Tom van Leeuwen
TOM JOHN VAN LEEUWEN
February 15, 1958 - May 10, 2024
With family by his side, Tom passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital.
Tom was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Rainy River, Ontario. He moved back to Winnipeg to complete grade 12 at MBCI where he met his high school sweetheart, Liz. They were married for 46 years and together they raised four beautiful daughters.
Tom has left many precious memories to his children, Erin (Mark), Joyce (Dean), Laura (Jerrod), Kaitlin (Dylan); and eleven grandchildren, Kayley, Hunter, Cohen, Meadow, Mila, Jackson, Willow, Amy, Avery, Hendrik, and Levi.
Tom loved to fish. He was blessed with the opportunity to fish in several waters around the world. He loved to travel to many amazing destinations with Liz, especially New Zealand. His other hobbies included reading, flying, watching hockey, and cooking.
Tom was a reliable husband, father, grampa, friend, neighbour and big brother to many. He was generous, always there for everyone and leaves a big hole in our hearts and lives.
Cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to L’Arche Winnipeg by clicking here.
Tom’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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34 Comments
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Sherri Wohlrabe (Carpenter)
August 14, 2024 at 12:03 PM
My deepest sympathy. I knew Tom in his younger day. I went through school with him and he always had that wonderful on his face and made sure everyone had a fun day. Such a great and kind person. The world needs more people like him.
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Andrea Wiebe
August 3, 2024 at 6:28 PM
I just learned of Tom's passing! I am so sorry to hear of it! I just did a home inspection with Tom not too long ago. I enjoyed working with him
over the years!! My heart breaks for all of you! May God grant you peace during your time of sorrow!!
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Shauna Scanlan
May 28, 2024 at 1:55 PM
Tom was always smiling and being Tom and Liz's nextdoor neighbor for 24 years, Tom always was helpful if I needed help of anykind. The first year I was living nextdoor I was starting my bbq and it exploded and a fire started !
THANK GOD, Tom ran over and put the fire out ... He was the kindest man. I was blessed to have known him. He certainly will be missed. by his family and friends and all who had the prevlige of meeting Tom. 🙏 💜 RIP Shauna
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Dana Downey
May 24, 2024 at 4:16 PM
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tom was always the consummate professional with a kind heart. He was always available to answer the questions to help you aid your client's in navigating home ownership. He gave of his time and talent and Realtors became better at their craft due to Tom giving endless seminars on the nuances of homes. He had a great sense of humor coupled with a positive energy that lit up a room. Erin and Liz-I am in shock just hearing of this news. Your husband/dad thought the world of you and your family. I very much enjoyed working with him throughout the years. Lots of good work and equal amount of laughs. I still remember the work number as it was called hundreds of times to connect Tom to purchasers who had the good fortune of his knowledge on purchasing one of their largest investments. I feel blessed to have known him. Thinking of you all xo Dana
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Arnie Moss
May 23, 2024 at 10:11 PM
I am extremely saddened by this horrible news. I have known Tom since the start of Pillar to Post. He has been a true Professional in the Home Inspection Business. Always keeping I. Touch amd providing numerous clients with Layman's Understanding of any concerns about in one of the largest purchase of a lifetime. His ease of explaining always comforted both Buyers & Agents. He was always my GO TO GUY!! I will truly miss Tom and my Sincerest Condolences to his entire family
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Len Borbridge
May 23, 2024 at 9:44 AM
It was my privilage to work with Tom for 23 years. Through his guidance and generosity I was able to grow and learn the finer points of home inspection and work with many great buyers and realtors alike.
Tom, you provided me with an enjoyable, diverse career path and I will always be thankful.
I will also fondly remember sharing his joy of fishing as I was blessed to be invited on many trips.
Thinking of you Liz, girls and grandbabies in this time of loss.
Tom - we miss you.
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Michele Moore -
May 22, 2024 at 2:23 PM
Liz I'm so sorry for your loss. I know Tom was your everything. May he RIP. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Heaven has gained an angel 😇!
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Lynn Lafreniere/Exp Realty
May 21, 2024 at 3:11 PM
Tom was a great person, and I feel blessed to have known him. Always reliable.,kind and professiona.l. My sincerest condolences to Tom's family and friends. RIP Tom
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Roger Burns
May 21, 2024 at 11:23 AM
Time with Tom always left me revived, smiling and shaking my head laughiing. Tom made a major contribution to our industry with his humility, knowledge and humour. Wasn't a room he entered that wasn't improved. Condolences to his family and dear friends.
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Joie and michael froese
May 21, 2024 at 11:10 AM
Tom was a great man . Loved our fishing day together. Michael and I are so very sorry for your families loss.
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Laura Ross C21 Bachman
May 21, 2024 at 9:50 AM
A good man was Tom. An excellent educator and sponsor to many real estate events. My deepest condolences to his family and friends
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Kim Thompson
May 21, 2024 at 9:29 AM
Such a sad loss. I had the pleasure of working with Tom & attending several home inspections with him over the last 24 years. He taught me a ton! We also always enjoyed talking about travel & food & family. Tom was always cheery & upbeat- what a smile! He will be missed. Sincere condolences & much love to your family.
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Ryan Auxtero
May 21, 2024 at 7:22 AM
I met Tom many years ago when I started my real estate career. He was a kind and knowledgeable man who was always a pleasure to work alongside. I learned so much from him and always appreciated his insights and good hearted nature. Tom, you will be missed my friend. 🙏🏽
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Edward Dale sr
May 20, 2024 at 9:33 PM
Ed Dale Sr
I worked as a realtor for 45 years of which Tom helped me with hundreds of inspections. He was always so profession advising my clients and giving them critical information helping them to make huge decisions. I always depended on my friend to help my friends and he never let me down. Very honest and dependable I could always call him for info for my clients. I'm going to miss my friend but trust I will see him in heaven one day down the road. Condolences to Liz and his family.
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Henry & Jo-Ann Bakker
May 20, 2024 at 8:47 PM
So sad to hear of Tom's passing Liz. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve..
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Alexis and family.
May 20, 2024 at 4:02 PM
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. So sorry for your loss. Such joy and love in the photos.
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Lionel Piché
May 20, 2024 at 3:56 PM
Mes sincères condoléances à la famille. J'ai enseigné à Erin et Joyce. Tom est venu faire l'inspection de notre maison. Il était toujours un "bon vivant" plein d'énergie et de joie de vivre. Merci pour le beau photo-montage.
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Rolf Hitzer
May 20, 2024 at 3:44 PM
The amount of home inspections that Tom completed over the decades has always been experienced with professionalism and Tom always offered up information about the componants of a home that helped me be a better professional.
The last few years I've been lucky to have Tom be my Captain and Guide on the Minaki waterways. The stories and laughs shared will be with me forever.
Tom was always supportive of the people in our office and was a tremendous supporter and donated to the women's Shelter Foundation.
Rest in Peace Tom, glad we walked a few miles together.
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Donovan Pearase
May 19, 2024 at 12:37 AM
Tom was an absoulty treasure. I feel very honored to have spent time with him.. You will be missed buddy
Cliff King
May 18, 2024 at 9:12 PM
Tom and his sidekick Leonard were our go to's as far as real estate home inspections for many years! I will always remember Tom pulling up to our offices with bags and/or jars of candy. He always satisfied our sweet tooth's. Had the pleasure of having dinner with Tom & Liz at Honey Salt in Las Vegas a few years ago. Always enjoyed spending time with Tom. A wonderful gentleman! He will be missed.
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Albert Trudeau
May 18, 2024 at 1:04 PM
Won't forget our fishing excursions and our time together
Rose Marie Buskell
May 18, 2024 at 11:50 AM
Liz, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Although I never met Tom in person, he was always so kind and thoughtful when speaking with him on the phone. Thoughts and prayers going out to you and your family.
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David Rondeau
May 18, 2024 at 11:44 AM
So very sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful person who was very understanding and always showed his support and good cheer for the school and the sports' teams. My deepest and sincerest condolences.
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Brenda Nordberg
May 18, 2024 at 11:10 AM
So sorry for your loss.Tom was always making me laugh.I remember playing baseball by the catholic church across from your house.RIP Tom
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Mike Kusyk
May 17, 2024 at 8:47 PM
Christmas Day 2014
Good memories!
Jackie van Leeuwen
May 17, 2024 at 6:17 PM
Tom had a big laugh, even when he was a kid. You couldn't help but laugh with him. My condolences Liz to you and your family.
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Jack Sinninghe
May 17, 2024 at 5:58 PM
So sad to hear the loss of my cousin and friend. Tom took me to my first fishing tournament in Lake of the Prairies and we ended up 4th. I've been hooked ever since. He took me to places on Lake of the Woods that I still fish and will treasure even more so now RIP Tom and sincere condolences to Liz and the kids. He will be missed 😔🎣
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Darlene Hamnett (nee Sirman)
May 17, 2024 at 4:53 PM
Such sad news ! Our families were close growing up. There are many happy times with Tom to remember.
Condolences to the family and many many hugs.
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Dee & Dale Gutowski
May 17, 2024 at 4:45 PM
Dear Liz and family. Oh how we will miss Tom. We will cherish the memories we have of him and keep his spirit alive when we speak of him with Meadow & Willow. We are so grateful how he taught Dylan how to master the grill and create many delicious dishes. Recipes we will enjoy for years to come.
Watching the beautiful video truly showed what a treasure he was. His love of family and the love of all of his grandkids showed with that big contagious smile. Our heartfelt condolences to all and especially Liz, you are in thoughts. Sending love and hugs. ❤️
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Joanne Armstrong (nee Smart)
May 17, 2024 at 2:42 PM
My deepest condolences to the family.
I have many memories having grownup in Rainy River, spending a lot of my time at the van Leeuwe house and him teasing his younger siblings. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. 🙏🌹🙏
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Ghislaine Vallance
May 17, 2024 at 1:51 PM
My deepest condolences. We love you all.
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Veronica Van Leeuwen
May 17, 2024 at 1:08 PM
Thanks for sharing. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you❤️
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Ed & Grace Martens
May 17, 2024 at 12:45 PM
I worked with Tom at a construction company. He was always in a good mood, quick with his wit, and an all around friendly guy to be around. Always a laugh to be had with Tom around. Our condolences to the whole family.
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Craig Hall
May 17, 2024 at 11:13 AM
My best friend growing up. Big smile, bigger heart. My heart is broken.
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