Obituary of Thomas Lawrence Adamski

ADAMSKI: On Monday, February 17, 2014, Tom left this world to join his beautiful bride, Ramona and many of his dear family members and friends in Heaven. Tom was born in Brandon, Manitoba on September 22, 1924 to Peter and Rose Adamski. He was the 5th of 7 children that filled their busy home. Dad loved the Adamski homestead, on Brandon's North Hill. Slopping the pigs, feeding the chickens, or carrying a newborn calf home on his shoulders were some of his favorite chores. Dad served in World War II as a gunner in the artillery division. His service remained in Canada and he was fortunate enough to be stationed on the scenic east coast before his honorable discharge. Being a resident of the North Hill went hand in hand with spending time at the Brandon Mental Health Centre skating, going to picture shows and spending time with the residents. It was this connection that would change Dad's life forever as he met his true love, Ramona Atkins, during one of his many visits to BMHC. Dad was a romantic fella, he would write love letters to Mom and sketch pictures in her autograph book. They fished, swam at the 10-mile dam, and made the most of their time together. They married on October 1, 1949, in Brandon, and soon afterwards began building the one and only Adamski family home, which stood only 200 feet west of Dad's family home. Not wasting any time, they had their first of three children, Marjorie, followed by Tom Jr. and finally, Julie. Dad worked for 25 years with the CPR and retired in 1969 as an engineer. He then worked for an additional 23 years with the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission, finally hanging up his smock in 1990. Anyone that knew Dad understood that he was a very orderly fellow. Everything had its place and Dad took great pride in keeping his surroundings tidy. Whenever it snowed, Dad would be outside "forever" sweeping every flake off the driveway. I can still remember the icicles hanging from his trademark moustache and Mom yelling out the door, "Tommy - You get in this house right now, you are going to freeze your toes!" The only thing that brought Dad greater pleasure than Mom and his home, were his children and grandchildren. Whenever he had the chance to speak of them or their achievements, his face would light up and a tear would come to his eye. Dad was so proud to be a great grandpa and just adored his little peanut, Ava Elizabeth with her mohawk hair do and her blue owl eyes! Dad was a man of simple needs. He loved his same old gray work pants and brown socks, much to Mom's dismay! But when it came time for a night on the town, it was hard to find a swankier couple than Mom and Dad. Travel fit well with Dad's sense of adventure. He always wanted to know what was around the next corner, which is why a trip to the Grand Canyon ended up in Disneyland, California! In 2011, Dad was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Ramona. Dad often put on a brave face but he missed Mom so very much. Dad is survived by his daughter Marjorie (Leo) Bojarski, son Tom (Louise) Adamski, daughter Julie (Darren) Hughes, grandsons, Dennis Bojarski, Aiden and Noah Hughes, granddaughter Paula (Clayton) Canart and great granddaughter Ava Canart and his lone surviving sibling Stanley Adamski. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church on February 21, 2014. Dad was laid to rest next to Mom in Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Aiden Hughes, Noah Hughes, Darren Hughes, Michael Adamski, Mark Adamski and Jordan Adamski. The Family thanks you for any donations to honor Dad's life. Please consider the Manitoba Brain Injury Association, 204-825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1M5 or Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation-Palliative Care Unit, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3. Dad was an active supporter of many charities and we know he would appreciate your generosity to keep the legacy growing. Dad – you left us so suddenly, it took our breath away. But we will try and find comfort with each passing day. You missed Mom so much during the time you were apart. But now you are back in her arms, heart to heart. Please watch over us in the coming days. We miss you so much, now and always. Love you always and forever – your kids.