Thomas John Colbert

Thomas John Colbert,  age 76 years, of Dauphin, MB,  passed away on Wednesday, April 27/22 at the Dauphin Regional Hospital, after a battle with Cancer.

Tom was born on July 18, 1945 in Edmonton, AB to parents Albert Henry Colbert and Patricia Groombridge. 

Tom received his education at Happy Thoughts Elementary & Selkirk Collegiate in Selkirk, MB. Post secondary education at the University of Guelph- DVM in Guelph, ON graduating in 1968. Upon graduation he moved to Dauphin.

Tom worked from 1968 -2008 at the Dauphin Veterinary Clinic, he was owner & partner in the business. He retired in 2008.

Tom married Doreen Stevenson on November 29, 1985 in Dauphin, MB.

Tom had many hobbies and interests, horse sales, overspending at auction sales, riding horses, training horses, wagon rides, backpacking into the mountains, spending time with family, horseback riding in the mountains around Apache Junction, AZ.  He enjoyed helping other people, working with people in his 12 step program.  He was a proud member of a twelve step program for 32 years.  He supported the Dauphin 4-H, was a member of Dauphin  Agricultural Society for many years, an avid church goer, and volunteered in the community of the residence that they were living at the time of season.

One of Tom’s main achievements was his career of 40 years at the Dauphin Vet Clinic.  He was the #1 Veterinarian in the Parkland for over 40 years valued for his caring, patience and understanding

Tom was predeceased by his parents and his son Lee Robert Connolly.

He will be lovingly remembered by his family, wife Doreen; Mark Colbert, (Kari) daughters Marit and Annette; Karen Kornik (Sheldon), son Chanse-grandson Braxon, daughter Cora-Lee (Andrew) & expecting baby boy; Cindy MacCallum, son Joey (Taralei), granddaughters Emma and Isabelle; Gary Stevenson (Barb,) sons Ivan and Kelley, grandchild Ryder; Kelly Connolly (Kim), daughters Kodi and Kaci. Tom’s siblings Cathy Mitchell, daughter Rachel; Marg & Dave Smith, kids (Megan & Jeff).

Tom or “Pops” was a man who poured his heart into Veterinary medicine and loved to help any animal that was sick. He had great passion working and would help every animal that came through the doors of the Dauphin Veterinary Clinic. He was never afraid to try something new if it meant saving the animal’s life. He would phone farmers any time of the day to check to see how things were going and to offer more help if needed. He loved his job and was very missed by the many farmers when he decided to retire. Plus all the young Vets that came through Dauphin Veterinary Clinic were so grateful to learn from one of the best (Tom) and be mentored by him. We were able to get to know many veterinary students from different countries that he helped transform them to become great Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
He was a man of “love” Unconditional Love not only did he love his horses but also his wife Doreen of 37 years, his family was very important to him, no matter what we did or didn’t do! He always showed great love not only for all of his kids but had an over pouring of Love for others. He was a man of honor and anything he invested time into the end result was amazing.  He was always willing to listen to others and chat up a storm with many people. His humorous side and his laugh always brought a smile to your face. He loved to play jokes on others and others loved to play jokes on him. Even when he was frustrated because something didn’t work when you needed it too. Or it wasn’t in the spot he thought it was and he would yell “Doreen” where is the tackle, or papers or whatever he was looking for and could not find it but it was right where he left it.
Our family is very blessed to have had such a wonderful man to be our father, mentor, counsellor, and he was able to encourage and correct us when we were in the wrong. He wanted nothing but the best for all of us and for us to lead by example. We believe he lead by a great example and he will be in our hearts forever. God’s faithful servant who is blessed and highly favoured.
With Love his family

A Memorial Service was held for Thomas on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 am from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin with  Pastor Wayne Olsen officiating.  

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Thomas may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Mephis, TN 38105  or Cancer Care MB.

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