THOMAS MCCREA BLAIR

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THOMAS MCCREA BLAIR Tom passed away peacefully after a brief but courageous battle with cancer on June 10, 2005 at Riverview Health Centre with family and friends by his side. Tom is survived by his mother Cicely of Winnipeg, brother Wally of Arnes, aunt Phyllis of Winnipeg and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his father William, sister Carol Anne and brother Perry. Tom will also be deeply missed by his many longtime close friends including Dorene Beck and sons, Jason (Chantal); Chris (Brenda) and Jeff (Lori); Sandi Bento; Walter Bezpalko; Linda and Graham Connor; Jan Gibson, Jim and Emily Harris; Sandi Peterson and Murray Ronald. Tom was born February 2, 1951 in Winnipeg, and attended Dieppe School and Charleswood Collegiate in Charleswood, where he lived most of his life. He attended the University of Manitoba, completing his Bachelor of Science in 1972 and his Bachelor of Education in 1973. In his early years, he taught in Russell, MB where he met many lifelong friends. Tom also started flying planes in Russell before receiving his private pilot license in Winnipeg. Tom's lifetime love was teaching, especially science and chemistry. He would tutor former students who needed help later while attending university and would never accept payment because he felt it helped him keep up in his studies. He taught for 30 years at Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate (now Gray Academy), enjoyed all of the school activities and worked many Sunday afternoons in the lab. Many of his former students kept in touch over the years and he often went on to teach many of the children of his former students. Tom took great joy in hearing the accomplishments of his students both while he was teaching them and throughout their lives. Tom will always be remembered for his intelligence, his offbeat sense of humour and, above all, his selflessness. Tom was a big-hearted person who dedicated much of his life to helping others. While he volunteered with such organizations as St. John's Ambulance, Air Cadets and Boy Scouts, his generosity with his family and friends was unlimited and he always seemed to be busy doing a favour for someone... whether that involved wiring a light fixture, giving someone a ride or helping a friend move. Though his intelligence often enabled him to figure out things that others couldn't, he was humble and always treated others with respect. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 at the Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. with Rev. Michael Wilson presiding. The family would like to thank the many medical professionals who treated him with respect. Dr. Unrau, Dr. Tan, Dr. Tam, Dr. Ronald, Dr. Lipschitz and all of the excellent medical staff at Health Sciences Centre and the Riverview Health Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's own choice. We will never forget you Tom. You will always be a part of us. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2005