Lawrence Ernest Thomas

Larry was born to Ernie and Mary Thomas on April 26, 1947, in Victoria, British Columbia and later moved to Prince George, the place where his journey began. From humble beginnings, Larry took on his first job at a gas station on 5th Avenue where he no doubt began to cultivate the strong work ethic and quiet determination that would define the rest of his life. His adventurous spirt cost him four months in the hospital with his leg in traction after a tearing down Connaught hill on a waxed-up piece of cardboard at 11 years old.

In 1965, Larry found his calling with British Columbia Railway, where he joined the engineering department. It was here that his legacy in the railway world began to take shape. Among his many accomplishments, one of the most cherished was his work surveying a new route between Fort St. John and Fort Nelson, a journey marked not just by professional achievement, but by friendship. Working alongside his best friend John Forsyth, Larry helped chart a path through the rugged landscape of northern B.C., a feat that speaks to both his technical skill and his adventurous spirit. Larry often commented that John was like a brother to him, and they cared for each other deeply.

Larry’s life took a beautiful turn on November 7th, 1969, when he met the love of his life, Heather, followed by their first date the very next day. From that moment forward, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Together, they raised three wonderful children, Daena, Jason, and Christa. Instilling in them the same values Larry held dear: honesty, hard work, and compassion.

After retiring from BCR in 1998, Larry and Heather moved to Langley. But retirement didn’t slow him down. Instead, he went to work for Progress Rail where he built and operated their welding plant in Surrey. Never one to slow down Larry and his son Jason launched a small trucking company. That seed of entrepreneurship would become Reman Projects, a railway construction and maintenance business where Larry worked alongside Christa and Daena with Jason at the helm. Larry’s wisdom and experience shaped the foundation of the company. As a mentor to supervisors and managers at all levels, he left a lasting impression not only on the business but on the people who had the privilege of working beside him. His steady presence, his unwavering principles, and his quiet encouragement became a guiding light for many.

Larry was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, where his dedication to service and community was evident. He never hesitated to offer a helping hand or a supportive shoulder to anyone in need, a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

But of all his roles, perhaps none brought him more joy than that of a grandfather. Larry deeply loved his six grandchildren: Nathan, Olivia, Nick, Hudson, Ben, and Mazy. They were the light of his life, and he was endlessly proud of each one of them.

Larry’s legacy is not only in the railway lines he helped forge or the company he helped build. It’s in the family he loved the friends he stood by the people he mentored, and the values he embodied. His life reminds us of the importance of loyalty, humility, and quiet strength.

We will miss his wisdom, his stories, his laugh, and the calm confidence he brought into every room. But most of all, we will miss the love he gave so freely and the way he made each of us feel seen, supported, and valued.

Rest well, Larry. You have earned it.

No flowers by request please donate to UBC Prostate Cancer Research