Captain (Retired) Richard James Thomas
November 1, 2017
Peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family, on Wednesday, November 1st, 2017. Loving father of Barb (Kevin) Gillingham, Michelle (Kevin) Hill, Debbie (Jeff) Stephenson and Jamie (Leslie) Thomas. Cherished Grandpa of Brandon (Crystal), Kyle (Ashley), Arden, Graydon, Rhiannon, Carly (Mike), Jeremy, Scott, Melanie, Rebecca and Ben. Great-Grandpa of Layla, and soon to be Baby Elliott. Survived by his sister Leah Steele and brother Peter (Elaine) Thomas. Predeceased by his grandchildren, Shane and Stephanie Thomas and his sisters, Charmaine Tuckey, Betty Calligan, Rosemary Lutz and Eleanor Copland. Always remembered by Mary Thomas, his brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Treasured friend of Tom Pitt and Sam Newman. Richard was an active volunteer with Cadets for many years, where he was Commanding Officer with 27 Air Cadet Squadron (London), Commanding Officer for 741 Air Cadet Squadron and also for Army Cadet Corps 2414, both of St. Thomas. A memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., with friends being received one hour prior. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dick are asked to consider the Air Cadet League (aircadetleague.com). Thank you to all the staff at McCarthy Place Retirement Home, CarePartners of Stratford and Dr. Keys of Lucan for their wonderful care.
Leave a tribute for Captain (Retired) Richard James Thomas
Leave a tribute
(Donated to Air Cadet League)
(Donated to Air Cadet League)
(Donated to Air Cadet League)
(Donated to Air Cadet League)
(Donated to Air Cadet League)
(Donated to Air Cadet League)
(Donated to Air Cadet League)
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Our sincere condolences to the Thomas family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Dick will be forever remembered for his kind, thoughtful nature and his many stories. I can remember those long ago days going up to Ipperwash with the Henders and Thomas families. The times we had at the hotel in London and going up to the air field when Dick was busy taking the Cadets up in the gliders. Dick had a distinctive voice that I will never forget. I know that he is looking down at us while enjoying a cold beverage with my parents talking about the old days. Dick can best be described as a "true gentleman". We will miss him dearly. All the best to you Dick and may you Rest In Peace. Kindest regards, Mark Henders & Family.
Debbie, Jamie and Families: We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. I am sure you have many wonderful memories. Thinking of you all during this sad time.
Debbie and Families, My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you all. Thoughts and prayers for you
Thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. May your memories of your father carry you through until you meet again. Xoâ¤ï¸
We want to express our condolences to the whole Thomas family. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Special thoughts go out to Debbie. xo
My sincerest condolences to the Thomas family. I have many fond memories of working with Dick in different cadet functions. A gentle soul and highly respected officer.
My sincerest condolences to the Thomas family. I have many fond memories of working with Dick in different cast functions. A gentle soul and highly respected officer.
On behalf of the Hammond family, our condolences and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Well he must have been a wonderful man because he helped raise 4 amazing children. Lots of love to you all. 💕 xxx
My heart aches and my prayers are with you at this time. Although I didn't know Dick well, I feel I got to see the real man on the pilgrimage and enjoyed the time I had with him.
As a Member of the Royal London Military Institute (RLMI), he will be missed. www.rlmi.ca
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Air Cadet League
Notify family of your donation
Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.Memories
Capt Thomas will be missed. As the recent Commanding Officer of 27 Squadron, I always welcomed his visits and we were honoured that he attended our 75th Anniversary Dinner and every Annual Parade until this year. I'll miss his stories of the squadron's past.
~ Capt Glenn Allaire