It is with sorrow and much love; we mourn the passing of Anthony (Tony) Eshmade. Dad passed away on July 24 at the age of 89 years old. He is survived by his daughters Margaret and Jan Eshmade, along with his sister Janet (Dan). He was predeceased by his wife Bertha and his son-in-law Chuck Howard.

 

Dad emigrated from England in 1959. Dad was very proud of his British heritage and returned to England many times throughout his life. Dad felt strongly about his family visiting his country of origin and getting to know his family that remained overseas. In the last few months of his life, he spoke often of his childhood, recalling many special memories of growing up over wartime. Dad acknowledged how much he appreciated the opportunities Canada gave him, but always had a special connection with the United Kingdom.  

 

Dad was passionate about his career as a civil engineer and worked at both Crosier, Krauss and Greenberg Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers and Underwood McLellan and Associates Ltd. Dad began his own engineering company, A. F. Eshmade and Associates Ltd in 1971. Dad had a successful business for many years, working many evenings and weekends in order to provide for his family. Dad enjoyed the autonomy that having his own business brought to his long and successful career. Dad finally retired in 2018. Adjusting to retirement was challenging for him as he enjoyed his work and the people he worked with so very much.

 

Dad had a great interest in photography throughout his life and loved spending time taking photographs. It was his favourite pastime and always had a camera on him.

 

Dad was fascinated with airplanes and attained a private pilot’s license. He so enjoyed flying small planes and was proud to take his daughters with him on a few occasions. Dad also enjoyed watching airplanes and even requested binoculars in his final days, so he could get a better look at aircraft flying overhead.

 

Dad recently shared that his proudest moment in his life was to be able to provide his daughters with a university education. He was an outstanding and thoughtful dad that cared deeply for his family.

 

A sincere thank you extended to the wonderful healthcare team at Misrecordia Hospital Cornish 6 for providing outstanding care to dad over the four months he was on this unit. Dad adored the staff and was so sad to leave when the time arrived that he had to be transferred. Dad acknowledged how fortunate he was to be cared for by such a kind and compassionate health care team. Even during an unpleasant time, he continued to express gratitude and was able to find the good in life.

 

Another sincere thank you to the kind and caring staff at Golden Door Geriatric Centre for making the final weeks of dads life so comfortable. Special mention to Katarina who got to know dad so well in such a short period of time.  Katarina, your compassion was palpable. You made him smile and laugh and brought some joy into his life during an extremely challenging time. Thank you for sharing your kind heart with him.

 

Special thank you to Joe Solomon who has been so supportive and helpful to dad and dad’s family. Dad highly respected you as a friend and a colleague. Your loyalty to dad has been truly amazing. Thank you.

 

And another special thank you to dad’s dear friends, Ethel and Alvin Hook. The support, care and understanding that you extended over the last few months will never be forgotten. But more importantly, your regular presence at his bedside made such a positive impact in dads final months. He was so incredibly grateful for you both. Thank you.

 

The compassion, kindness and support dad received over the last few months has truly been remarkable. He acknowledged this on a daily basis and was so grateful for all the visits from his friends. Thank you so much to those who spent time at his bedside; your presence brought him so much joy during a very challenging time.

 

Kindness matters.

 

There is nothing Dad enjoyed more than a gathering of people he adored, so a celebration of his life will be held in his honour.

 

Please join us for a gathering on August 17 at 2:00 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent. Dad loved animals so very much so in lieu of flowers, if able, please consider donating to an animal charity of your choice.