Robert Earl Thomas

THOMAS, Robert Earl September 8, 1942 October 14, 2009 Robert Thomas, born September 8, 1942 in Port Alberni, BC, to parents Oscar and Doris Thomas, died peacefully on October 14, 2009, at Rainbow Gardens in Port Alberni. Robert was predeceased by his young sisters, Roberta and Sarah; his mother, Doris Thomas; his father, Oscar Thomas; and his nephew, Stewart McNutt. Robert was loved and will be missed by his family. He was a deeply generous man with a never-ending sense of humour. He was an extremely proud grandfather they were the twinkle of his eye. He is survived by his children, Joel (Jenny) Schmick, Washington, DC; Robert (Donna) Thomas of Drumheller, Alta; Dawn (Ray) Wightman of Victoria; and Kimberley (Mark) Turner of Chichester, England; his ex-wife, Gail Thomas of Victoria. He is survived by his sisters and brothers: Joyce (Doug) White of Nanaimo; April Thomas of Port Alberni, Gerri (Matthew) Thomas of Port Alberni; Earl (Lillian) Thomas of Port Alberni; John Thomas of Vancouver; Samaya Jardey of Vancouver; and James (Dana) Thomas of Vancouver. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Amanda and Hailey Schmick; Joshua, Alexander and Iain Thomas; Holden, Grace and Maya Wightman; and Oscar and Abigail Turner. Robert is also survived by his mother-in-law, Maude Atkinson of Victoria. Robert also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles; and a wide circle of close friends. Robert was a proud member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, where his father was from. His mother was from the Hupacasaht First Nation in Port Alberni. He graduated from Nanaimo Senior High School and was an excellent athlete, participating in football, soccer, lacrosse, track and field and golf. He was a founding member of the Nanaimo Serauxmen Club. A long-time resident of Nanaimo, Robert was a First Mate at BC Ferries, and later a Master Mariner and Captain at Hub Towing, Chemainus Towing and Mariner Towing. In the Fall of 1989, Robert responded to a call from his family and community at Snuneymuxw First Nation, and ran for the office of Chief. He was elected in 1990 and re-elected in 1992. He is recalled as a Chief of action and impact. He became gravely ill in the fall of 1992, and was forced into retirement. Special thanks to Rainbow Gardens (Tsawaayuus) Assisted Living Residence for their wonderful care since 2005. Services will be held at the House of Gathering (Beavercreek Road), Port Alberni on Monday, October 19, at 10:30 am. 565279