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HALKO:

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our loving patriarch Thomas [Tom] Michael Halko (Dimbers). Thomas passed away peacefully at home on the morning of June 3rd with his family by his side.

Thomas was born on May 10th 1939 in Michel B.C. and resided in Middletown until he relocated to Sparwood with his family in 1947. After graduating at Sparwood Secondary Thomas started work as a pipefitter. He worked for several companies including Crowsnest Coal Company, BC Coal, Kaiser, and Westar. He was married to his love Marianne in 1960 and had four children, Robert, David, Stephanie, and Stephen. An illness forced Thomas to take an early retirement but during his career he worked his way up to Chief Surveyor and Superintendent of Engineering.

Hunting, Fishing, and drinking beer are some things we all knew Thomas for, but there are some things you may not know. Thomas had an extensive knowledge of wild plants, and animals not limited to game. You would see Thomas tending to his plants on a daily basis and he loved to cook and bake for his family, usually with meat he hunted or berries he picked. If you ever needed anything, Tom had a secret patch for it ... from wild flowers to berries and mushrooms, he was happy to pick them for you. The only thing that made Thomas happier than being outdoors was being with his family. There are no words to explain the amount of love and gratitude Tom had for his family.

Thomas holds multiple records for big game, and has won various fishing awards. It was important to Tom to pass his legacy on to his sons who have since followed suit and secured records of their own. Thomas always had an open mind for learning and it was a real pleasure for him to spend his time teaching his children, friends, and grandchildren everything he knew. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the BC Wildlife Federation, as well as a dedicated Boy Scout leader for many years.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Marianne, his children David (Leanna with her children Alex, Alycia), Stephanie (Brad), Stephen (Julie), his grandchildren John-Thomas Owen (Alysia) and Morgan Owen (Brendan) and their father Bleddyn Owen. Also by his beloved siblings, sister Julie (Robert) Craig, brother John Jr./Yunch (Marjorie) Halko, his faithful canine companions Maggie and Maddison as well as many other family members and friends.

Thomas was predeceased by his mother Susan Halko, father John Halko, his son Robert Halko, and nephews Jimmy Craig and Brian Halko.

Thomas was an inspiration to us and his legacy will carry on through his family. To our loving husband, father, uncle, brother, Ampa, and friend, we love you eternally, may you rest in peace.

Memorial tributes may be made in Tom’s name to the Lilac Terrace Building Fund, c/o Lilac Terrace, PO Box 1587, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0. Messages of condolence may be made at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.