Robert Thomas

July 24, 1923 - September 23, 2013

Bob Thomas was born in Chapleau, Ontario to Christine Sandwell and John Robert Thomas. At the age of 4, he started his overseas travels that would continue throughout his life. With his Mom and brother Peter, via CP Rail and CP steamship, they traveled to Southampton, England and on to Leigh-on-Sea. They returned to Chapleau 9 months later. With Aunt Ethel Sandwell, Dad moved with his Mom, Dad and brother to Burnaby, BC. Bob spent his school years in the greater Vancouver area, graduating from North Vancouver High School in 1941. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force October 15th, 1941, training in airframe technology. After attending the St. Thomas training school, he was posted to the base at Ucluelet, BC. In January of 1943, he was re-assigned to England, setting sail for Greenock, Scotland and then on to Newcastle on Tyne to an aero drome near Acklington. After 6 months, he was posted to RAF Skipton on Swale. Dad returned to the Dartmouth air base in Nova Scotia and was discharged in September 1945. UBC had an open door for troops returning so Bob went to UBC and entered first year arts and then four years of Forest Engineering, graduating in 1950. While at UBC, 'up the mountain' with the Varsity Outdoor Club, he met Cathrine McLeod Anderson, the woman he married on December 21, 1949. Bob and Cathie were married for 51 years. They sailed and travelled and raised a family and enjoyed all 51 of those years. Cathie predeceased Bob in July, 2001. Each year on December 21 there was an "At Home" at the Thomas residence, an annual tradition not to be missed. Bob started his long career with the BC Forest Service in 1950, eventually retiring in 1981. During this time, he was active in public service, volunteering with the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 127, the Engineers' Institute of Canada, Oak Bay Band Parents Association and St. Matthias Anglican Church, along with other charitable organizations. Bob is survived by his five children, Lee Crowe, Patti (Ted Bowcott), Chris (Michelle), John (Wendy) and Joan (Erik Gillett). Dad had 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Dad spent the last year being cared for at Glengarry Hospital by a loving and caring staff. Therefore, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation, 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2B7, 250-370-5664 or www.gvef.org for "The New Palliative Room at the Glengarry". There will be a Celebration of Life service and tea at St Matthias Church, 600 Richmond Ave, Victoria, BC on Saturday, November 16 at 2 pm.