877-230-0438

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2004