THOMAS, Craig Alexander George THOMAS

Craig Thomas, age 77, escaped this Mortal realm on Thursday, November 20, 2025, leaving behind 16 tape measures, 11 drills, 687 Kgs. of Nuts and Bolts a Colony of Bats and multitudes of random items that would prove helpful in the event of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse or if a neighbour needed something. He liked forward planning and helping others.

He was proud to be the youngest Son of Maggie (Panchen) and George Thomas. He told many stories of his childhood in New Hamburg describing his “poorer than a Church Mouse”, “Stand By Me” years with his gang of buddies getting kicked out of the Library by Mrs. Massel, drooling in the shop windows of Lufts Bakery, and jumping off the Shade Street Bridge.

He is survived by his four children, herds of Grand and Great Children, Nieces, Nephews, Sister In Laws Bev Maskis-Wilhelm and Eileen Thomas, Sisters Nancy (Bob) Black and MariEllen (Paul) Baechler. He was a renowned distributor of ice cream for kids and Hallmark Cards for every Occasion.

He is preceded in death by his wife Liz, brothers Larry, Harry, Uncle Bill and Betty Panchen, Aunt Ethel and George Hughes, partner Elaine Ready, Mother In Law Mary Fleet, Sister In Law Elaine Jones, Brothers In Law Don Fleet, Stuart and Robert Wilhelm and many beloved Pets.

Connie and Cor Klassen took a chance on him and helped train him to become the Ultimate Travelling Salesman. He was a renowned Carpenter in his own mind, and was excited to spend his Retirement fixing his Old House, listening to the Birds, scolding Squirrels for wanting to live in his Old House and Porch sitting to watch the grass grow. He always had a Song to sing and a “PAPA-ism” of wisdom to share, with gentlemanly kindness. Craig became very committed and attached to new and old Friends at The New Hamburg Legion. True Heartfelt thanks go to the Community of Folks who included him in Laughs, Compassion, and Friendship during his last years.

In Lieu of Stuff, Donating to the Poppy Fund through New Hamburg Legion Branch 532, honouring New Hamburg WW2 Veterans, his family members George Thomas, Bill Panchen, and Clayton”Sonny”Miller all served. New Hamburg Legion Branch 532 Air Cadet Sponsorship, because he liked Airplanes and Kids. Autism Ontario, or pick a Humane Society because he loved Kids and Animals.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg.