Dave (W.D.) Thomas

1926-2013

Dave passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 3rd, surrounded by his family.

Dave is lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Etta, and his children: Bill (Brenda); Barb; Karen (Michael Holroyd); and Lorraine (Brian McLeod). Also missing Grandpa are grandchildren Laura Wortley (Joel), Catherine Delaquis (Serge), Arthur & Brennan Holroyd, Thomas & William McLeod. Great-grandchildren Hillary & Quade Wortley and Xavier Delaquis will also miss their G-Pa.

An independent self-made man, Dave loved life and lived it to the fullest. Born in Calgary, he moved to Winnipeg in the war years, and chose to stay in this welcoming city that he was so proud to call home.

Dave started his career as a plywood salesman for Canadian Forest Products and Weldwood, and at the same time, designed and built many houses on the side. A natural leader, he loved to run the show, so at the age of 43, he put his building experience to use, and started his own company, Thomas Builders and Developers Ltd.

With characteristic focus and determination, he was able to retire from building by the age of 55 years old, but continued to invest in property around the city. Freed from the day-to-day running of his building business, Dave and Etta set off to explore the world – traveling from Australia, Thailand and China, to Portugal and Brazil, they had many years of fun and adventure.

Dave made friends easily throughout his life, and loved throwing a good party. From his days as a traveling salesman, he made life-long friends across Canada. In Fort Garry, where he and Etta raised their children, they made friends 60 years ago that remained friends forever. Always ready for a good time, Dave was a founding member of the Rounders. Finally, Dave and Etta made a whole new set of friends in their second home in Mesa, Arizona, where they spent many beautiful winters in their later years.

Dave was very proud of his four children and their accomplishments. He passed on his knowledge and belief in independence, teaching his children valuable life skills, often delivered as ‘pearls of wisdom’. All of Dave’s descendants appreciate all that Dave has done for us, and the values he has passed on.

Dave felt he was a very lucky man to have shared his life with Etta, who provided the foundation and support for Dave to live the happy successful life he had. In Dave’s later years, he always said that if he had to live his life over again, he would not change a thing.

The family will always be grateful to Syed and Sanxay (Joe) of Drake Medox for making the past year of Dave’s life so enjoyable. We also thank the staff of Riverwood Square for their flexibility and support.

If friends so choose, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Arthritis Society, or the charity of your choice.

As Dave wished – he wants everyone to remember him in a celebration. So please join the family at Holiday Inn Winnipeg South (1330 Pembina Highway), Tuesday, January 8th from 3:30 to 6:30 and make a toast to Dave. There will be a short presentation at 4:30.