David Harold Thomas was born on March 10th, 1933, and passed away on May 12th, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kathy, as well as many good friends, cousins, and extended family members. Dave enjoyed working with his hands, building and repairing boats, racing six meters, chartering, cruising, fishing, scuba diving, and living aboard. He then turned to farming; raising sheep, chickens, calves, as well as a baby raccoon, a goat, a foal, and many dogs and cats. He had a large vegetable garden and planted over a hundred rhododendrons and azaleas, which were at their most beautiful when he died. Next came a pilot’s license and exploring by air, Alaska and B.C.’s West Coast. Dave loved his farm and all the young people who passed through, learning to ride or going for joy rides in his plane. He was a true Salt Springer; his kindness and generosity touched many hearts. Thank you to the manager and staff of the Lady Minto ECU. There will be a celebration of life in the fall.
Thanks, Kathy,
That’s a beautiful obituary and such a lovely photo of Dave. He was such a gentle giant. I look forward to attending his celebration of life in the fall.
Take care, my friend.
xoxo
Dearest Kathy.
Dave’s passing has left Pam and I with a deep sense of loss and a hole in our hearts.
My first memory of Dave some 60 years ago was of this tall handsome guy strumming his guitar surrounded by friends singing folk songs on board his sailboat, the Kowika, at Maple Bay Marina. From there the adventures started: sailing, racing, scuba diving, horseback riding, flying and memorable Greenspring Farm displays at the Salt Spring Fall Fair. We spent many happy hours with you and Dave around the barbecue sipping a rum and Coke or two.
We will always treasure these Happy Memories!
Kathy, your boundless love for Dave and the care you so diligently provided for him during the last few years of his life is greatly appreciated and recognized by your many friends.
We are all better to have known Dave, such a genuine, kind and loving person with such a warm personality. As a family we loved the excitement of visiting the farm, connecting with the animals and getting to know all the friends that flew in to be welcomed by Dave and Kathy.To have lived such an interesting life following your passions is such a gift and to share it with the one you love is even better. Memories will hold you dear to us.