Mike Thomas

January 22, 1946 - September 9, 2024

In loving memory ~

Mike Thomas, 78, passed away peacefully September 9, 2024 holding hands with his loving wife Marlene and daughter Catherine. Born on January 22nd, 1946, Mike was a gentle man who lived a full and vibrant life filled with service to others. He was a force of legendary positivity and touched the lives of many. Even after his cancer diagnosis, whenever questioned his answer was "I'm just great".

Mike joined the army in 1963 and later joined the Royal Canadian Air force in 1966 where he stayed until 1989. He continued his career at the calibration centre as a civilian until his ultimate retirement in September 2009.

Throughout his life, Mike dedicated himself to volunteering. His volunteer efforts included: founding member of the Stage West players drama club, a lifetime dedicated Lion, Christmas Bureau, Food bank, Sooke Museum, Salmon Enhancement, Wild Arc, establishing the Cold Lake youth bowling league, volunteering with the Cold Lake Crisis line and representing Sooke as the Town Crier. He also did the Great Walk multiple years in a row to raise funds for the Sooke Hospice, the organization that cared for him in his final days.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Marlene, son Robert Thomas, daughter Catherine (Pierre) Lefebvre, stepsons Shawn Orchin and Kerry (Anita) Orchin, granddaughter Emily (Brendan) Thompson, sister Jackie Dube and many nieces, nephews and friends that became family. The family is holding a memorial service to celebrate Mike's life 1-3 pm, Sunday September 29, 2024 in the upstairs hall of the Sooke Legion, where he was a longtime member.

The family would like to thank Mike's fellow Lions and friends who helped and continue to help in so many ways. The family would also like to thank good friends Keri and Ben Molesky for their support and assistance during our trying times and the staff at the Ayre Manor hospice wing for providing care with dignity, respect, empathy and efficiency.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sooke Hospice.