TOM GEMMELL

Tom Gemmell, 88, passed away peacefully at Rainycrest Home for the Aged in Fort Frances, Ont., on Monday, Dec. 17, 2001.
Tom was born March 27, 1913 in Portage La Prairie, Man., later moving to Eriksdale, Man. with his folks. In 1937, he came to Rainy River District, where he met and married his sweetheart, Lucille Berg, on June 3, 1941.
In his early life’s journey within the district, Tom cut pulpwood at North Branch. He later joined the Army in 1942, serving in Thunder Bay, British Columbia, and overseas in Germany.
After the war, he returned to Canada and farmed very successfully in Stratton, Ont. He was proud of his produce, entering in seed and Emo fairs, winning many prizes and awards.
Tom also served on the Stratton municipal council, the school board, the Emo and District Fair board, and often volunteered in the area.
After retiring from the farm in 1983, he moved with Lucille to their special place by the river. He joined his friends at the seniors’ centre for potluck and card playing. Even though Parkinson’s Disease slowed him down, he kept his sense of humour and lived life to the fullest.
He leaves to mourn his passing his daughter, Joyce and husband, Morris Henry, and his only son, Murray, and wife, Margie, all of Stratton, Ont.; his youngest daughter, Marilyn and partner, Bruce Bellamy, of Devlin; and his sister, Myrtle Olson of Kamloops, B.C.
Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Alice and husband, Ed Hartviksen, of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Evelyn and husband, Denny Armstrong, and Vivian and husband, Garnett Neilson, all of Stratton, Ont.; and his brother-in-law, George Welch of Chicago, Ill.
Many nieces, nephews, and special friends also survive.
Grampa Gemmell showed much love for his grandchildren, Cal and wife, Tracy Henry, of Vancouver, B.C.; Brian Henry of Toronto, Ont., David Gemmell of Sudbury, Ont., and Jock and Kevin Gemmell of Stratton, Ont.
They all looked to their grandfather for guidance and friendship, and he will be dearly missed by everyone.
He was predeceased by his parents, Beatrice Lawrence and Thomas Kennedy Gemmell; and brothers, Jock and Lorne (Mickey). He also was predeceased by sister-in-law, Gladys Welch; brothers-in-law, Art Swanson and Clifford Berg; and nephews, Dale Berg and Ronald Neilson.
Lucille, his partner of 48 years, passed away June 27, 1989.
Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 21, 2001 at 2 p.m. at the Stratton United Church, with Pastor Pat White officiating.
Interment will take place at the Pineridge Cemetery in North Branch, Ont. at a later date.
Pallbearers were Tom’s grandchildren, Cal Henry, Brian Henry, David Gemmell, Jock Gemmell, and Kevin Gemmell.
“You left us precious memories
Your love will be our guide
You live on through your children
You’ll always be by our side.”
In memoriam donations may be made to the Stratton United Church Memorial Fund.