Obituaries

THOMAS LAURIE PATERSON        October 24, 1930 – January 20, 2016   On Tuesday, January 20, 2016, Tom passed away unexpectedly at Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, in his 86th year.    Tom was loving husband to Virginia ‘Gini’ (nee Aukland) for 39 years until her death in 1996. Beloved father of Jim (Wanda Tomszak), Tom (Vivian Holmberg) and Laurie. He is survived by sister Margaret Jocelyn and was the proud grandfather to three boys, Jak, Isaak and Markus. He was predeceased by his brother Bill.Tom worked for 41 years at Manitoba Telephone System as a Lineman and Construction Supervisor from 1950 to 1991. He was much admired and respected for his dedication, knowledge and friendly manner.    In his younger years, Tom was an avid golfer at Polo Park Golf Club where he made enduring friendships that lasted his lifetime. He was a life-long supporter of minor hockey and athletics. He was a very successful coach with his best friend Jim Walker at Isaac Brock, winning City and Provincial Championships in consecutive years 1957 to 1964. Tom was a respected coach, baseball umpire and sports organizer at River Heights Community Club and a successful soccer coach at Sir John Franklin. He was a lifelong cycling enthusiast and rode his bike into his 85th year.    Tom was a regular at the Airport Sals where he met and kept in touch with old friends and developed many new friendships. He was also dedicated and generous with time as a volunteer with ALS Manitoba and spent many hours visiting family and friends. He liked to help people in any way he could. It was his passion. He was also a dog lover, especially the working breeds, and was a supporter of the Winnipeg Humane Society.    A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held this summer of 2016 to coincide with interment in the family plot in Brookside Cemetery.    Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.comBetter lo’ed ye canna be.”