William George Thomas

William George Thomas - December 12, 1933 to October 15, 2024

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of William George Thomas in his 91st year. Our grief is softened knowing that Dad is now reunited with his cherished wife, our mother, Carol Jean “C.J.” (nee MacLaurin), who passed away in 2022, after 65 years of marriage. Much loved father of Eleanor (the late George Godfrey), Leslie, Paula, and Peter. Treasured grandfather of Hilary (Dan), Caroline, Liam, Olivia, Sam, and Hendrik.

Born in Welland, Ontario, to a large, extended family hailing from Cwmafan, Wales, “Billy” is predeceased by his grandparents, Jack and Naomi Thomas, his parents, William Alfred and Margaret Thomas, and his younger brother, David (Laurie). Warmly welcomed in the 1950s into the lively MacLaurin clan, Bill is predeceased by his in-laws, J.W.R. “Mac” and Margaret MacLaurin, his brothers-in-law, John and Doug, and Ian Ferguson. Dear brother-in-law of Margie, Lesley, Alex, and Joan. Uncle Bill will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Bill outlived nearly all of his close friends and first cousins, and will be warmly remembered by those who are still with us.

Initially educated at McGill University in Engineering, Bill had to switch programs due to being colour-blind. He went on to earn his B.A. and B.Ed. from McMaster University, and later his M.Ed. from the University of Toronto. A highly respected teacher, board adjuster, vice principal, and principal, “Mr. T” taught in Hamilton for his entire career. His first position was as a geography teacher at Dalewood in Westdale (Hamilton) where he enjoyed teaching future comedians, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and Dave Thomas (no relation) – but not all in one classroom!

Bill was a gentleman, known to all for his kindness, generosity, diplomacy, intellect, and great sense of humour. An accomplished athlete from childhood onward, Dad especially excelled at golf, football, and basketball. After raising their children in Ancaster, Bill and C.J. then made the most of their long retirement with family get-togethers, caring for their grandchildren, playing golf, travelling (Scotland was a true highlight), volunteering, going to church, and socializing with their vast network of long-time friends.

We will fondly remember Dad’s love for his family and friends, sports, comedy, horses, cardinals (the birds and the baseball team), First Nations people, classic rock music, poker, crossword puzzles, the occasional cigar, fine scotch, sunny states in the USA, Coffee Crisps, and sketching Snoopy on birthday cards.

Dad’s favourite restaurant was Southcote 53 (previously Country Platter and Faloney’s) in Ancaster where he would regularly tell the staff that he had been dining there for 65 years and then typically order the soup of the day, sourdough toast, coffee, and a 6-ounce glass of Jackson Triggs Cab Franc-Cab Sauv (or 9 ounces if his soup was going to be delayed).

The Thomas family extends special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Martini, Family Physician, for her warmth and skill, as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff at Juravinski Hospital, Chartwell Deerview Crossing Retirement Home, Bayshore HealthCare, St. Elizabeth Health Care, Hamilton Family Health Team, Cancer Care Assistance, and in Bill’s final four days of life - the palliative team at St. Peter’s Hospital. Cremation will take place. At Bill’s request, there will be no funeral home visitation or funeral. At a later date, there will be a private family graveside service and interment at St. Paul’s Anglican Church (Glanford) in Mount Hope. For those who wish, donations can be made to the Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation: https://www.hamiltonhealth.ca/memorialgiving