Thomas William Garnham

Peacefully with his family by his side Thomas “Tom” Garnham passed away on January 19,2024 in Portage la Prairie, Mb at the age of 76 years. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Leigh; children Roxanne (Tim) Lafreniere and Leanne (Justin) Kochen, along with seven grandsons Justin, Jeffrey, Tanner, Jaden, Brandon, Ryder and Colby, sisters Barb (Don) Bolack and Betty Garnham, and many nieces nephews, relatives and friends. Tom was predeceased by his parents William and Ethel Garnham. 

Tom was the first born child to Bill and Ethel Garnham. They resided in the community of Delta, Mb until Tom was 7 years old, when they moved the house and family to Tupper Street in Portage. Tom grew up in the North end of Portage, he attended school in Delta and then finished his education in the Portage School Division, completing grade 11. As a youngster, he enjoyed playing sports and hanging out with his Northend buddies. In 1962, he met the love of his life Leigh, 5 years later in 1967, they were married and started their little family with the birth of their first born, Roxanne. They lived in Portage together for another 8 years and then they moved on to Oakville, later completing their little family with the birth of their second daughter Leanne. 

Tom considered himself a hard worker and took pride in the work he did, he worked in construction, had a long career with Campbell Soup then retired in 2012 from Munroe Farm Supplies, making many lifelong friendships along the way. Tom enjoyed the great outdoors. He always loved jumping on his 3 wheeler and taking his grandkids for long rides all over Oakville, as well as touring in the truck with whoever wanted to tag along.

He planned many family vacations, camping trips, fishing and hunting excursions and ski doo trips to spend time with family and friends. He and Leigh travelled across Canada, to many states in the USA and across the pond to Scotland and England to meet extended family. Tom loved music and the latest technology. You could be sure he would have the latest stereo equipment, computers and TV’s. He enjoyed hosting parties in the Rec Room where the music was always loud and good times were had. His wit, sarcasm and humour will be remembered by many. 

Tom's health started to decline in 2007 but remained stable for several years until 2018 when his health deteriorated further. His last 2 years were spent at home with his loving wife by his side.  His family would like to acknowledge and thank the Portage home care team for the wonderful care they provided to Tom in his home. Dr Boyd for his extremely dedicated service, Dr Woelk and the palliative care team for their compassion and professionalism. 

As per Tom's wishes there will be no official funeral service. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  

As expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Tom's memory to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5 or Sunset Palliative Care Inc, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B2. 

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com