January 22, 1975 - April 15, 2020
It is with great sadness and shattered hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our dear brother, Tommy. He passed away suddenly at his home, on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at the age of 45.
Tommy was born on January 22, 1975 in Winnipeg, MB, and was raised in the small town of Landmark. It was this town that would later shape his love for country living. Tommy loved exploring fields/bushes, playing in the ditches, and bringing home dead animals to scare his mom with. Dirt biking, fishing, quadding and cars became favourites as he grew older. Tommy enjoyed helping out his dad in the milk truck, which later became his passion. He eventually ran his own milk route (proudly named "UDDERone Enterprises" – aka the 'other one'), and took over the remainder of Dad's route when Dad could no longer run it. He was very proud of his business, and poured his heart and soul into it, which was apparent in how he treated his customers and how he was received. Another great passion of Tom's were his cars/trucks, whether that be real or diecast collections. Although he had many vehicles, his favourites were his supercharged Mustang GT and Roadrunner. Tommy was a mix of shy, quiet, genuine and gentle, yet extremely stubborn and set in his ways. Even so, he had a heart of gold for everyone he knew and loved, and made a big impact on everyone who crossed his path.
Tommy was predeceased by his grandparents; father, Charles Tomko; and mother, Myrna Tomko. Left to cherish his memory are his two sisters: Carrie-Lynn McLaughlin (Glenn) and Crystal Donais (Jonathan); six nieces/nephews: Brooklyn Donais, Katie McLaughlin, Brayson Donais, Joshua McLaughlin, Brinley Donais and Brody Donais. He will be sadly missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, customers, and everyone else whose lives he touched.
A private service will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB. The service may be viewed via livestream. Please visit http://www.ustream.tv/channel/small-chapel.
For those friends wishing to greet the family (Tom's sisters), or watch a recording of the eulogy, a short time for giving condolences will take place at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, at 2:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we ask that you remain in your vehicle until directed.
Tommy was all about comfort, and commonly referred to himself as "redneck"! Please do as Tommy would, and come dressed in whatever you find the most comfortable. Formal clothes need not apply. Interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please pay it forward as Tommy would do, and spend time with someone you love or someone who needs love, especially the elderly. Whether this be through providing a meal, grocery shopping, playing a card game, or even just a smile as you walk by. Any way you can give of yourself to make someone else's day a bit better, is all he ever wanted to do.
Special thanks to Tom's friends, Norm and Dan. Thank you for checking up on him, and going with your gut when you were concerned. Thank you for being there, for calling for help, and thank you for getting in touch with us. Tommy was very lucky to have had such great friends!
We would also like to thank Birchwood Funeral Chapel who once again helped us navigate a very difficult situation, and provided great care, compassion, and assistance to our brother and family, as well as the RCMP on location.
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