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.