Ronald Thomas

Ronald Edwin Thomas age 86 years, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, June 19th, 2011 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Born October 1st, 1924 in Port Arthur, he grew up in Intola and lived in the Thunder Bay area all of his life including some years in Dryden and most recently in Rosslyn Village. During the war he received his pilot's wings through the RCAF and had been involved in flying throughout his life. He was an active member and Past President of the Thunder Bay Flying Club. He was sponsored to Rotary in 1951, was a Past President of the Port Arthur Rotary Club and became an Honorary Member of Rotary in 2005. He has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #5 for 67 years. In 2009 he received his 50 year pin in the Masonic Lodge #287. Ronald worked as an electrician, electrical contractor, electrical inspector, supervisor, manager and college instructor. He was Manager of Peterson Electric in Dryden, Superintendent of Lakehead Harbour Commission, Owner and Operator of Roncraft Electric, Manager of Ontario Hydro in Dryden, Manager of Northland Home Hardware and Electrical Inspector for Proctor and Redfern Engineering. His many passions included flying, travelling, fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, cribbage, and listening to Ollie sing and play the guitar. He was the head of the household for his family and a mentor to many others. He was very involved in his community in many ways including being a Board Member for Wesway. Ronald was married 62 years 8 months to Ollie, a wonderful lady, and they have 5 children. Lovingly remembered, he is survived by daughters Linda Cooper, Barbara (Jim Bruzzese), Marlene (Al Brescia), sons Lorne and Wayne (Joy), several grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother Ken Thomas (Margaret) as well as other relatives. He was predeceased by his loving wife Ollie, parents David and Adeline (Baxendale) Thomas; brother Alfred as well as other relatives. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 24th, 2011 in the Chapel at Harbourview Funeral Centre, officiated by Rev. David Silliman, there will also be a Masonic Service as well as a Royal Canadian Legion Service (Branch #5). Interment will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens following the reception. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations made in Ronald's memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. On-Line Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca "