Tom Kerr, late of Weyburn, passed away peacefully January 16, 2013 at the Regina General Hospital with his family at his side, at the age of 85 years. Tom was predeceased by his wife, Doreen; his brothers: Gordon, William, Richard, Fredrick and James; his sisters: Grace, Muriel and Viola. Tom is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Maureen (Don) Miller, Kelowna, BC; his sons: George Kerr (Jean Hobbs), Weyburn, Rick Kerr, Weyburn, Gord (Lisa) Kerr, Calgary, AB; his grandchildren, great grandchildren; his sister, Kathleen along with many nieces and nephews. Tom was born on July 10, 1927 in Kisbey, the youngest child of James and Bertha Kerr. After schooling, he worked on the family farm. He struck out on his own, learning a number of occupations before landing in Weyburn in 1952. He married Doreen Noble on July 19, 1954 at Whitewood. He became employed by the Weyburn Fire Department in 1956 and becoming Fire Chief in 1964. He held this position until retiring in 1988. Tom was kept busy with family and their activities, with one daughter and three sons, this meant camping trips on the bus, trips to the cabin at Carlyle Lake, umpiring baseball games, scouts, girl guides, hockey and swimming lessons. Grandchildren brought an opportunity to treat them to airplane rides, allowing them to operate lawn mowers at the airport and early morning coffee dates.During his time at the Fire Department a lifelong love of flying was developed, starting with lessons in 1959. He owned a number of planes and hangars over the years. Retiring from the Fire Department meant more time could be spent at the airport flying, selling aviation fuel, building hangars, ensuring coffee was on and greeting pilots. He was involved with CASARA (Civil Air Search and Rescue Association) serving as Commander, Director and Dispatcher for a number of years. His last job had the title of Airport Manager but he did so much more. To him it wasn't a job, it was his passion. Helping others was just part of his nature. The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and compassion and the sharing with us of your memories and stories of Tom. What a great number of lives Tom touched! Thank you to RD Family Funeral Chapel for their professional and compassionate assistance. A Memorial Service for Tom was held on Saturday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn with Rev. M. Barnabas and Rev. John Ferrier, officiating. Lunch followed at Upper Grace Hall. Interment will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. All his friends were considered Honorary Pallbearers. For family and friends so wishing, donations in memory of Tom may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279-3rd Ave N., Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 or to a charity of choice. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family"
