WILLIAM ARTHUR THOMAS

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WILLIAM (BILL) ARTHUR THOMAS It is with the deepest sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Bill - husband, father, grandfather (Papa), brother, friend, uncle and cousin - on August 2, 2017, at the age of 65. He lived life to the fullest and, at the end, was surrounded by his loving family. Bill is survived by his loving wife Brenda and daughters, Laura (Joel Wortley) and Catherine (Serge Delaquis); sisters, Barb, Karen (Michael Holroyd), Lorraine (Brian McLeod). His laughter and love will be missed by his grandchildren, Hillary and Quade Wortley, and Xavier and Maude Delaquis. His nephews and nieces, Shawn, Julie, Erin, Megan, Arthur, Brennan, Thomas and William will miss his inspiration, sense of humour and leadership. He is predeceased by his loving parents, William Davies (Dave) and Henrietta Irene (Etta) in 2013 and 2015. Born November 25, 1951 to Dave and Etta Thomas, Bill was an energetic boy who loved sports and his friends in the community of Fort Garry in Winnipeg. His younger sister Barb was born when he was six and became his sidekick early on, later becoming his lifelong friend. When Bill was 12, the family expanded with the addition of twin girls, Karen and Lorraine, who would do just about anything their older brother suggested. Bill always had time for a laugh or a joke; he was, no question, the MOST FUN brother ever. Bill's father moved the family in January 1968 to Woodstock, Ontario, a time when Bill was 16 and at the height of his burgeoning social life. A year later, his father decided to start his own business back in Winnipeg and moved them home again in the summer of 1969. In spite of the awkward timing, the year in Woodstock was the luckiest thing that ever happened to Bill because it was there he met the love of his life: Brenda Caskey. Bill and Brenda were married in 1973 while Bill finished his Civil Engineering Degree at University of Manitoba. He graduated in 1974 and the young couple moved to Dryden for Bill's first job as an engineer. After moving back to Winnipeg in 1975, Bill and Brenda started their family with Laura in 1976 and Catherine in 1979. They, along with the network of friends and family, built a life full of love and happiness. In February of 1980, Thomas Design Builders was born and became another important member of the family. The economy in 1980 was dismal. He and longtime friend and now business partner Dan Vallance, started building shuffleboards and putting up corkboard at University of Manitoba. Through perseverance, integrity and a strong work ethic, Bill, Dan and their wives, Brenda and Val, built the company over the next 27 years. Thomas Design Builders grew from humble beginnings to a well-respected successful company, completing projects from Vancouver Island to Ontario. Bill was known in the field as a man who could be trusted with a hand-shake, and in the words of his father "always did what he said he was going to do". The business was sold in 2007 and Bill and Brenda "retired", but they never slowed down. Bill was blessed with a natural athletic ability. Combined with his competitive spirit, his sense of fair play and always being willing to give 110%, he was respected in any sport he took on. Hockey was his passion from the time he could walk. He progressed through the levels of hockey and in 1969, helped the Woodstock Navy Vets win the Ontario Hockey League Junior Provincial Championship as #19. Bill continued to play hockey throughout his life in Old-timer Leagues. Golfing and tennis were Bill's later passions. Many friendships were formed and good times had on the golf courses, the latest few years being at the Niakwa Golf and Country Club. Bill and Brenda took up tennis as part of their winter life in Mesa, AZ and Bill rose quickly through the levels. Back in Winnipeg, he played in the summer at the Tuxedo Tennis Club. As in all other activities Bill pursued, he developed close friendships that he treasured. In retirement, he and Brenda wintered in Viewpoint, Arizona, made new friends, learned to play tennis, and hosted family on vacations. Back in Winnipeg, Bill volunteered innumerable hours with St. Vital Rotary Club, Niakwa Golf and Country Club, and Tuxedo Tennis Club. Every project he took on was done with the same integrity and perseverance he had in business. Bill's "work hard/play hard" attitude of living applied to all aspects of his life. The Niakwa flew their flag at half mast in his honour. Bill survived colon cancer in 2004 and gave back to others by offering support to other survivors. He lived life to the fullest and when a new obstacle presented itself, he would tackle it "with a plan". When esophageal cancer was diagnosed in 2016, his family and friends were by his side every step of the way. Bill and Brenda dealt with this new challenge together, and with the support of their daughters, family and friends, and the wonderful staff at HSC, they made the best of a tough situation. Despite all his accomplishments with work and community, when asked about what he is most proud of in his life, Bill would never hesitate to say "his family". Bill and Brenda created a home full of love, laughter and support for their two daughters. Laura and Catherine added tremendous joy in bringing husbands, Joel, Serge and four delightful grandchildren into his life. Through their 44 years of marriage, Bill and Brenda loved, laughed, travelled and were each other's best friends. Their names are entwined as one: "Bill and Brenda". Bill will continue to watch over Brenda through the friends and family who love them both so much. A service will be held at Celebrations Dinner Theatre at Canad Inns Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Highway on Thursday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Bill's name to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2017