May 2, 1929 - January 15, 2022
Donald 'Don' Thomas passed away peacefully and painlessly on January 15, 2022, at Rest Haven Lodge in Sidney, B.C., knowing he was loved by many.
Don was born in London, England, on May 2, 1929, and was predeceased by his wife Barbara of 66 years.
Together they built a wonderful life, raising two daughters, Lynne West of Sidney, BC,and Donna Black of Sprucedale, Ont. He leaves them behind along with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much and was fiercely proud of.
He and Barbara immigrated to Canada in 1954 on a cargo ship with the shirts on their backs and little else. Always the adventurers, he and Barbara traveled around the world by car, plane, train, or ship - it didn't matter. If it was going from A to B, Don was on board.
Don was the only brother to four sisters and uncle to many nieces and nephews around the world who thought of him as a second father.
He was a generous, fun-loving, and tell-it-as-he-saw-it type of man. He wasn't big on sadness or remorse and instead wanted people to remember him as a 'good old' Cockney who loved a pint or two. Instead of feeling sadness or remorse, please raise your glass to Donald Thomas and to a life well-lived.
Here's to you, Don. Until we meet again.
A celebration of his life will be planned for September 2022. Special thanks to the healthcare team at Rest Haven Lodge in Sidney, BC, and to the volunteers and staff at The Alzheimer's Society of BC. Donations in his memory may be made at:
The Alzheimer's Society of BC or the Rest Haven Foundation.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com
First Memorial Saanich