It is with great sadness, the family of Tom Wittig share the tragic news of his passing on March 31 2026 at the age of 71 in a motor vehicle accident near Lac Du Bonnet Manitoba.

Tom was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Edna Jean (nee McLeod) Wittig, his eldest brother Gary Wittig, brother in law Ron Toews, sister in law Darcey Wittig as well as his wife of 35 years Caroline Jackson in 2023. Surviving is his daughter Karra Ketola, her husband Matt Ketola and beloved grandson Quinton David Thomas Ketola. Also survived by his siblings Anne Toews, Catherine, Joe (Filomena Alquino), Jim (Lori), Margaret (Danny) Pugh, Rob, Rick as well as many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Tom was born in Winnipeg MB to Thomas and Jean Wittig on December 23rd, 1954. He was the fourth born of 9 siblings. He grew up in the Saint Boniface Norwood flats. The house on Lawndale Avenue was always full of children and even included the odd farm animal that Thomas Sr. brought home from his job as a Veterinarian.

In his late teens Tom left the family home and resided with roommates in a house on St Mary’s road. He started working for Westeel Rosco in 1975 with the intentions of it being a short term gig, only for him to spend 46 years there. He was active in the steel workers union and always brought home interesting stories from the “Romper Room”.

On Christmas Eve in 1983, Tom met Carol and they soon fell in love. They settled into life on their 15-acre home on Oakwood Road. They married in a summer backyard wedding on June 4th, 1988 in which Carol rode in on horseback. It was remembered as a scorching day, in which Tom and Carol cut their wedding cake in bathing suits. Coming from a large family, Tom wanted nothing more than to be a father and on September 20th 1990, he and Carol welcomed their pride and joy; Karra Elizabeth Jackson Wittig into the world.

Tom took an active part in Karra’s hobbies. When she was a competitive ski racer, Tom was right there up early driving to the practices and races, all over Manitoba. He spent many races as a gate keeper and even took courses to officiate the races, becoming one of the team ‘dads’, cheering on the Summit ski racers.

Throughout his life, Tom stayed active in his own hobbies. He enjoyed playing baseball, fishing, golfing, camping and snowmobiling. Honouring his Scottish roots he would take a tour of Scotland by sampling different brands of scotch with friends. “Just a wee dram”

As Karra grew older, Tom was determined to obtain his GED, which he completed in 2003, almost too easily. He was a highly intelligent man and kept his brain quick and smart, often being the trivial pursuit winner at game nights. His daily rituals often involved crosswords with his morning coffee and playing along to Jeopardy in the evenings.

In 1997 Tom, Carol and Karra moved to hobby farm just south of Beausejour where Tom honed his farming skills caring for numerous horses, cows, pigs and chickens. After both Carol and Tom retired they decided it was time to downsize and relocated to their home in Lac du Bonnet in 2021.

After Carol’s passing in 2023, Tom slowly started finding ways to occupy his time, including keeping up with gardening and participating in the local billiards league-Aactive in Beausejour. Tom was the captain of his team, “Who’s Your Daddy” and they celebrated as the 1st place Champions in their playoff tournament for the 2025-2026 season.

In 2024 Tom purchased himself a Triumph Bonneville Motorcycle, which over the last 2 summers he spent countless hours enjoying the open road on solo trips and with friends. He spoke excitedly about the upcoming riding season and even purchased new leather saddle bags to outfit his ride.

Anyone that knew Tom knows that his lifelong passion was music, more specifically playing his bass guitar. He began playing at a young age and was part of many bands throughout his music career; Wooed by Penguins, Highway 44 & Boomer- to name a few. Although Tom’s lifelong dream of becoming an international rock star never took off, he took immense pride in playing his small gigs in local Winnipeg establishments, such as Travelodge Marquee Lounge and even playing as the live band for his daughter’s wedding social in 2015. The great room of Tom and Carol’s farm was the unofficial practice area for the Boomer band and Carol took great pleasure in “feeding the boys while they made noise”. Tom made many lifelong friends along the way that extended past their love of music, not just in his band mates, Ted Duthoit, Brad Derksen, Laurie MacKenzie, Dennis Chan but many others as well. He shared his love of music with his beloved grandson Quinton by purchasing him a full drum set.

Tom's celebration of life will take place at a later date and is sure to include some good rock and roll music. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts or any charitable organization that makes you think of Tom.

Dad,

You will be missed by many. The out pouring of love since your passing reaffirms what a wonderful and loved human you were that would do anything for anyone. I will listen to the song Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers Band and think of you fondly. As Uncle Brad said, “The only thing a person can do in the time they have on this earth is leave it a better place”  and we all agree that you have done just that. 

Until we meet again Dad.

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