Thomas died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93 years, in the tender loving care of the staff at Broadview Union Hospital on Monday, November 22, 2021. A long, well lived life. He was born in Bowsman, Manitoba on April 1, 1928.
Thomas was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Edith (2009). Tom is survived by his daughter Elizabeth (Regan); son David and brother Bob Koester and his family Alice, Judy, Philip, James and Laura along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and very special friends.
Tom and Edith were married on November 1, 1952. He was known by many as Big Tom, Uncle Tom or Dad. Everyone loved his smile and he will always be remembered by those hands. His handshakes are not easily forgotten. Tom loved to walk and he did. He would always toss a wave to people passing by.
Tom worked hard throughout his life. Joining Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1940’s, he leaves behind his railroad friends. Moving west in 1967 he worked for the Alberni Plywood and was a life long member of the IWA. Tom was always in work clothes ready to go.
Living in Winnipeg, Port Alberni, Victoria, Sicamous and Grenfell, Tom has now made his way home to Manitoba. Their move to Grenfell was a happy one, being welcomed by good people. He leaves good friends behind. Tom was a volunteer. From the fire department at Sproat Lake to the Luxton fair and rodeos. He was always available to help the community.
Postponement of service for time being. Cremation with interment of cremated remains in Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Winnipeg, Manitoba, at later date where he will join Edith.
In Dad’s memory please place a winter bird feeder in your garden. He loved watching the birds.
Donation in memoriam may be made to the Broadview Union Hospital, Box 100, Broadview, SK S0G 0K0 or the Grenfell Health district, Box 243, Grenfell, SK S0G 2B0.
Please sign and leave a note on the memory page below. With the way of the world is right now, this is important for all of us to share, laugh, and cry together. Here is a link to Mom’s link to the Legacy memory site. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/remembering/obituary.aspx?n=edith-chidlow&pid=130296384
A very special thank you to the staff at the Broadview Union Hospital, Grenfell Medical Clinic and Tubman Funeral Home for their care, compassion and support they provided Tom and his family in this time.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18