Thomas Alexander Upton LESTER

Thomas Alexander Upton Lester March 27, 1936 - August 16, 2005 Funeral arrangements by Glen Eden Funeral Home (Winnipeg) With open arms and a loving heart, Tom Lester of Winnipeg passed over into the white light of the heavens on August 16, 2005 at the age of 69 years. He peacefully passed in his sleep at St. Boniface Hospital while being treated for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Tom will forever be tenderly remembered by the family he so deeply loved and cherished: wife Alice Gilberte (nee Nault) of 44 years, and his children, Daniel Thomas Upton, Lisa Victoria, Curtis Foster Kingsley (and wife Shari). His memory will also be treasured by the grandchildren he adored: little Lilly (Curtis) and Presley (Lisa) Lester – his little King. Our beloved Tom is predeceased by his parents Tannis and Alex Lester, his forever missed brother Jim, mother-in-law Victoria Nault, sister-in-law Lynn Remple, brothers-in-law Ray and Fern Nault. Precious memories of Tom will also remain in the thoughts of his sisters Marianne Parker (Bob), Margaret Ritchie (George), little sister Marcia Rogocki (Bernie), his brothers-in-law Herve (Brenda), George (Elaine), Gerard (Victoria), and Gilles Nault (Barbara) along with their respective families. Born March 27, 1936 in Pine Falls Manitoba, Tom was raised in Albert Beach and Lester Beach, and later moved to Winnipeg (Charleswood and later River Heights). After their marriage on December 23, 1961, Tom and Alice lived in Elmwood for 10 years and then moved to East St Paul in 1971, where they made their home for the past 34 years. Together, Tom and Alice devoted their time to family, proudly embracing life with their children through many gatherings at home and the cottage in Lester Beach, travels, and finally, going into the family business. Tom began in the gravel trucking business in 1958, and the following year partnered with his brother James to start Lester Brothers Trucking, eventually forming Lesters Cartage & Construction Ltd. Tom and Jim thoroughly enjoyed working together in the industry they loved. Tom was in the heavy construction business for 46 years and loved to kick up the dirt in his construction world building gravel roads. He was a founding Director of the Manitoba Heavy Equipment Rental Association. A consummate jokester, Tom always had a smile, a story and something funny to say to friends. He loved to tease, joke and be personal and real with everyone he met. He was an honest hardworking man with great family values who openly invited friends into his home to share a laugh or cook a meal. A serious hockey fan, Tom was a Winnipeg Jets season ticket holder for 17 years with seats in Row 1. He loved watching his sons and grandson play hockey, as well as listening to his daughter sing. Tom was a unique humble character who loved and lived life to the fullest. And he was a very proud grandpa. Pallbearers will be Dan and Curtis Lester, Bernie Rogocki, Brian Staranchuck, Harold Myslawchuck, and Gilles Nault. Honorary Pallbearers are Hervé Nault, George Nault, Gerard Nault, Jaret Nault, Gerald Willis, Renald Major, and David Tweedy. We have all been blessed to share Tom’s life with him, and will honour this wonderful man with a funeral service on August 22, 2005, 1:00 pm at the Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 563 Knowles Avenue. A reception to follow at Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Dr. Nielsen’s Homeopathic Medical Education & Research Centre Inc., 185 Henderson Hwy, Wpg, MB R2L 1L5 Ph. 982-0780. Special thanks to Dr. Leelamma Neilsen of Dr. Neilsen’s Homeopathic Clinic along with Dr. Zoppa and the caring staff of St. Boniface hospital. “God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be, He closed His arms around you, And whispered “Come to me.” You didn’t deserve what you went through, So He took you home to rest, God’s garden must be beautiful, For He only takes the best.” Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111.