TOM OFFEN

Posted: October 25th, 2021

1940~ 2021

 

Thomas ‘Tom’ Edgar Offen, adored and cherished husband, Dad and Papa, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 18, 2021, at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his loving children, Darin (partner Rona), Gigi and Jody (Penny); beloved grandchildren, Tionna and Hayden (their mother, Zoe), Kacie, Tommy, Chelsey as well as his sisters, Beth Smith (Keith) and Susan Vossler (Derrick). He was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Louise; loving wife, Darlene; son, Ken; son-in-law, Wayne and sister, Barb. Tom was born on March 14, 1940, in Melville, Sask. and spent his childhood and formative years growing up in Drumheller and Hanna, Alberta. He often spoke fondly of his special memories growing up like competing in both curling and basketball. Tom graduated from Hanna High School in 1958. In his teens, Tom and his dad built a small sail boat in their home garage which would later be donated to the local Sea Cadets of which Tom was proud to have been a member. In 1960, after taking a job with the CN railroad, he moved to North Battleford where he met the love of his life, Darlene James. They were soon married and the rest is history. Tom continued with the CN Railroad until joining Mutual Life of Canada in 1966. In 1971, he and his family moved to Saskatoon for a few years and later settled in Assiniboia where Tom founded his estate planning business. He was very active in the community, serving as President of the Assiniboia Rotary Club for several years, assisted with coaching minor baseball and of course was a member of the popular musical group known as ‘Southern Winds’. Tom and Darlene moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1996, where they remained. His passion was golf, he loved to play! Annually Tom and his best friend, Jim Cote would travel to Waskesiu Lobstick for fellowship and the love of the game. In May 1986, Tom became a grateful member of his local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was very active in A.A. serving at many levels with a heart of gratitude and humility. Tom had a gentle and loving soul and will be forever missed as he is reunited with Darlene, his ‘desert flower’. Soar high Papa! We love you! At this time Tom’s family has chosen to defer a Celebration of Life Service until circumstances are more suitable. Memorial donations in Tom’s name may be made directly to the Salvation Army, Family Support Centre, 737 – 8 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1M6. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

 

 

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com”Locally owned & directed”

One Condolence for “TOM OFFEN”

  1. Wendall Kerr says:

    To Tom’ s family…
    I had the pleasure of knowing and working with your Dad/Tom for over twenty years. When I heard news that Tom had passed… Well let me say, I am sorry to hear that, he was a great Husband, Dad and friend. I was very fond of Tom, I enjoyed our many passionate conversations, sometimes about the state of health care, other times about the suffering of your Mom Darlene, and sometimes just about you his children… I enjoyed helping your Dad with business in any way I could. Tom was always a warm and compassionate man with a heart of gratitude. Like the good Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for thee, my strength is made perfect in weakness”… Your Dad was a great example of that verse and his openness about his involvement in AA, I admired him for that. When we run this race of life we cling to Hope… And if we have it, Hope that is, that is what keeps our dreams alive… While it may be difficult to realize it at the moment, the way I see it on October 18 your Dad’s dreams were fulfilled, he received his victory and is going home. God bless your Dad, you and the rest of the family as well. I will say a prayer for Tom and you all.
    Sent with Love,
    Wendall

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