Obituary of Thomas W. H. Turpin

TURPIN: Thomas W. H. Turpin passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on October 13th, 2010 in the presence of his loving family. Surviving him is his wife, Elaine, his partner and best friend for 68 years and his daughters, Joan Bloxom, Diane (Jack) Spalding, Sandra (Garry) Robins and Gail (Carl) Roberts, seven granddaughters, one grandson, and one great granddaughter. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Arthur M. and Annie Turpin, his brother Arthur and two sisters, Kathleen Bartholomew and Isobel Roberts. Tom was born in Winnipeg on January 10, 1916. Tom grew up in St. James and went to Assiniboine School, St. James Collegiate and Success Business College. As a boy, he delivered the Winnipeg Free Press and received a gold watch for perfect service and won numerous sales contests. Tom was fond of sports and was a member of the Deer Lodge Football team which won the Western Canada Junior Championship in 1934. He continued his love of sports by following the Blue Bombers and Brandon Wheat Kings and all his grandchildren's sports endeavors. In 1940, he joined the Army and served in the Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps and was transferred to Infantry Corps receiving his commission as Lieutenant. He continued with the 39th Field Regiment (militia) as Captain Paymaster. In 1945, Tom became a member of the Winnipeg Police Department. He served for 12 years and secured many commendations for bravery and good service. In 1957, he joined Federated Mutual Insurance Co. and moved to Brandon to cover all Western Manitoba. In 1962, Tom became a partner with Les Mitchell and Bill Barker in Barker Agencies. He later bought out his partners and over time was joined by Lito Aytona and his son-in-law, Jack Spalding. Tom was very involved in the community. He was president of the Brandon Real Estate Board. Under his leadership they wrote a constitution and started a Multiple Listing Service. He was on the executive of the Manitoba Real Estate Association. He and his friend, Charlie Brawn, built the Thomas Mall on 18th Street where Barker Agencies was located. Tom and Fred Maher started the Valleyview Community Club and Tom served as president. With volunteers they built the hockey rink and change shack. He also served on the Brandon Police Commission and the Traffic Advisory Commission. He was active in St. Matthew's Cathedral and was the Rector's Warden and was on the Vestry for many years. In 1980, Tom retired from Barker Insurance Agency. He and Elaine spent many happy winters in Mesa, Arizona. They made many friends there and it was the headquarters for many family visits. In the summer, they had a cottage at Clear Lake. Friends, family and especially grandchildren loved to spend time there. Tom and Elaine traveled all over the world and, in particular, enjoyed their visits with family in New Zealand, Australia, England and Scotland. In later years, Tom valued his friendships at Village Green and Victoria Landing. The family thanks the Dept. of Veteran Affairs, BRHA Home Care and Camelot Personal Care for helping to keep Tom healthy in his home. The funeral service will be held at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 403-13th Street, on Monday, October 18th at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the church hall. Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Tom, donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or a charity of choice.