LYN THOMAS

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lyn Thomas after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He will always be remembered with love by his wife Norma of 58 years, and his children, Lesley-Ann (Ben), Richard Dean (Dianna), and his grandchildren, Hayley, Ryland, Rowan, and Kai.

Lyn was born in the village of Trealaw, Rhondda, Wales, eldest son of Florence and Milwyn, brother to Terry, Gary, and Roy. All are deceased now.

In 1959, working at his apprenticeship, Lyn met his seventeen-year-old bride to be Norma, whom he married in March, 1962. In the fall of 1966, Lyn was offered a position in Winnipeg, Canada as an electrical design draughtsman. In December, 1966, Norma and Lyn emigrated to Winnipeg, and Lyn started a forty year career with Pioneer Electric in Fort Garry, and along the way made many, many life-long friends.

As Lyn progressed upward, with many responsibilities, Pioneer Electric changed to Schneider Electric and he was transferred to Granby, Quebec, then to Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton. Lyn thrived on the many challenges. He made friends in each new location and embraced the differences in cultures of each province until he retired from the career he so loved. He and Norma then moved back to Winnipeg to live near their children and grandchildren.

Lyn was a husband and father who cared deeply for his family. He was always interested and supportive in his children’s lives as they were growing up: in their academics, athletics, and overall well-being. In so many respects, he was a teacher, who took time to explain things; providing understanding or a life lesson on many things that cropped up over the landscape of many years. Much of his teaching was by example. As a father who was an avid reader, he was often sought out for his knowledge or perspective. When life disappointed, or became difficult, he was a voice of reason and reassurance. His children could  count on his love, strength, and guidance. Whether spending quiet or fun times, being with him was to be in good company. Lyn enjoyed life and others. He had a kind, fun-loving nature, and a wonderful sense of humour that made times shared treasured, and now so missed.

Lyn’s generosity and loyalty as a friend were well known among those who knew him. He left a lasting impression on many who were part of the extended Thomas family, including his son’s dearest friends who so appreciated being able to call Lyn anytime, day or night, if they needed help. The lads thought of Lyn as a father whose unconditional support was always there. They could count on a warm welcome anytime, and if timed right, a helping of Lyn’s famous stir-fry on a Saturday night. A staple of the Thomas’s traditional Christmas Eve party, where the whole “extended” family would come over every year for a wonderful dinner that went late into the night, was a rousing rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas in which Lyn would sing his legendary part, ‘Five golden rings’, as if the world was listening. Special times for Lyn were with family and friends. Lyn loved the ‘around the world’ dinners that he and Norma took turns hosting with dear, dear friends. He enjoyed reading, music, his morning walks, watching football, particularly Manchester United, and Norma’s cooking, especially Sunday dinners. He always enjoyed discussions around the dinner table. Those conversations on a Sunday were usually enjoyed with wine and Norma’s trifle or pie and custard.

In later years, he had the pleasure of having grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed many activities with them and wonderful memories were made before he became ill.

Lyn will be missed by many, forgotten by none.

Some day I’ll go back to the mountains,

That shelter the peaceful vales,

In that beautiful land of my childhood,

The mystical land called Wales.

~excerpt from Hiraeth - Lyn Gardiner

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Oakview  Place Personal Care Home for their dedication to the care and well-being of Lyn and for their many kindnesses to the family.

A private family celebration of Lyn’s life has taken place.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​