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Morrie Thomas
July 31, 1930 - June 8, 2014
Tribute
Morrie Thomas was born July 31, 1930 to a pioneer family in Okanagan Falls. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family on June 8, 2014.
Survived by his loving wife Denise (nee Goldsbury) of 60 years; son Brian (Sandy), Okanagan Falls; daughters Jill (Stan), Okanagan Falls and Nancy (Lyle), Kelowna; grandchildren Ryan (Laura), Whitecourt, Eric (Lauren), Nelson, Bonnie (Faran), Vancouver, Heather, Kelowna, Katy, Edmonton, Hayden, Kelowna; great-granddaughter Ember, Nelson; brother Lloyd (Gloria); sister Dolly; sister-in-law Gay as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Morrie was born and raised in Okanagan Falls and has been actively involved in the livestock industry all his life. In the early days, Morrie’s parents’ home ranch was a livestock weighing centre. As there was no hotel in OK Falls, the Thomas home became a well-known stop-over for cattle buyers. Often the house and the hay loft would be full of cowboys staying in town to help on shipping days.
Morrie helped with the construction of the OK Falls Stockyards, Some of the posts he helped plant are still there today. He worked at the sales and was the area brand inspector. He served as Yards Manager from 1968 until 1989.
Morrie was elected director of BC Livestock Producers Co-operative Association in 1968, a position he held until 1989. He also served as a director for the BC Cattlemen’s Association for many years and was president from 1974 until 1976. He also served as a director on the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association during the Blue Tongue Crisis of the mid seventies.
After retiring from BC Livestock in 1988, Morrie reconnected with relatives in England, and enjoyed camping and fishing at Puntzi Lake and Watch Lake, and visiting ranches in the Chilcotin and Caribou.
Morrie was honoured to receive a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday June 14th at the Okanagan Falls Community Centre (School).
Donations are gratefully accepted in his name to the KGH Foundation to Support Surgical Services at Kelowna General Hospital.
A special thanks to Nurse Nancy for the exceptional care she gave her Dad, and the training she provided her team so that Morrie could remain at home for his last days.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Wilma West
Relation: A special friend of Nancy's
I did not know Morrie, but loved his daughter, Nurse Nancy.
From: Cathie Best
Relation: family friend
My condolences to the Thomas family. As a city kid enthralled with farm life, annual visits to the Thomas Ranch were the highlight of my summers. Despite how busy he was, Morrie always made time for us to ride Nugget, visit the livestock and tour the ranch. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
From: Sandra Smith
Relation: friend
Lots of love and sympathy to Denise, Brian, Jill, Nancy and family. Among the many memories – distributing hay with Morrie during calving season – Morrie going back to OK Falls during a dinner party at Mom’s to deliver a calf – lots of happy times with Morrie and Denise.
Hugs, Sandra
From: Valerie (Best) Neilson
Relation: Family friend
My heartfelt condolences to the Thomas family. I have wonderful memories of our family’s summer visits to the ranch. Morrie always took the time to see that we ‘city folk’ had a country experience! I know my parents will miss a life long friend, and the Thomas family will feel a great loss.
From: Darcy and Brian
Relation: Friend
The world needs more Morries
From: Norma and Ed Bakstad
Relation: Friend
Norma and I send our Love from Watch Lake.
I caught a really big fish the other day. He gave a couple of big jumps and then he was gone. I named him Morrie. Perhaps I will see him again…Ed
From: Sharen & Bill O'Donaghey (Hansen )
Relation: friend
Our condolences from the Hansen family to the Thomas family.. We all grew up knowing the Thomas family and we are sorry for your loss. Remembering all the good times .
From: Arlene swift
Relation: I worked with Morrie at B.C.Livestck
Denise I am so sorry to hear of Morries passing. I feel so privileged
To have known and worked with such a wonderful man. Morrie pulled us up when we really needed it.
From: Fane MacAulay
Relation: Family friend
Morrie and Denise were always so kind and supportive to my mother who lived on her own. Over decades, they generously included her in numerous family gatherings and lots of trips to the Cow Camp.
I have very fond childhood memories of riding with Nancy on the ranch. Chasing cows like only a city slicker could! I’m sure Morrie was horrified, and must have thought I’d been watching too many John Wayne movies.
My favorite “Morrie memory” is from a riding clinic that Nancy and I attended in Oliver. (many years ago) Nancy and I were covered in dirt from the days’ events. We were prime targets for Morrie dry sense of humor! He could always bring us to tears with his quick wit.
I promise Morrie, I will remember to water my flowers….
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
June 14, 2014
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Okanagan Falls Community Centre (School)
1141 Cedar Street
Okanagan Falls, BC Canada BC
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday June 14th at the Okanagan Falls Community Centre (School).
1141 Cedar Street
Okanagan Falls, BC Canada BC
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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