THOMAS, Gerald Wilbur (Bud)

October 6, 1926 - February 21, 2020

Born in Winnipeg, raised in Calgary, Dad was a handsome and athletic young man. He excelled at high school sports, then played Junior football with the West End Tornadoes when they were the undefeated 1946 Canadian Champions. Later, the Tornados went professional and became the Calgary Stampeders, winning the Grey Cup in 1948. Dad hardly ever mentioned that, unless an opportunity, any opportunity at all, came up to mention it. Dad loved life and was a real people-person, showing great compassion and care to people from all walks of life. If things got tough, Dad got tougher and he endured with grace all of the challenges that life offered up. He was a navy midshipman based out of Esquilmalt during the war. Later, he enjoyed a long and successful career in sales. He spent 22 years with Kaiser Roth travelling Alberta and B.C. selling women’s wear. Ultimately, he moved to Odlum Brown as an investment advisor, where he remained until his retirement.

With his first wife and forever-friend Donna Hopkins, he had four children: Leslie (Frank) Potts, Sue Thomas, Gerry (Heather) Thomas and Dale (Lisa) Thomas. As a commercial traveler, Dad was away from home most weekdays, but spent his weekends taking us skiing and skating and on vacation, taking us on regular trips to Kalamalka Lake. When the family moved to Bragg Creek, weekends were mostly spent at Elkana Ranch, local rodeos, and even a little cattle wrangling. In 1968, Dad was transferred to Vancouver and settled in Tsawwassen. There, he met his love and long-term partner Marilyn when the two of them worked in partnership at Marjorie Hamilton Ladies Wear based in Gastown. They were married in 1970 and, along with Marilyn’s three children, Karrie Carignan (Rod), Kellie Federici, and Mark Kreiter (Shelley Hall), the two families became one. The years that followed involved a motor home, cabin cruiser, swimming pool, and a deck with a great view. Dad and Marilyn worked hard throughout to draw the family together, dealt with all the challenges that arise in blended families, and were responsible for building many happy memories for all.

They lived a full and happy life and had many adventures together, including riding in an Indy car, in hot air balloons, travelling in their motor home, and cruising around the B.C. coast in "Georgia Girl." Dad managed to ground the 28ft. cabin cruiser just off Wreck Beach and, after pictures of the stranded boat and passengers were featured in the Vancouver Province, their cabin cruising days came to an end.

They continued to travel extensively, however, but any trips on water were thereafter made on cruise ships. They sailed to a number of unique locales and, in later years, travelled regularly to the southern U.S. A favourite was the annual visit to the Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena. Dad enjoyed golfing and, for many years, he and Marilyn met up with friends in Scottsdale and Palm Springs to socialize and golf. For shorter trips, they especially treasured their 1994 Sunbird Convertible, driving with the top down, and the wind blowing through Marilyn’s hair. Wind blowing through Dad’s hair didn’t really come up. Dad and Marilyn led a very active social life and were incredible hosts. Large gatherings or small, everyone was guaranteed a great time. Like his father before him, Dad was a life long active and enthusiastic Shriner. He really enjoyed being a part of the Drum and Bugle Corp and, until health prevented it, marched endless miles in community parades. Dad’s BBQ skills were put to good use at the Shriner’s annual Salmon BBQ in Ladner, and he loved organizing golf tournaments and the annual Harvest dinner. Dad was a role model and humanitarian, and in recognition of that received an award from his employer with the funds awarded going, at Dad’s request, to Shriner charities.

Unfortunately, Dad lost Marilyn in 2016, when she passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s, and later that year, his own declining health dictated a move to Queen’s Park Care Center. Dad spent his last years there and became a favourite of staff and residents alike with his great sense of humour and endless comebacks like "shake it, don’t break it," and "don’t quit your day job."

Dad was blessed to have the ongoing support of family, including Les’s sister-in-law, Judy Bell, to ensure he had everything needed to have the best quality of life possible. Dad passed away on February 21, 2020 at age 93. We feel blessed that we were able to be with him.

Thank you Dad, it is no exaggeration that you were the best of everything and we will love you forever.

The family especially wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff at Queen’s Park for their outstanding care and love for Dad. It made a huge difference for him, as did the care and support given to the family. Thanks especially to Dr. Mcanulty for his good natured, patient, and compassionate care.

Predeceased by his Mom and Dad (Wilbur and Ida), sister June, brother-in-law Gordon, brother Dick, sister-in-law Lynne and his first wife Donna. He is survived by his children, 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at some time in the future, when circumstances permit. Please visit the Kearney

Funeral website: www.kearneyfs.com. Donations accepted, with thanks, to the Shriners Children’s Hospital at https://www.bcshriners.com/donate-now/.