THOMAS "TOM" DOUGLAS BENDER Obituary

THOMAS "TOM" DOUGLAS BENDER attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Thomas "tom" Douglas Bender.

Graduation Year	Class of 1975
Date of Passing	Jan 22, 2006
About	THOMAS DOUGLAS BENDER September 16, 1957 - January 22, 2006 It is with profound sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Tom on January 22, 2006. It is with grace and dignity that Tom fought a courageous battle with cancer. Being totally at peace with his family at his side, he gently left us and now begins his greatest journey. The gift of Tom's caring, gentle, spiritual soul has been called back home to God. He will be forever remembered and sadly missed by the loves of his life, his wife and best friend of 25 years Diane, his son T.J. and his daughter Kylee. He was predeceased by his mother on December 22, 1991. He leaves to cherish his memory; his father Henry; brothers, Ric (Betty), Bob (Shirley); mother-in-law Mary Chimuk; sister-in-law MaryAnn (Gary) Petriw; special nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends and family that were dear to his heart. With his spirit and incredible strength, Tom left us many gifts. He leaves a legacy of a caring, gentle, loving husband and father who instilled the values of love, strength and compassion, a younger brother who admired, respected and loved his big brothers, a son who adored his father, a friend who was always there, an uncle who had a special bond with each of his nieces and nephews. He was an educator who touched many lives with his wonderful sense of humour and compassion, and a colleague who brought laughter, joy and life to his workplace. Tom took great pride and was very dedicated and passionate as a math support teacher for the Winnipeg School Division. We will keep Tom in our hearts, and he will live on in our memories forever. Thank you to Dr. Maksymiuk, Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Sisler for treating Tom as a living person with cancer. You gave him the most precious gifts of all; dignity, grace and hope. Thank to all our family, friends, colleagues for their unwavering love and support during this difficult time. All the prayers and love were felt by Tom and gave him the strength to complete his journey. To laugh often and much, To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, To appreciate beauty, To find the best in others, To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch... To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded! A memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be held on Thursday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home. Rev. Ian Mills officiating. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made in Tom's memory in trust for his children, T.J. and Kylee with the RBC, 3297 Portage, Winnipeg, MB R3K 0W7, made out to the Bender Family. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main St. 338-7111 True love is a single soul dwelling in two bodies. Until we meet again, my sweet Angel... As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2006