Thomas David Grafton

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