THOMAS, Raymond - Dad/papa/great-papa died peacefully on August 9th, 2019, after a long and fulfilling life of 94 years.
Predeceased by wife Anne Alice and daughter, Judy Hitchen, Ray (aka Ribs), was also a wonderful father to Raymond (Heather), Judy, Nancy (Brian), Derek (Cathy), Tim (Brenda), Daphne (Arno), David, and Roger (Michele).
A super papa to Cheryl, Dereck, Tracy, Frankie, Cathy, Sara, Annie, Rachel, Kate, Daniel, Mark, Lori, Elizabeth, Scott, Stephanie, Justine, Victoria, Austin, Aaron, Joshua and Olivia. He also delighted in his great grandchildren: Melissa, Megan, Matthew, Valerie, Patrick, Alexa, Alicia, Ashtyn, Brienne, Zachary, Connor, Brayden, Gavin, Reilynn, Isla, Quinn, Max, Justin, Abigail, Jessie, Joey, Samantha, Adam and River.
He will also be missed by his only surviving brother, Harvey of Grand Falls, NL, as well as, a number of his brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, especially his beloved nephew Wayne and his wife, Fran.
Dad/papa was larger than life. Sneaking off, under aged to join the RAF in WWII, he was shot down as a tail-gunner, and not only survived, but thrived. Upon returning from the war, he married his sweetheart Anne, and with eight children in tow, moved the entire family to Toronto. He worked for many years with Anne’s family in the furniture business, enjoying an early retirement, which gave him some winters with Anne, in Florida. After losing his beloved daughter and wife, Ray carried through on his youthful dream of heading to the West coast, a destination where he spent over 20 years enjoying an eclectic collection of wonderfully inspiring friends. Nancy headed out West, and brought him back to Ontario when his health failed, and after staying with Tim and Brenda for a year, settled in Newmarket, where he held court for family and friends for the last five years. An avid and colourful storyteller, dad loved visiting with all of his family, but most especially the little ones. An encounter with dad was never quickly forgotten. Never afraid to give his opinion on any subject, he thrived on politics and his beloved Blue Jays.
In spite of various ailments that slowed him down in his final years, dad always managed to rally for any occasion, stir up mischief if he could, and then sit back and enjoy life as it unfolded. A true family man, dad considered himself the richest man in the world. Hospital staff at Southlake could attest to this as they witnessed the steady stream of visitors who came to see dad over the last few weeks. Many thanks to the staff at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket for their exemplary care over the past couple of months. For the last five years, Dad called Alexander Muir Retirement Residence his home. The staff at Alexander Muir treated Dad as family, showing him kindness, concern and support.
Friends and family will be received at The Paul O’Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Avenue East on Sunday, August 11th from 2-5:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following morning (Monday, August 12th) at 11 a.m. at Paul O’Connor’s.
If desired, donations may be made in dad’s name to The Lung Association, Canadian Cancer Society, and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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