Thomas COSENS

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COSENS: Thomas George Cosens, January 27, 1946 – May 16, 2018. On the evening of May 16, 2018 our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away suddenly in the Virden Health Centre at the age of 72. He is survived by spouse Donna, son Albert (Tara) Cosens, daughter Marie (Wayne) Simpson, grandchildren Joel Cosens, Britanee (Mark) Perrin, Brock Cosens, Drew Simpson and Aaron Simpson, great-grandchildren Keller, Jett and Leilah Cosens and Graycie, Heidi and Nora Perrin and also extended family Chad (Rita) Scharff and Darren (Jenny) Scharff and grandchildren Danika, Cade, Thomas, Katie and Jackson Scharff. Tom will also be lovingly remembered by his sister Velma (Joe) Kulbaba of Lac du Bonnet and many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his father Alan and mother Jeanne Cosens, brothers Vern and Harold Cosens and former wife Rose. Tom was born at Teulon Hospital on January 27, 1946. He had 2 older brothers and an older sister. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Gunton, Manitoba receiving his education at Gunton School. He and his brother helped his parents to do chores and milk cows before and after school every day. He worked hard as a young child but always remembered his days at home on the farm fondly. He left school after the eighth grade and went to work for Nelson River Construction in Winnipeg with his father who had worked there for a number of years. They dug sewer lines under the city streets mostly with a pick and shovel. Deciding that this wasn't for him, he headed west to Virden with $20 in his pocket ($4 of which he had used for bus fare) to find a job in the oilfield. He worked on drilling and service rigs and also had a shoe repair shop. During this time his son Bert and daughter Marie were born. In 1975 he purchased a water well drilling rig and began drilling wells. He made Cosens Drilling Ltd. a very successful company, drilling wells all over Manitoba and beyond. During the mid-eighties, he purchased an oilfield service rig as well, the beginning of CD Oil Well Servicing Ltd. In 1991 he purchased oil wells from International Interlake and subsequently sold his oilfield servicing equipment to his son Bert. He continued drilling water wells until 1997 while son-in-law Wayne assisted in the operation of the oil wells. At this point he established TC Consulting providing consultant services and oilfield equipment for 13 years. The oil wells were sold in 2012. Tom worked hard all his life. He learned to be tough on himself and sometimes the men who worked around him in a dangerous environment. He believed a job should be done right the first time and had little patience for those that thought otherwise. But don't try to tell his grand and great grandchildren that their Papa Tom and Grandpa was a tough guy. They never saw that in him. He cuddled them all as babies and remained interested in all of their pursuits and willing to listen and talk anytime. Family has always been important to Tom and he made sure they all knew it. He loved family suppers especially at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving when all his loved ones were around him. His good natured teasing and laughter as well as his strength will be forever missed by his loved ones. Tom loved to visit with people of all ages and walks of life but especially young people who were just starting in the oil business or any business. He liked to share the lessons that he had learned over the years. He appreciated their tenacity and will to succeed and they were grateful for his help. He also liked to hear the stories of people he met while biking and travelling. He was interested in everything and everyone and could connect enthusiastically with all. He never lost his love for farming and enjoyed getting the calls to haul grain at Wayne and Marie's farm. He was an exceptional woodworker and enjoyed looking at and purchasing antiques. He and Donna went on many trips over the years and saw a lot of interesting places. He also liked to go to the cabin at Childs Lake in the Duck Mountains where new and close friends were made. He loved the outdoors and nature. Tom developed a passion for Harley Davidson bikes early in his life when he would see an older friend in Gunton riding a war-era bike. Tom had many bikes throughout his life and loved to ride them but he would never go unless his work was done. He wanted to know as he rode that his work and worries were behind him. Riding was the reward for a job well done. He had many special rides with special people including his son and daughter. He saw so many places and could tell countless stories. There are numerous people in Tom's life that are saddened by the fact that they didn't get the chance to tell him how important he was to them and the difference that he made in their lives. He left everyone wanting more - of his wisdom, his humour, his laughter, his friendship and his love. Tom, your work is finished and we know you are riding the highways, probably in your work clothes, enjoying the scenery and beauty of the countryside, the power at your fingertips, the wind in your face and most especially the satisfaction of a job exceptionally well done. A celebration of Tom’s life was held at the Virden Curling Rink – Virden, Manitoba on Thursday, May 24, 2018. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba in memory of Tom. G.R. Carscadden Funeral Chapels, Virden, in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 25, 2018