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THOMAS DAVID GRAFTON, Q.C. Obituary pic

THOMAS DAVID GRAFTON, Q.C.

Born: Dec 12, 1917

Date of Passing: Apr 23, 2012

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THOMAS DAVID GRAFTON, Q.C. December 12, 1917 - April 23, 2012 On Monday, April 23, 2012 Tom triumphed over his battle with cancer bringing his suffering to a joyful end at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. Tom was raised in Oak River, Manitoba, the son of Betsy and Bernard Grafton. He left his boyhood town, which he remembered fondly, to pursue his education through a hockey scholarship at Loyola College in Los Angeles, California. Upon his return to Winnipeg, Tom was swept off his feet by the love of his life, Fabiola Lafrenière, whom he met at Normal School. The two were inseparable and Tom treasured the times shared with the Lafrenière family and the fun gatherings in Somerset. Tom was very proud of his time served with the R.C.A.F. as a flight navigator. He was a graduate of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law, Class of 1948. Tom enjoyed a long and distinguished legal career of 44 years. His passion for justice and his keen legal mind were appreciated by his clients and colleagues alike. His memory will live on through the annual Thomas David Grafton Scholarship awarded through the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. Tom was proud of his sobriety of 52 years and maintained his service to the fellowship. Tom took great comfort in knowing that his legacy of service will continue through his close friends in AA. Tom and Fabi enjoyed a fruitful marriage lasting 45 years until Fabi's untimely passing in 1987. Together they raised four daughters and five sons. Tom will be lovingly remembered by his children, Yvonne and Wayne Kirbyson, Wayne and Jonine, Bob and Joy, Murray and Jessica, Neil and Pearl, Judy and Paul Doyle, Mary and Bayne Robertson, John and Sheila, Janet and Blayne McCaffrey. Tom adored his 23 grandchildren, Susan (Jeff), Graham (Kelly), Brenna (Pete), Emily-Kate (Brad), Ben, Laura, Raymond, William, Darren (Cathy), Danny (Amanda), Michael, Sarah Dawn, Jennifer (Mustafa), Stephen, Michael, Tom (Talia), Amy (Beau), Hayley (Steve), Robyn, Monique, Daniel, Rebekah and David. Tom cherished his five great-grandchildren, Claire, Jasmine, Sarah, Adam and Hudson. Also left to cherish his memory is his dear sister Betty Morrow and his sisters-in-law Evelyn Lafrenière, Lea King, Simone Lafrenière and Jeannie Rheault. Tom was predeceased by his brother Bernard, his sister Margaret, many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. Tom leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. Throughout his illness, Tom had the benefit of many skilled and compassionate health care providers. The family extends their gratitude on Tom's behalf. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Tom's memory may do so by making a donation to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4 or to a charity of their choice. Tom's funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. by Monsignor Maurice Comeault at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Boulevard. Cremation has taken place. A private interment will follow at a later date. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2012

Condolences & Memories (37 entries)

  • A 'thank you' to this man who offered advice to a punk that kept me out of jail. - Posted by: Chris Goossen () on: Dec 14, 2017

  • What can I say Tom. I'm sure it was no accident us hooking up. You wanted the best for me. The best the world had through Gods Grace and the Fellowship had to offer. I listened to you in awe as you poured your heart out in your studies, squirting away little gems of wisdom using them sooner or later. In your busy life, you always took time to help me out of one peril or another as I trudged this road of happy Destiny. I am so glad that when these unhappy events happen I can say what would Tom say and if the answer doesn't come, I had better get to a meeting. I love you Tom, see you later - Posted by: Vernon Kalmakoff (Sponsee) on: Aug 03, 2015

  • Tom was a good man!! And a good liver of life!! - Posted by: Jamie B. Finlay (Friend) on: Jun 13, 2014

  • While getting sober in Calgary, I would frequently go for long walks and listen to "Tom G" AA speaker tapes. His message changed my ideas, emotions, and attitudes about God, recovery, and life - and I have stolen many of his "one liners" for use with my own sponsees. I had occasion to meet him, briefly, during the Banff Round-up. It was a day I'll never forget. I am a better man for having known him. God bless you, and my condolences on his passing. Kevin - Posted by: Kevin Olson (Friend) on: Jan 28, 2013

  • Tom's message was an integral influence on my grandfather, and then a decade later, on me. Words cannot express my gratitude. Blessed to have crossed paths. - Posted by: Paul C (Friend ) on: May 03, 2012

  • I was happy to have met Tom. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Rose (acquaintance) on: Apr 30, 2012

  • Your sharing in our fellowship helped so many to live productive and happy lives. You contributed much! May we all learn from your example - Posted by: Doug O (Friend) on: Apr 27, 2012

  • He saved my life, and many others. A truly wonderful man. He will be sadly missed by many, many people. My condolences. - Posted by: Chris J (friend) on: Apr 27, 2012

  • I HAD THE HONOR TO MEET TOM AND I WAS IN AWE...TO ME HE WAS UNSUNG HERO....I THINK SAME LEVEL AS ALL SAINTS THAT THERE EVER WERE.... - Posted by: CHET BREAU (FRIEND) on: Apr 27, 2012

  • I met Tom in 1997 at the University Group. You were right, we are all God's kids. Thank-you++ for carrying the message! - Posted by: Joan Grandbois (Fellow AA member) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • I have only vague memories of Uncle Tom and Auntie Fabi as I hadn't seen them since I was a young child, but they were all good memories. What really sticks out for me are all the fun stories about the two of them that the family used to tell over and over. My sympathy and love to the family. - Posted by: Melanie Berard (grand-niece, daughter of Marina Pittet (nee Lafreniere)) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • Tom had a great influence in our lives, all for the best. He will always be remembered by our family Yours in AA - Posted by: Bill & Clara (Friends) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • John, so sorry to learn of your father's passing and not to be able to be there. Your mom was the best teacher I ever had, and your dad was there with advice to my mom when she needed it. My condolences to you and your family. Take care copain a bientot - Posted by: Mick Bonin (Family Friend) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • As well as being devoted to A.A. he had a love of nature and wildlife. He blessed many lives. - Posted by: Mary J. (friend) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • Dear John and family; we will grieve and celebrate the remarkable life of your father. God bless and peace to us all. - Posted by: Scot McTaggart (Family friend) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • Sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Grafton was a very compassionate and devoted person. You are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Claudette Hall (Employee at Law Firm (8 years)) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • My condolences to Tom's family. I first met Tom in 1990 at the University Group. He was key to my sobriety and I am eternally grateful to have known him. Luv ya good Tom. - Posted by: John M. (Friend) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • To Tom's Family. I am truly sorry for your loss. I have heard your Father speak on many occasions and have always been inspired by his experience, strength and hope. He has helped and inspired many during his time here and will be greatly missed by tooo many to mention. A great man and a great loss. - Posted by: Guylaine R. (Friend) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • To Judy and Family. Our sympathies and prayers to you all on the loss of your Father and Grandfather. - Posted by: Warzel Family () on: Apr 26, 2012

  • Tom has been an influence in my life dating back to 1971. He had a profund influence on the road I travelled and I will always cherish his memory. - Posted by: Helen H (friend) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • Mr Grafton..you raised some interesting children, several remaining friends of our family. You are a testament to their character..educated, funny, and hospitable. I heard many stories of you and the love our children had for you. On behalf of our family, our sincere condolences at this time of reminiscing and celebration of life. - Posted by: Laurie Gydé (friend of the family in NIakwa Park and High school) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • Mr Grafton..your children, all special in their own right,are a testament of your character as a father. I heard some stories about you that were funny and heartfelt from your children. On behalf of our family my condolences to all of you, especially Neil.. - Posted by: Laurie Gyde (friend of the family in NIakwa Park and High school) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • A great man who will be missed and always remembered... - Posted by: Marc Pittet (great nephew) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • Enjoy the "Big Roundup" and thanks for your Love & Service through your many years in our beloved fellowship. - Posted by: Bob H. (Friend in "The Fellowship") on: Apr 25, 2012

  • I met Tom in 1983 when I first went to AA. I am very grateful he was there. I remember how wise and kind he was. My condolences, he will be missed by countless alcoholics not to mention everyone else he touched. - Posted by: Paul Fulton () on: Apr 25, 2012

  • Although we never met, I heard so many good things of you and I know a lot of the people you helped. Thank you for your purpose filled life. - Posted by: Laura T (none - world wide fellowship) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • John and family, I have known a good part of your whole family (or at least met most of you)in your Dad's lifetime. God bless your mom and dad because they will be together again at last. My sincerest condolences. It's nice that you have such a large family to carry on the legacy. - Posted by: Brenda Adair (Long time friend of family) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • WITH HEARTFELT PRAYERS AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY; OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU JANET JOYCE AND RHONDA WOROBEY - Posted by: JOYCE & RHONDA WOROBEY (FRIEND) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • Tom, you had a special way of sharing and caring that touched my life profoundly...thank-you my dear friend...your wisdom and legacy of service will live on - Posted by: kathy (friend) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • My most sincere condolences. I have fond memories of my early years as a lawyer working with Tom and learning from him values that stayed with me throughout my life. Rest in Peace old friend! - Posted by: Remi Lafreniere (articled student) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father Judy...I know I don't know you, but I knew your Dad and he was a very special man to me and very many people I know. My most sincere condolences. - Posted by: Judi McFarland (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • Judy and Family Thinking of you. May your fond memories be of comfort. - Posted by: Brenda Cotton () on: Apr 25, 2012

  • Condolences Wayne on the passing of your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers from your colleagues and friends at MFNERC. - Posted by: Colleagues at MFNERC () on: Apr 25, 2012

  • Tom was a great servant to God and those in need of his help; he will be missed dearly. My condolences to his family and all who were very close to Tom. - Posted by: John J. (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • I met Tom in 1972. I was fairly new in AA and Tom had a great influence in my life. I just gave a copy of his book to a man I sponsor. He is finding the book helpful so Tom continues "to carry the message" - Posted by: Al H. (Fellow AA member) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • A great man that was always surrounded with friends...he will be missed. - Posted by: Norm Roy (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2012

  • My sincere condolences Judy on the passing of your Father. You are ever in my prayers and thoughts at this time of loss. - Posted by: Janice Mantler () on: Apr 25, 2012

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