Thomas Gifco

Thomas Gifco, aged 92 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away with his family by his side on Friday, August 24th, 2012 at Providence Place in Moose Jaw.  Tom was born on the family farm near Avonlea, Saskatchewan on July 10th, 1920 to parents Tima and Mareia Scumpeia Gifko.  He was the youngest of ten children.  He received his elementary education at Sanderson School and Avonlea High School.  He studied at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, obtaining his B.A. and B.Ed.  Tom married Alice Hale in Sceptre, SK on June 29th, 1945.  Tom was a high school principal in many towns in Saskatchewan:  Orkney, Sceptre, Neilburg, Dinsmore, Eyebrow and Oxbow.  In Moose Jaw he taught Math and Chemistry at both Peacock Collegiate and Central Collegiate.  Tom was active in St. Andrew’s United Church, the AOTS men’s group, in the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation and Superannuated Teachers Association and was instrumental in starting the Co-operative Housing movement in Moose Jaw.  He was passionate about politics and was a life member of the New Democrats.  After retiring from teaching, he purchased McCauley Agencies and sold insurance and investments and did construction for about 20 years.  His hobbies included woodworking, coin collecting, stamp collecting and writing.  Tom will be remembered as a quiet, hardworking man with kind thoughts and words for all.  Predeceased by his parents and eight sisters and brothers, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Alice; sons, Allan and Leslie Gifco and daughter, Karen Hagel (Glenn), all of Moose Jaw; grandchildren: Kristin Ator (Lawrence) of Calgary, AB, Meredith Hagel of Vancouver, BC and Christian Gifco of Regina; great-granddaughters, Juliet and Nora Ator of Calgary, AB; sister, Mary Alice Thorarinson of Providence Place, Moose Jaw; as well as many nieces and nephews.  The family is very grateful for the loving care Tom received at Providence Place for the last two years.  A Memorial Service for Tom’s life will be celebrated on Friday, August 31st, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane, Moose Jaw.  Reverend Jim Tenford will officiate and interment will take place in the Garden of Memories of St. Andrew’s United Church, Moose Jaw at a later date.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Friends so wishing may make donations in Tom’s memory to St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 Athabasca St. E., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0L2, Citizens All Association, 410 Hochelaga St. E., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0P3 or to a charity of their choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Calvin Gammel, Funeral Director. 693-4550.