WILLIAM (BILL) SILAS THOMAS

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WILLIAM (BILL) SILAS THOMAS Bill Thomas of Winnipeg, passed away peacefully at the Vista Park Lodge on January 11, 2000, he was 87 years of age. Bill was born on Rathgar Avenue in Fort Rouge on August 17, 1912. He was predeceased by his loving wife Jean; his parents Wilfred and Kathleen; his sisters Lottie Thomas and Melissa (Kae) Greeniaus and his granddaughter Susan Thomas. He leaves to mourn his sons Garry and Wayne (Doreen) grandson Daniel and his brothers and sisters Arthur, Mildred, Reginald and Florence. Bill was raised and educated in Winnipeg. He worked at the University of Manitoba Power Plant prior to The Second World War. He enlisted with the Canadian Ordnance Corps and served overseas during the war. Following the war, he worked at various vocations including CN Rail as a carman, established his own companies in floor finishing and trucking, Kinsmen School (building maintenance), as well as carpentry work at various construction firms. He had a keen, inquisitive mind and took pride in his work. For several years, Bill operated a small farm on Blackdale Road and loved working with the machinery and the animals. While employed at the Kinsmen School, Bill ran a summer camp for the mentally handicapped at Gimli, He treated the handicapped with compassion and respect. Bill believed that all people were equal and he made friends with people from all walks of life. Bill loved a good joke and good natured teasing with family and friends. He had a gift for creating his own fun and making all around him feel good. Retirement with his wife Jean was all too short before she became seriously ill. He was a caring and compassionate husband who supported his wife until her death in 1982. In his retirement Bill remained active and became more involved in his hobby of building radio controlled model aircraft. He was a skilled craftsman and built large and complex models well into his eighties. Bill had a positive outlook on life which helped him overcome serious illness and adversity. He kept his love for life till the end. Cremation has taken place. Following a private, family interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, a memorial service will be held at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave., entrance at Aubrey Street, on January 15 at 10:30 a.m. If one so wishes, a donation may be sent to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301-352 Donald Street, R3B 2H8. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2000