RAPHAEL FRANK THOMAS

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RAPHAEL FRANK THOMAS January 29, 1937 - August 3, 2008 We regret to announce the sudden passing of Raphael Frank Thomas. Frank is survived by his partner Anne Brophy (Winnipeg) and stepchildren John Glennon (Vernon, BC) Colin Glennon (Vancouver, BC) and many family and friends throughout the UK, Ireland and Canada. Frank was born in St. Agnes, Cornwall UK. He joined the British forces as a young man and served in the 3rd Batallion, Parachute Regiment. Actively involved in the Suez crisis of 1956, Frank was part of many operations, including Operation Musketeer at the El Gamil Airfield in Egypt on November 5, 1956. Returning to the UK, Frank became a Carpenter and worked for several years in the London area. He emigrated to Canada in the early 60s and after spending some time in Montreal, moved west to Manitoba where he would settle. He worked on many major construction projects throughout Manitoba including Missy Falls and Kettle Rapids Hydro projects. Frank became actively involved with the Manitoba Carpenters Union leading to his appointment as the Allied Hydro Council Representative at the Kettle Rapids project. From there he moved to Winnipeg to become the General Secretary of the Manitoba Building Trades Council as well as a similar position with Allied Hydro Council. He served in these positions until his retirement in 2001. Frank was very involved with organized labour throughout his career serving on many committees, boards and pension plans. He was very proud of his cottage at Siglavik (Gimli) which he built in the 80s and enjoyed boating on Lake Winnipeg and spending time with his friends. He was fond of travel and enjoyed downhill skiing which he did for many years. His passion for skiing took him to various ski resorts throughout North America. His family will lovingly remember Frank as a sincere and genuine individual. Always steady and calm, Frank's kind hearted approach to people and the world will be sorely missed. The family wishes to thank the members of the EI Board who came to Frank's immediate assistance and the doctors and nurses at St. Boniface Hospital. A special thank you to Tom and Sandy Glassey for their support to the family. Public viewing will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2008 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. Funeral service will take place Friday, August 8, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Thomson Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Gimli following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Frank's memory to a charity of your choice. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Send expressions of sympathy at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2008