THOMAS
1932 – 2014
William “Bill” Thomas passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at the Centennial Centre Acute Care facility in Ponoka at the age of 81. He will be missed by Shirley his wife of 56 years; his sons Rod (Colette), Doug (Geri) and daughter Patsy (Serge); grandchildren Paula (Brandon), Randi (Sean), Kerri (Brian), Samantha, Sarah, Nicole, and Cedrik. Two sisters, Joyce (Ray) and Fern and brother Bryan (Mona) and sister-in-law Lois Thomas. Bill was predeceased by his parents John and Evelyn Thomas as well as a brother Ross Thomas. Bill was born on the family homestead near Spirit River, Alberta on April 18, 1932. In 1944 the family moved to the Stony Plain area west of Edmonton where Bill finished his schooling. Bill had a long and successful career in the Alberta Oil Patch. He started off working on Service and Drilling rigs in 1949 before joining California Standard (Chevron) in 1951. His career with Chevron spanned 27 years, taking him to such places as Acheson, Red Deer, House Mountain and Zama to name a few. In 1964 Chevron moved Bill and his family to Slave Lake where he was very involved in community service groups as well as serving on town council for 3 terms and serving one term as Mayor of Slave Lake. In 1978 Bill retired from Chevron and moved back to Red Deer. Bill then started a 20 year career in the Well servicing business cofounding Thomas Well Servicing in 1979. After selling Thomas Well in 1996 Bill continued to work in a sales capacity with several well servicing companies. In retirement Bill faced several health challenges head on with courage and determination. Special thanks to the staff at the West Park Lodge (Red Deer), Northcott Care Centre (Ponoka) and the Centennial Centre (Ponoka) for the excellent care and kindness that was provided as well as his personal physician of 32 years Dr Mcintyre. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Alzheimer Society at #105, 4419-50th Ave, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 3Z5 or the Lending Cupboard at 5406-43 Street Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1C9. A Funeral Service will be held at the Sunnybrook United Church Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 11:00 am with Reverend Linda Ervin, officiating. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Maryann Hansen, Funeral Director at
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium,
6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer.
403.340.4040 or 1-800-481-7421.