THOMAS ALWIN ROBSON

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THOMAS ALWIN ROBSON 1932 - 2015 It is with great sadness that the Robson family announces the passing of Thomas Alwin Robson, L/Col, H/Col, (retired), on November 12, 2015 at the age of 83. Dad was born to Winnifred (nee Rourke) and Peter Robson on October 7, 1932 in Owen Sound, Ontario. The family subsequently moved to Meaford, Ontario where Dad spent an eventful childhood and received his education. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1950 at the young age of 17. After training, he flew with the t35 (T) squadron (twice), 426 squadron (Korea), 137(T) Flight U.K., 109 (com) Flt., France, 4(T) OTU, and 437(CT) squadron. He commanded No. 1 Air Movements Squadron and worked in senior staff positions at Air Transport Command and Air Command Headquarters. He was very committed to the R.C.A.F. for over 37 years, the colleagues he served with and the staff he later commanded. Dad retired from the R.C.A.F. in Winnipeg, in 1987. Dad met and married Olive Henderson while stationed in Edmonton in 1956. He loved her dearly and considered the days he met and married her to be the luckiest ones of his life. They were blessed with three children: Heather (Randy Jung), Winnifred/Winn (Darrell Briscoe), and Tommy/Tom (Susan Breslaw), and five wonderful grandsons, Adam (Stacey Taylor), Derek, Alexander, Cameron and Ethan. Dad loved his family; they were always his top priority, together with Mom. Together Dad and Mom enjoyed retirement in Abbotsford, BC where they happily hosted countless visits from family and friends, and made new friends. They returned to Winnipeg in 1996 to be closer to their grandchildren. Dad lost Mom on March 8, 2013 after 56 years of marriage. Dad had a lifelong interest in thoroughbred horses, and it was this interest, along with hours of enjoyment watching Downton Abbey with Heather, his care for and from his family, and phone conversations with long-time friends Willy, Lottie and Mike, that allowed him to bravely endure the weeks and months prior to his passing. He was able to share advice, guidance and interest in the futures of his children and grandchildren well into his final days. Dad was a consummate story teller. Recollections of his childhood, adolescence and young adulthood engendered a sense of a "Tom Sawyer" or "Stand by Me" existence. His reminiscences of time spent around the world in the R.C.A.F. demonstrated a career well led. His description and understanding of the land, sea and air, the flora and fauna, the changing seasons, his travels, history and world events, captured the listener's attention. His wit and ability to invoke detail of a character from his past often resulted in raucous laughter and giggles. So Skipper, his boyhood dog, who went to war with a battalion travelling through Owen Sound, Cudgy's return from the Second World War, "Tick Tock" Clock's antics, or the eight-eyed girl he danced with after his first beer, all linger on within our collective memories. So too do the principles he stood for and the man he was. Dad embodied the quote, "The most important thing a father can do for his children is love their mother". We hope Mom and Dad are together again swaying to the music, because to quote Dad, "Boy could she dance!" Dad also leaves two sisters, Mary (Allan) in Kentucky and Patricia in Ontario, brother-in-law, Arnot and sisters-in-law, Molly, Rose, Fulvia and May, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to Jesusan for years of friendship and care, and Maria for her compassionate heart and presence. As well, the family wishes to thank Doctors Catherine Moltzan and Paul Sawchuk, and the nurses and staff at CancerCare Manitoba and Access River East, as well as the Palliative Care home team. In keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation has already taken place and a celebration of his life was held on November 13, 2015. Memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2015