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Morrie Thomas
July 31, 1930 - June 8, 2014
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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: Ted and Kathy Malmberg
Relation: Friend of the family
Dear Denise,
Sorry that we cannot attend Morrie’s service on Saturday.
We would like to send our most heartfelt wishes to you and your family.
Although we were not personal buddies, I considered Morrie to be a special friend. I will always remember my days at the Mandalay in the late 1950’s. Morrie paid a dollar an hour to his hay crew. Wow! $10 – $12 a day! Denise, I will always remember the great lunches you made for us. Regards,
Ted and Kathy
From: wendy and shane herrington
Relation: friend
Dear Nancy,
Shane and I send our condolences for the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you, Hayden, Lyle and the rest of your family. May your wonderful memories sustain you and bring you joy in the remembering.
Love,
Wendy and Shane
From: Lynnora Belcher
Relation: Lived in OK Falls. Family friends.
Dear Denise and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Morrie. My kids will always remember you and Morrie taking them up the mountain to cut their first real Christmas tree. You both gave so many city folks a taste of real country. Love always, Lynn Belcher and family.
From: Deanne Gray
Relation: family friend
Just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss…Morrie was a wonderful man and leaves behind quite a legacy…thoughts and prayers with all of you…big hugs to all!!!
Deanne Gray
From: Ann Haw
Relation: RCH classmate of Denese
My sympathy and love to Denise and all the Thomas family in the loss of their Loved One. My fond memory is of Morrie roasting a whole pig over hot coals and buried in the ground, which he prepared for the nurses while we attended a class reunion in Penticton. That tender juicy meat was the best! God bless you all in a very special way during this time of sorrow. Ann
From: Ken & Darcy Ewers
Relation: Family Friend
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Denise and family. Memories of our families go back many years in OK Falls and we hope those memories will be of some comfort to you.
From: Ed and Louise Fossen
Relation: friends
Our condolences to Denise Brian and family. We got to know Morrie over the years through the cattle industry. His contributions to our industry were many and we always appreciated his stories and sense of humour. Rest in Peace Morrie. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
From: Stan & Georgie Anderson
Relation: Friends of the family
So sorry to hear of Morrie’s passing. He was a great man; a true gentleman. It was a pleasure to have known him. He will be missed by many.
From: Ray and Win Findlay
Relation: Pioneer Family
Morrie will be greatly missed. What a great guy to have known over the years. Sincere condolences to you Denise and to all the Thomas family. Thinking of you with love.
Win and Ray Findlay………………….Kaleden
From: Bertie Whiskin
Relation: Friendly acquaintance
Dear Denise and family, we send our warm sympathies to you at this sad time.
I always enjoyed seeing Morrie when he signed in at the Weyerhaeuser office. Because Di and I were always close friends, I felt like an extended member of her family. One day when Morrie arrived, I cheekily said, “Well Uncle Morrie, as I live and breathe.” I will never forget the smile on his face.
Morrie’s generation hold the knowledge of the past – they are our family historians – until they sadly become part of the history.
Love from Bertie, Peg Whiskin and family.
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
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