THOMAS DEWAR

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THOMAS DEWAR June 25, 1922 - December 28, 2013 Peacefully in his sleep at the Concordia Hospital, Tom passed away to be with his wife Mary, of sixty-six years. Tom will be greatly missed by his daughter, Lorraine (Ray) Zacharias, his son, David (Janis), his three grandchildren, Sharon, Daniel and Trisha, and his great-granddaughter, Sydney. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy, his sisters, Christina Murray, Margaret Hewitt and Dorothy Tyers, his brother Edward and his granddaughter Krystin. Tom grew up in the west end of Winnipeg on Toronto Street and attended Hugh John McDonald School where he first met Mary in 1936. Tom joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers as a bugler in the non-combat militia reserves in 1937. When war was declared, Tom enlisted in the active militia of The Winnipeg Grenadiers. They spent one and a half years in Jamaica, preparing themselves for the tropical climate of Hong Kong. They arrived in Hong Kong on November 16, 1941 and were captured Christmas Day, 1941. They then spent the next three years and eight months under the harshest conditions ever experienced by any POW. Tom returned home to Winnipeg in 1945 and he and Mary began dating in 1946. They were married on October 18, 1947 and built their lives around their two children, Lorraine and David. On his return from Hong Kong, Tom began working at the Laurie Wagon and Carriage Co. After almost losing a couple fingers, Tom decided to find another profession. He joined the CIBC, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in 1950 and worked there until his retirement in 1983 as Supervisor of the Central Mailroom. Tom and Mary bought a cabin at Grand Beach, where they spent many summers with their children, Lorraine and David. After selling the cabin in 1978 Tom and Mary turned their vacation plans to traveling the world. They especially enjoyed Hawaii and Las Vegas. They also enjoyed many ocean cruises and bus tours. Tom and Mary were active members of the Fort Garry Legion, # 90, where Tom held many positions, including Legion President for four years. While serving as President, Tom was instrumental in implementing By-Laws in the Branch, as no By-Laws were enforced. Tom received many awards as a member of the Legion, including Legionnaire of the Year and the Certificate of Merit. Each of these awards is awarded for outstanding devotion to the aims and objectives of the Royal Canadian Legion. In 1975, Tom received a Life Membership Award. In May, 1993, Tom received the "Palm Leaf Meritorious Service" medal, the highest award granted to Life, Ordinary or Associate voting members who have rendered continuous meritorious service to the cause of the Royal Canadian Legion. On August 19, 2012, Tom was honored with the "Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee" medal, created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne. Tom was very active in curling and bowling, for the Legion and CIBC and followed hockey, football and baseball on TV. Tom and Mary were also season ticket holders for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for over 50 years, for which they were recognized and honored by the Winnipeg Football Club and presented with an autographed football. They attended the 1991 Grey Cup, which was held in Winnipeg. The family would like to extend their appreciation and love to the staff of Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home, where Tom resided for eight years. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation can be made to a charity of choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2014