Obituary of Thomas Alexander Haverko

December 9th, 1952 – June 20th, 2021

 

It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Haverko announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, the 20th of June 2021, after a short battle with cancer.

Tom was born, raised, and educated in Kimberley, B.C. Family and community were important to him, and he was always ready to help family and friends whenever he was asked.

Life threw curve balls at times but were always met as a part of life to be overcome. Some of them were easier than others, but always met with a determination.

Over the years Tom served with many community functions in both Kimberley and Cranbrook. In Kimberley he belonged to the Cub Scouts, Junior Forest Wardens, Jr. Fish and Game Club, he volunteered for the Snow Fiesta, July Fest as well as other community volunteer spots. Also, in days gone by Tom honed his skills as a backyard mechanic.

After moving to Cranbrook, Tom volunteered in various community functions such as Better at Home. In Kimberley he was involved with CB radio when it was popular and most recently with the Radio Club where he was the club secretary.

Tom was instrumental in establishing the Emergency Communications Centre and was liaison with the R.D.E.K.’s Emergency Operations Centre. Tom was honored for his work setting up the Emergency Communication Centre by the province of B.C., and the R.D.E.K, naming the Emergency Operation East Kootenay Amateur Radio Room after him; “The Tom Haverko Radio Room.”

Tom was predeceased by his father Pete in 2001, his mother Mae in 2000, brother Jerry in 1997 and his daughter Colleen in 1992, as well as both his grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Left to mourn Tom are his wife of 20 years Jane, daughters Candace Greenwood (Daryll, Caleb, Ember) Laura Cunliffe-Vines (Chad, Mariska, Caley), stepdaughter Amanda Wilson (Rick, Scarlet) and his sister Jacquie Johnson (Larry Mackay) (Ben, Erin, Megan, Alyssa, Andrew) several nephews and nieces as well as cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Du Preez and Dr. Chong and the Oncology Staff at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and the staff of the Kelowna General Hospital.

A special thanks to Lance & Bobby and Ken & Annette, for making things so much less stressful. True friends indeed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pines Special Care Home, Kimberley, B.C or the Alzheimer Society of BC.

 An interment will be held at the Westlawn Cemetery, Cranbrook, B.C.