Tom Lazarenko

It is with very heavy hearts we share the sudden and unexpected passing of Tom Lazarenko on January 13, 2024 at the age of 55.

Tom will be deeply and forever missed by his wife Karen, children Matthew (Alyssa) and Miranda (Stephan); his mother Judy, sister Angela, brothers Edward and Paul; mother-in-law Barbara, brother-in-law Paul (Christine); nephews Jarrett, Joshua and Daniel, niece Olivia; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends; and his beloved furry companion Parker. Tom was predeceased by his father Harry, and his father-in-law George.

Growing up in Winnipeg, Tom attended Immaculate Heart of Mary, Garden City Collegiate, and graduated from Sisler High School. Winter weekends were spent visiting family, rocking out in an air band, and hanging out with dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Summers were spent visiting the old family farm in Arborg, or at Camp Veselka just north of Gimli, where Tom attended summer camp for many years. The family later moved to Camp Rusalka where Tom had many adventures and formed lifelong friendships. A true sports fanatic from the time he was little, Tom played the position of goalie for his hockey team. On the high school Rugby team, he was the last to join the scrum so he could pounce on the top of the pile of players, but most of all he loved hanging out and throwing a football around with amazing friends in Kildonan Park.

Tom and Karen began their whirlwind adventure early in life, and the already close families were thrilled when they married. They went on to have two wonderful children, Matt and Miranda, and they all grew up together. Tom was a family man to his core and he was never more in his element than when playing the role of dad – and the kids knew early on they were blessed with one of the most incredible fathers in the world. He was the loudest parent on the sidelines cheering on Matthew during his football and hockey games, and beamed with pride as he watched Miranda grace the ballet stage.

After dabbling in home renovations and a job at Bristol Aerospace, Tom went on to complete Computer Analyst Programmer studies at Red River College, and had a very successful career in the Information Technology world, first with CanWest Global, followed by Postmedia Network Inc. He was that programmer who wouldn’t let things go, and always found a solution to even the most complex problems.

Tom never liked to sit still long, he was forever working on home improvements and he built his family the most beautiful backyard oasis. He was the first to help you with your project, teach anyone who was interested how to change their own oil and winter tires, and give you whatever time you needed from him. He fished, curled, and visited often with his family and closest friends – usually smoking his famous ribs or brisket for the occasion. Tom regularly met his childhood friends for lunch and every fall he anxiously awaited the "BFT" where he would spend 4 days on the water with the boys on their annual fishing trip. Tom would also meet new friends wherever he went and stopped to listen to anyone who had a story to tell him. Throughout their relationship, the question Karen was asked the most was “Where’s Tom?”. The answer was always “he’s talking with someone”. Recently Tom was most excited about the new cottage he and Karen were just putting the finishing touches on in Lac du Bonnet, they had plans to spend most of retirement there by the fire.

Tom was the kindest person, who never spoke ill of anyone. He never got upset and was a steady rock to everyone who knew him. Unless of course, he was behind the wheel of a car or on the curling ice – only then would you get a glimpse of the tiniest competitive spirit in him. Tom was Karen’s biggest supporter, and she was his. They had a love affair of the ages, did almost everything together, regularly told each other how deeply they loved each other, and how happy they were with the life they built together.

You will always be with us Tom and we will love you forever!

A Celebration of Tom's Life will begin with a viewing at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 710 Roanoke Street. Burial will take place at Green Acres Cemetery, Hwy. #1 East at Navin Road.