THOMAS STAPLES DROPE formerly of Avonlea, passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 6, 2011 at the age of 90 years. Tom was born on March 7, 1921 on the family farm near Avonlea. He attended Crown School and Avonlea High School. Tom joined the RCAF and served in Europe for 3 years during WWII. In 1959 he married Marjorie Trosvick and together they farmed the family farm. He was the first to introduce Charolais cattle to the area and was very proud of this. He was active in many organizations including the Legion, Watershed Authority, Sask. Wheat Pool, Avonlea School Board, Vestry and Lay Minister at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, coached girls’ softball, and was a leader for the 4H Beef Club. Tom and Marjorie enjoyed square dancing for many years. Tom is predeceased by his father William, mother, Lillian; sisters Marjory, Marion, Irene, Doris, and Helen; brothers, Allan, Bart, Wall and Harold. Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Marjorie; daughters Lynn (Peter) Bridge of Calgary; Susan (Bob) Ballantyne of White City; grandchildren, Michael Bridge, Jessica and Courtney Ballantyne; as well as numerous other family members. The family would like to thank the staff of William Albert Personal Care Home for their loving and kind care of Tom in his final days. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in the W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Chapel, Moose Jaw. Reverend Doug Shepherd will officiate. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Royal Canadian Legion Funeral Rites will be conducted by Bert Longhurst. For those so wishing, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Poppy Fund, 268 High St.W., Moose Jaw, S6H 1S8. In living memory of Tom, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).