WILLIAM CLARENCE THOMAS

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WILLIAM CLARENCE THOMAS B.Ed., M.Ed. December 17, 1933 - August 21, 2000 Surrounded by his family, Dad passed away at the Percy E. Moore Hospital, Hodgson, MB at the age of 66 years. He leaves to mourn his passing wife Eleanor; children, Margaret (Brent), Jason (Tanya), Sue (Clarence) Cameron; grandchildren, Chris, Adrienne, Julie, Quinton, Amber, Jadeene, Jared, Bryan, Robert, Clayton; brothers and sisters, Norman (Doris), Carrie (Harry) Cook, Peggy (Roy) Hedges, William (Madeline), Bryden (Lynda), Elaine (Pete) Kennedy, Sharon (Percy) Fiddler; aunt Aurelia and uncle Bryden, and Aunt Vera Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents, Margaret and William John Thomas; son Robert; siblings, Randy, George, Jessie, Thelma and granddaughter Skye. Bill dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in Aboriginal Education Systems. He initiated local control of First Nations education. He dedicated most of his time to improving aboriginal education facilities such as Peguis First Nations. To accomplish his many undertakings in the education field he worked hard to obtain an education himself. During the summers he worked at many summer jobs in Resolute Bay in the Arctic. He also worked at Ponika Mental Hospital. Bill joined the RCAF and became an air electronics specialist, serving in St. Johns, Que., RCAF Clinton and RCAF Gimli. With his understanding of the needs of aboriginal people, Bill held many positions. He was the Director of the Canada New Start Program in The Pas, where he and his wife were presented to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He was appointed Principal of Grouard Vocational and Academic. He also worked for the Department of Indian Affairs where he held positions as the Regional Director General, Manitoba Regional and Director of Education, Alberta Region. He was appointed Superintendent of Education for the Peguis First Nation. He was the initiator of local control of education on the Peguis Reserve, a position he held until his retirement. Bill was noted for his many undertakings and complete devotion to the needs of aboriginal education across Canada. Bill was appointed to the RCMP Commissioners National Aboriginal Advisory Committee. He was awarded the Canada Centennial 125 year medal by the commissioner of the RCMP. The family wishes to express their thanks to Amber for her dedicated care to Grandpa. The last family homecoming service will be held on Wednesday, August 23 at the Thomas residence. Wake service will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24 at St. Matthews Church, Peguis, MB. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25 at St. Matthews Church. Viewing will begin at 12:30 p.m. Donations will be welcome to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, P.O. Box 22152, Brandon, MB R7A 6Y9. Arrangements Entrusted To: ANDERSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Ashern, Manitoba 204-768-3606

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 23, 2000