Tom JOSEFOWICH

Tom Josefowich On December 25, 2008, Tom Josefowich died at the age of 88 as a result of a stem cell stroke suffered two days earlier. He was born June 28, 1920 to Anthony and Stephanie on the farm in Brethour Township. He spent his early years with his 14 siblings in the country working the family farm and developing his mechanical skills on the machinery, tractors and trucks that would prove to be his training ground for skills he would use throughout his life. Mr. Josefowich served as an air observation artillery spotter with the Canadian Armed Forces in World War II, ADP Squadron 664, returning to marry Edith Melitzer in 1948. The couple moved to the Josefowich homestead where they raised their daughters Connie and Betty, staying on the farm for 18 years before relocating to New Liskeard in 1966. Mr. Josefowich’s independent spirit led him to his career in trucking, subsequently starting T&E Rentals where he would spend the next 26 years before retiring in 1992. Mr. Josefowich shared his life with many and devoted 37 years of service to the New Liskeard Lions Club. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 33 until his death. The Lions Club presented him with many challenges and opportunities. He held many positions with the Club over the year including president and deputy district governor A6. He was the recipient of the Judge Brian Stevenson Award and was named lifetime member of the Lions International in 2000. Mr. Josefowich received recognition as a 30-year volunteer from the Ontario government and in 2004, along with his wife Edie, was named Citizens of the Year from the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Josefowich is survived by his wife Edie, daughter Connie, grandson Sam and sons-in-law Jim Conlin and Tom Humphries. Also by a large, extended family who mourn his passing including his siblings Dan, Ted and Mary Beeley of North Bay, Sue Kenny of Miramichi, New Brunswick, Stephanie Luby of Stoney Creek, Julie Wells of Timmins, Jean Geluch of Burnaby, British Columbia and Millie O’Connor of Cambridge. He was predeceased by his daughter Betty in 2004, siblings Rose Chulomovich, John, Alec, Mike, Anne Chidester and Helen Coutts. A memorial service was held at St. Paul’s United Church on December 29, 2008. Donations in memory of Mr. Josefowich to the Temiskaming Diabetes Program, P.O. Box 73 in New Liskeard, would be appreciated by the family.