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THOMAS JAMES BETZ
Born: Jun 06, 1958
Date of Passing: Aug 27, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryTHOMAS (TOM) JAMES BETZ June 6, 1958 - August 27, 2016 It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle and special friend, Tom Betz, on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Pine Falls Hospital, at the age of 58 years. Tom lived at his cottage at Lester Beach, Manitoba and was employed by Grand Pines Golf Course at the time of his passing. Tom is survived by his father, Elmer Betz; and his sisters, Linda Keeper, Lorraine Kakegamic, Irene (Terry) Plowman, June Funk and Iris Anderson. Tom was especially close to his niece Christine Funk and her fiancé Claude Pelletier. He also had numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Tom was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy; younger sister Tara Betz; and brother-in-law Solly Kakegamic. As a young boy, Tom attended Florence Nightingale, Hampstead, Morse Place Junior High and Kildonan East Collegiate schools. He loved sports and was an avid hockey player. He played junior hockey for Northwood Community Club and Morse Place Community Club. Tom enjoyed time with his family camping, swimming and going to Legion picnics. He got the golf bug and became a member of Rossmere Country Club at the age of 14. He especially enjoyed spending time with his buddies watching hockey, golf, football, basketball and baseball. Through his golfing career, Tom soon developed lifelong friends. From 1980 to 1985 he was the assistant golf pro at Rossmere Golf and Country Club and served his five year golf apprenticeship under Gerald Morrissey. In 1984 Tom won the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of Manitoba Assistants Championship. In 1986 he received his Class A Professional Card and over the years he honed his skills as a PGA. He always left his mark at the golf courses, leaving the course in a much better state than when he arrived. Tom's love and the passion for the game of golf was always centered around his junior golf programs. He inspired a new generation of golfers. "Tommy" was a great organizer and promoter of golf and fun golf events. You would always see or hear him on the course with his famous Woo Hoo's. It is in Lester Beach, Manitoba where Tom bought his cottage and planned to retire from golf. He enjoyed the relaxed, laid back life of cottage living. We will miss Tom, the man of many nicknames, "Tommy", "Tommer", "Bodine", "Jethro" and "The Big Rig". We're sure he's up there belting out a few Roy Orbison tunes and a few Woo Hoo's. A Funeral Service will be held for Tom on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Westwood Community Church, 400 Westwood Dr., Winnipeg, Manitoba. Honorary Pallbearers are Bruce Gray, Chris Jenson, Bruce Johnson, Al Fisher, Don Robson, Brent Hammerback, Waverly Squires and Bob MacCallum. A Celebration of Tom's Life will also be held on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Pines Golf Course, Highway #59, Traverse Bay, Manitoba. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com "Rest in peace Big Rig, you touched so many lives with your kindness and generosity."
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2016
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Tom was a big influence in my life as a Golf Professional, when he got the job as head pro at the Falcon Lake golf course he hired me as his assistant and that was the start of a long time mentorship and friendship. Tom was always eager to share all the golf knowledge that he had acquired over the years working in Canada or the USA..whether you wanted to hear it or not. I look back and find myself still using all of those lessons learned. Whether conducting a junior clinic or couples night or Men's night, It will be hard not to think of the "BIG RIG". I had a lot of talks with Tom this spring about my new job and of course he was one of the first congratulation phone calls that I received. I now work as the Head Golf Professional at the Falcon Lake Golf Course and I owe it all to Tom for taking a chance on me back in the day...Thanks Buddy rest in peace .. - Posted by: Jeff Heiland (friend / co worker) on: Sep 24, 2016
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Very sad about Tommy's passing. I knew him in many ways, but mostly through golf. A kind man with a gentle soul but a passion for life that was larger than life. The "Grand Pines" group knew how big his heart was and how much he wanted to please every golfer that stepped on to Grand Pines. To his family and friends, I offer my condolences. The golf community at Grand Pines all know he will be hard to replace. He was a special man who touched our lives in a way did we did know, until he was gone. I will miss you Tommy. - Posted by: Ken Rowson (Friend / Golfer) on: Sep 07, 2016
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So sad to hear of the passing of Tom. Tom was a great friend growing up. We played hockey together and spent hours in my basement playing table tennis. Tom was a gracious host whenever we traveled to play play golf at Clear Lake, Falcon or Grand Pines. He always had a special greeting on our golf cart and would ensure we would get a big bear hug before the round. We will miss you, my dear friend. -Brian and Karen Foster - Posted by: Brian Foster (Friend) on: Sep 06, 2016
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Loved this guy. He was a real asset to the Clear Lake Golf Course. Had a few lessons from him and considered him my friend. Glad I got to see him this spring. He was a gentle soul and will be missed by many people. R.I.P. Tom, Marg - Posted by: Marg Patrick (friend) on: Sep 04, 2016
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I grew up in Morse Place a few years ahead of Tom but knew him quite well through games of shinny that he was never afraid to take part in with the older guys and then through golf at Rossmere and then when Tom was at Clear Lake. Tom was a friend of everyone and simply had a wonderful disposition that drew people to him. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. Rest in peace Tom. You did well. - Posted by: Greg Sawatzky (Friend) on: Sep 04, 2016
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Sorry to here the passing of a good man my condolences to the Family and close friends sad to see you leave. Rest in Peace Tom.... - Posted by: Dave Komora (friend) on: Sep 03, 2016
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Sincere condolences to his family and colleagues. Tom was always available to offer advice when asked and made himself available when needed. Tom will be missed by many. - Posted by: Ada Vandersteen (Retired manager of Granite Hills Golf) on: Sep 03, 2016
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Our thoughts and prayers go to Tommy,s family and loved ones..Tommy gave me my first golf lesson at Rossmere.He was so patient with me and told me"Sylvia",you will be a good golfer after i give you all the golf lessons you need..He also rescued me at a golf course in Clear Lake when i fell and sprained my ankle..So kind and compassionate..Those memories i will cherish forever.. He is with Jesus and his Angels and heaven has been blessed with another special angel called Tommy.. Rest in peace our dear friend. God bless you and your loved ones. With Love and Respect, Sylvia and Gordon Bowen - Posted by: Sylvia and Gordon Bowen (Friend during his golfing career at Rossmere Golf and Country Club) on: Sep 03, 2016
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