Obituary of Thomas "Tommy" Rhodes

RHODES: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Thomas (Tommy) Rhodes, husband of the late Gertie Rhodes on June 16th, 2013 at Hillcrest Place in Brandon, MB at the age of 90 years. Tommy was born July 8th, 1922 in Helpringham Fen, Sleaford, in the County of Lincoln, England to Eliza and Thomas Harry Rhodes. Tommy and his family immigrated to Canada in April 1925 and settled in the Hargrave District in MB. Tommy and Gertie were married on May 30th, 1944 and together they raised four children. He will be sadly missed by daughter Marilyn (Doug) Duncalfe, son Allan Rhodes, daughters Audrey Rhodes (Kevin) and Barbara (Dale) Hoggan, seven grandchildren, Terry (Ellen) Duncalfe, Laura (Larry) Litwin, Darren (Kristin) Duncalfe, Grant (Marcy) Duncalfe, Angie Hamm (Jay), Derek Hamm, Andrew Hoggan and nine great grandchildren. Surviving are sisters Dorothy Ivey, Daisy Atchinson, brother Arthur Rhodes, sisters-in-law Marie Rhodes and Lucy Rhodes and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Gertie of 66 years, his parents, brothers Ernie, Cecil, Bill, sisters Nellie Windsor, Gladys Warner, Kathleen Carefoot, an infant son Leslie Neil Rhodes and infant great granddaughter Rilynn Duncalfe. In Dad's early years he was employed by MacArthurs, North Star Oil Ltd, Shell Oil Ltd and Shur-Gro Farm Services. All of Dad's employment history involved driving truck, whether it was moving freight or delivering fuel oil or gas. He was well liked and knew every road and farm site in southwestern MB. He made friends with all his customers and they knew he could be depended on to deliver. Dad was a kind and gentle man and always willing to give a helping hand. Dad loved family get togethers, holidays to Western Canada and Sunday drives with Mum. Dad was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. Dad, we will miss you always. A funeral service was held on June 21, 2013 at Brockie Donovan, Brandon, and interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the charity of their choice in Dad's memory.