Samuel Thordarson
December 28, 2024
December 28, 2024
December 28, 2024
In Loving Memory of
Samuel Victor Thomas Thordarson
Born 13 December 1939 and Passing 28 December 2024
Tommy (a.k.a. Thomas, Tom, and sometimes even Sam) was predeceased by his wife Wilma Thordarson, daughter Deanna Conrod, and grandson Dean Thordarson. He is survived by his sons Terry Thordarson and wife Debbie, Darren Thordarson and wife Paulette, and daughter Donna Thordarson; grandchildren Paul & Wesley, Harley, Luke & Olivia, Mike & Leonna, as well as several great-grandchildren. He is also mourned by his Manitoba relatives including sisters Margaret McDonald and Thorlene Thordarson, brother Clarence Thordarson and multiple generations of cousins.
Thomas was born in Manitoba and spent the majority of his childhood on Hecla Island. On the passing of his father, Thomas, his mother and his siblings moved to Selkirk. He had several jobs including a brief stint in the logging industry on Vancouver Island. But responsibilities brought him back to Selkirk where he met the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, Wilma Conrod.
Young Tommy never forgot the beauty (and mild winters) of British Columbia and always yearned to return to that province so when a few of his buddies decided to head West, Tommy packed a bag and headed out with them. His feet had barely hit the pavement when a vehicle pulled up and a guy asked him he was looking for work. Tommy replied with a "Yes" and he was hired on the spot. He was a machine operator for Spir-L-Ok Industries until his golden retirement. He was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union (Local 280) and always credited this job for giving him the opportunity to travel to parts of the world that many never get to see.
With employment secured, Tom and Wilma packed up their family and moved to their first home in Surrey, British Columbia. Although the Thordarson family had several residences throughout the years, Tom enjoyed the property on Louie Crescent the most. His little tool shed where he could putter, his beloved tractor that he would give his grandchildren rides on, and having his own little chicken coop where he loved checking for eggs.
Eventually Tom and Wilma once again would reside in a prairie province when they moved to the Hamlet of Thierien in Central Alberta. While there, Tom became an active member of the local Legion; he could often be seen on a ride-em lawnmower in the Summer and snow-plow in the Winter; and more often than not, enjoying an evening of bingo in Bonneville and St. Paul. But Tommy's major responsibility became taking care of his Loveskin Wilma as she valiantly fought her battle with cancer. Sadly, Tom and Wilma were separated on the 5th December 2014 as Wilma passed peacefully in her sleep.
Although Tom stayed in Alberta after her passing, he eventually decided he wanted to spend his twilight years in British Columbia and so he began his final adventure in Abbotsford.
His feet landed in a senior's complex where he became known as Sam. He quickly became beloved to many with several considering him to be a part of their extended family. He often spent time socializing before and after meals, giving others a run for their money when playing crib, and would help anyone out if he possibly could. There was a definite routine and rhythm to his life and he had found a welcoming community that held him in high esteem. He will be so missed by the residents of Menno Place.
Whether you knew him as Thomas, Tommy, Tom or Sam, there are some things you will never forget about him. First and foremost was his sense of humour. From the early days in school, when he submitted a plain, white piece of paper to his teacher claiming it was a picture of a polar bear in a snowstorm, to the various jokes and pranks he loved to pull on siblings, cousins, wife, children, friends, grandchildren - well, pretty much anybody! It was common knowledge that when he was around there would be a laugh or two that would happen.
Most people who knew him also knew he was a hard-working man. This too started early in childhood when he teamed up with his cherished pet steer. These two could be seen on Hecla Island hauling wood trying to make a nickel or two.
And as an adult, Tom became a well-respected man for his work ethic and his superior knowledge of the culvert pipe machine he operated. If the industry wanted a man who could get the job done, they called upon Tom; whether the job was in Canada, USA, China, Australia, Sri Lanka, or any other place, it did not take him long to resolve the problem. He was a man who did not enjoy flying and yet he saw more of the world than most - go figure eh?
If you were lucky enough to know Tommy in his younger days, you will remember his love of music. Many hours were spent on Hecla Island jamming with his cousins, the Bell boys. And as he grew, so did his musical talents. Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, fiddle and mandolin; his rendition of Little Brown Jug being a favourite of many who heard him play. Sadly, a work accident severed the end of his finger and he was no longer able to play his stringed instruments. Luckily though, he was introduced to the steel guitar while living in Alberta and he began the journey and joy learning some cool new licks.
Tommy had many roles in his life - son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend - all of which he did to the best of his ability. And those who were lucky enough to call him son, little brother, big brother, Loveskin, dad, grandpa, grandpa T, uncle, or friend, they will forever feel the loss of this humourous soul.
Rest in Peace
Samuel Victor Thomas Thordarson
Rest in Peace
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