MANFRED THAMM, 73
Manfred Helmut Thamm, 73, of Barrie, Ontario, passed away on Tuesday, October 20 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. Born in Wittenberg, Germany to Georg and Martha Thamm (nee Reinhold), he immigrated to Montreal, Quebec as a teenager with them and his younger brother, Peter. (Older brother, Hans, stayed in Germany.)
Manfred apprenticed as a mechanic at Volkswagen for a few years and then moved on to Air Canada as an instrument mechanic, completing just over 30 years of service before joyfully retiring at 55 years of age. His passion for electronics and proactive "can-do" attitude earned his reputation as "Mr. Fix-It", at home, church, and Bethel Park Camp. He liked to joke and tease, and enjoyed boating on Lake Simcoe, going for walks along the lake, and eating delicious German cooking and baking.
He accepted Christ as his Saviour after being invited to the German Pentecostal Church in Montreal, and over the years attended faithfully and served as a board member. Upon moving to Barrie, Ontario in 2002, he continued serving as Mr. Fix-It at Hi-Way Church, and by supporting the Hi-Way Singers' ministry to local seniors homes.
Manfred shared 48 years with his dear wife, Lydia (nee Kurtz), and was a good provider for their son, Christopher (of Montreal), and daughter, Bonnie (of Aurora, Ontario). Manfred really enjoyed being "Opa" to Bonnie and Kurt Evans' children, John and Claire. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Marie, their daughter, Sarah (of Richmond, Virginia); by the family members of Hans in Germany, and many other friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam can be made to HiWay Church http://www.hiwaychurch.org/#extend/ or Bethel Park Camp - http://www.bethelpark.ca
"Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time." - Isaiah 57:2
"But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." - Revelation 21:4
"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven." - Luke 6:23