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William (Bill) Max Thomas
It is with profound sadness that the family of William (Bill) Max Thomas announce his passing on April 19, 2014 at the age of 68 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Melanie, his daughter Wendy (Gerry Broom) of Frontier, his son Jeff (Shauna) Thomas of Davidson and his beloved grandsons, Ryan Broom of Saskatoon, Christopher Broom of Frontier and Isaiah Thomas of Davidson.
Bill was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan on December 9, 1945, the oldest child and only son of Wendolin and Catherine Thomas. He was followed by two sisters, Barbara and Margaret. He attended school at Detchon School, a short distance from the farm and when it closed, he rode the bus to Davidson for classes. School did not appeal to Bill so he left the area in his late teens to work at various other opportunities, but did not stray long from the land. He returned to Davidson where he met a “new-comer” to the area, Melanie Marie Rice in 1965. On July 16, 1966, Bill and Melanie were married at St. James Church near Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan and they took up residence in a small yard site west of Davidson. Wendy was born a year later on July 13, 1967, then Wendel passed away shortly after, in August of 1967 and Bill moved his new family to the home place where he took over the farming and cattle operations. Jeffrey was born on September 5, 1968.
Bill and Melanie worked the land and raised cattle for many years, facing the day-to-day tribulations of the industry. Both of them spend endless hours driving and riding on buses attending many hockey tournaments as Jeff was very active in the sport. The Thomas farm was always busy with many friends stopping in at all times as Bill was never too busy to visit. They enjoyed winter ski trips with friends and relatives to various ski resorts in the United States and spent as much time as possible during the summer at the cabin on the lakeshore of Marean Lake. Spring and Fall always brought lots of activities on the farm with calving, then seeding, then finally harvest. Life was full and later on, Bill enjoyed travelling to Frontier to visit with Gerry and Wendy and occasionally helping out with their farming if the timing was right.
Bill’s pride and joy, other than the farm, were his grandsons – all three of them. He was proud to attend the graduation ceremonies of both Ryan and Christopher and enjoyed attending as many of their school and sports functions as possible over the years. He particularly enjoyed when he got to attend hockey tournaments and volleyball games to watch his grandsons play. With the arrival of Isaiah, he adjusted to a younger version and was happy to see Jeff and Shauna plan, build and move into a new home right in the farmyard.
For the past several years, Bill and Melanie ventured south to Yuma, AZ where they had purchased a trailer at an active little resort. They couldn’t wait to get there so they spent Christmases down South Frontier with Gerry and Wendy, then would leave shortly thereafter to arrive in Yuma on New Year’s Eve. This past Christmas saw Jeff, Shauna and Isaiah drive to Frontier to have the entire family together.
In January of this year, Bill and Melanie had their first flight in a jet when they flew to Cancun to attend Gerry ad Wendy’s wedding on the beach in Playa del Carmen. Even though Bill didn’t venture out and about much while there, he got to walk on the white sands and see the blue of the ocean.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Wendolin and Catherine, his parents-in-law Sidney and Marie Rice and sisters-in-law Dorothy Rice and Norma Gaillard.
He will be sadly missed by his sisters, Barb (Sonny) Weinberger of Creston, B.C., Margie (Ron) Bort of Saskatoon, Sask., many aunts and uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish in Davidson, Sask. on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Hanson’s Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.
Friends so wishing may make a donation to a local charity of their choice.