Obituary of Thomas Edward Horobin

HOROBIN: Thomas Edward Horobin passed away at Assiniboine Centre on October 7, 2012 at the age of 97. Remaining to cherish his memory are his three sons Ken, Bob and Murray (Marjorie); his daughter, Linda (Jake) Friesen; ten grandchildren, Blake (Maureen), Lindsay, Kristen, Adam, Laura, Kevin (Karen), Ryan, Jaclyn (Matt) Wiebe, and Travis; great grandchildren, twins Alice and Avery, Trenton; sisters Dorothy Stanley, Peggy (Richard) Brickwood. Tom is predeceased by his wife Helen, his sister Grace (Allan) Bryant, and brother Bert (Winnie), brother-in-law Gordon Stanley and granddaughter Erica Friesen. Long ago Tom's father tossed a coin to see if they would go to Canada or Australia. Canada won. Tom's mother also came from England to Canada where they married. Tom, the oldest son, was born on December 25th, 1914, in Brandon. Tom lived his school years in Brandon where he went to Fleming and McLaren schools. He joined the Air Force in 1942 until 1946 when he received his Sergeants' stripes. He met and married Martha Helen Jackson in 1943 and they settled and raised their family in Brandon. During this time, he built their home at 1035-3rd Street where they lived happily together until Helen passed away in 1995. Tom and Helen enjoyed many activities together; gardening, dancing, playing card games with friends, square dancing with the Circle Eight Square Dance club, and spending time with their grandchildren at the cabin. Tom was a founding member of Trinity United Church, an active member of the Legion and received his 60-year pin. He was a skilled carpenter and worked as a building inspector for 31 years at CFB Shilo, retiring in February, 1978. After retirement, Tom and Helen enjoyed many years travelling extensively all over the world to places such as England, Scotland, France, Egypt, Portugal and Spain, Cyprus, Mexico, and motored to most of the USA. Summers were enjoyed at their cabin in the old campground at Clear Lake where his children and grandchildren often visited and share many fond memories today. In 2001, Tom moved to River Heights Terrace where he made many new friends and spent countless hours visiting with family and friends. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all. A memorial service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday, October 12, 2012. Donations can be made to BRHC Foundation "Brandon RHA Cancer Services", 150 McTavish Ave East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.