Thomas, Alfred

Alfred William Thomas(May 4, 1923 - March 9, 2002)It is with great sadness that we announce that Alf passed away at 4:57 PM in Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. We wish to thank all the staff and doctors of Thunder Bay Regional, especially Dr. Adams, who made Alf's last week as comfortable as possible.Alf was born May 4, 1923 at his parents home, in Intola Township. He lived all his life in the Thunder Bay area. In his final year of school he joined the armed forces, eventually transferring to the Air Force where he learned to fly and became a flying instructor. Fortunately for us, he never saw action, as peace was declared on the day he received his transfer papers.Alf married the love of his life Eugenia (Jean) Lapa on September 4, 1948. After a brief stint as a high school teacher, teaching electricity and mathematics, he went to work at Abitibi Mission Mill as a journeyman electrician, eventually rising to the position of electrical foreman. He was very active in many volunteer capacities. He was on the A.R.A. board for many years, served as the secretary treasurer of his local of the I.B.E.W. and was very active with the CCF/NDP. After his retirement, he was block captain of the neighborhood watch until ill health forced him to give it up.He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean, his children Lillian Thomas (Len Dalman) and son David; Brian (Deb Plouffe) and son Jason; Step-Daughters Colleen (Ciro) and Nicole(Jason) and son Braeden Susan Grinstead (Maurice) and daughters Jennifer and Amanda, Joan Thomas-Gilhooly (Dennis Gilhooly) and Sharon Ambro (John) and daughter Heather. He is also survived by his brothers Ron (Ollie) of Thunder Bay and Ken (Margaret) of Edmonton. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Alf was predeceased by his parents David Warfield Thomas in 1960 and Adeline Mary Thomas (Baxendale) in 1988.A celebration of Alf's life will occur at the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James on Thursday, March 14, 2002 at 2:00 PM, with Rev. David Silliman officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at the Chapel from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be to the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Building Fund or the Charity of your choice.Please sign the On-line Condolences at everestofthunderbay.com