Tom Mak THE PAS, Manitoba Obituary

Tom Mak

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On a beautiful sunny afternoon, Tom Lai Mak, of The Pas, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 years.&nbsp; He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Fern; sons John (Donna) and Ken; daughters Lily (David) and Nancy; grandsons Ben (Kloe) and Josh (Rebecca) along with great grandson Oliver; and older sister Chui Kam.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tom was born in Kwangtung, China and at 16 years old, immigrated to Yorkton, Saskatchewan.&nbsp; Along with his brother Henry, both attended Grade 1! Over the next few years, both skipped several grades to high school.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the early 1950&rsquo;s, Tom came to The Pas to work at the Occidental Caf&eacute; and eventually became its owner.&nbsp; Tom and Fern were married in Hong Kong in January of 1956.&nbsp; Soon, the children started arriving and they moved to the building Tom built on the corner of Edwards and Third.&nbsp; This was home and remains so to present day.&nbsp; He later built a &lsquo;dental clinic&rsquo; where the cafe stood and a laundromat across the street.&nbsp; He owned several properties throughout The Pas over the years.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Tom was not busy selling, buying or managing, he was active with Toast Masters, the Lion&rsquo;s Club and then the Elks.&nbsp; One of his proudest moments was when he was elected the Exalted Ruler for the Elks by his peers.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tom attempted retirement but that did not last.&nbsp; Even though several heart issues slowed him down, Tom always worked.&nbsp; Whether as a cook, a restauranteur, selling hardware, or furniture and appliances, Tom spent many hours a day at business.&nbsp; In many ways, this is what defined Tom Mak.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The family would like to thank the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at St. Anthony&rsquo;s Hospital for providing care and comfort for Tom.&nbsp; Also, to the considerate support of staff at Primary Health.&nbsp; We want to thank Linda and Denies for being there for Fern on Sunday.</p> <p>In keeping with family wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service to celebrate Tom&rsquo;s life will be held at a later date.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6, would be appreciated by Tom&rsquo;s family.</p>
January 4, 1933 - September 13, 202001/04/193309/13/2020
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Patti and Sandy Banks
October 5, 2020
Our sincere condolences to you, Mrs. Mak and all your family. Your husband was well respected in this community; may all your memories offer you comfort at this difficult time.
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Andy and Karen Mark
September 17, 2020
For Aunt Fern and my cousins, John, Ken, Lily and Nancy.
Uncle Tom will be sorely missed.
Grove of 3 Memorial Trees

Grove of 3 Memorial Trees was purchased for the family of Tom Mak. Send flowers

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Eva Pielak
September 16, 2020
My condolences to Tom's family I have found memories of our businesses dealing with him..RIP 

Eva Pielak
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Jody reynolds
September 16, 2020
This is jody.the late patrick teynolds son.i just read about mr.mak  so happy i got to me an my dad shop at the store back than an allways wonderful to chat with the both of u when i stopped back in the pas when i had the change condolances..
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Nick Barkett14
September 16, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to Fern and family. Tom was a mentor in Elks, a friend, a business partner and a gentleman. Much respect for him.
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Faye Dutkiewicz
September 15, 2020
Mrs Mak my thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. It was lovely talking to you on the phone today. You are such a sweet Lady.
1 comment
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Glenda Cantlon
September 16, 2020
So sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed talking to you and Mr. Mak.