Tom passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at the age of 92 years. Although we mourn his death, we celebrate his long and productive life.
He is lovingly remembered by his family: sons, Jack (Marilyn) of Maui, Hawaii; Donald of Murray River, P.E.I.; and daughter, Margaret Imrie (Murray) of Falcon Lake, Manitoba; grandchildren, Stephanie Miller, Devin (Kendra), Megan and Gillian Imrie and Cullen Miller. He is also survived by sister-in-law, June Cullen and many loving nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his wife, Martie in 1990.
Tom was born November 10, 1918, in Winnipeg to Elizabeth and Arthur Miller. He received a Bachelor of Arts (English major) from University of Winnipeg in 1938, followed by a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from McGill in 1944. Tom met Martie in Flin Flon in 1941 while working as a summer student with H.B.M.& S. They were married three years later and moved to Sarnia, Ontario, where he was employed as a chemist for ESSO. In 1945, they relocated to Winnipeg and Tom was hired by Air Canada (TCA), as Senior Engineer. In 1958 the family moved to Montreal where he worked as the manager of the Maintenance Engineering Department for Air Canada until his retirement in 1977. Tom was highly respected in his field and traveled the world extensively representing the company on many boards related to the aviation industry.
Upon retirement, Tom and Martie rebuilt their summer cottage at Falcon Lake into a year-round home. Time spent at Falcon Lake was especially dear to them both. Tom's last trip to Falcon Lake at Thanksgiving saw him enjoy the beautiful warm weekend from his sunny deck as he surely reminisced of the wonderful times he had enjoyed there for 50 years. Tom and Martie spent many winters in Florida with their dear friends Lillian and the late Art Lamb. Many enjoyable trips were taken to the UK, Europe and Australia. In Tom's later years, winters were spent in Vancouver and Victoria, B.C, where he looked forward to getting outside every day for a walk. Summers at Falcon Lake with family and special outings with the WinFal Seniors kept him busy and engaged. The past two years at Sterling House were also memorable for Tom as he continued to live independently and meet new friends.
Tom loved the outdoors; camping, fishing, duck shooting, boating, skiing, skating and curling. He was a strong advocate of education and being informed, and was thus a very avid reader all of his life. These activities and traits would have lasting influence on his children and grandchildren as life unfolded. Tom had a sharp analytical mind, combined with a clear sense of purpose. His sense of humour and "twinkle in his eye" was engaging. He was a very independent person and his integrity and strong character set an example for us all. Throughout Tom's life his love and affection for family was paramount. He was particularly proud of his five grandchildren and the pleasure they gave him.
In keeping with Tom's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will take place in June 2011 with family and friends at his home at Falcon Lake. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Siloam Mission or a charity of their choice.
Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0X4, 204-783-7211.
Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

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