Richard James Bassett Thomas
February 9, 1940 – January 4, 2014
Richard was born and spent most of his young life in Vancouver, B.C. After the death of his father, he went from high school to work for Ford Motor Co. and the Vancouver Sun in order to help support his family. Richard later returned to school, receiving a teaching degree from the University of British Columbia. He taught high school in Prince Rupert, and, after his marriage in 1971, settled in Keremeos, B.C. to start a family. The family moved to Salt Spring in 1983, where he worked for the school distict until his retirement in 2003. While in Keremeos, Dick served first as Lieutenant and then as Captain with RCAC 582 ‘Panda’ Squadron.
A life long participant and fan of rallying and stock car racing, Richard was a member of a race team that competed in California in the 60’s. He had recently joined old friends on a vintage racing team, serving as ‘pit crew’ for races at Mission Raceway and in Kent, Washington. Closer to home, he was an annual volunteer (golf cart division) for the SSI Fall Fair.
Richard passed away in Lady Minto Hospital after a short illness. He will be greatly missed by his wife Angela, daughter Jen Thomas, son Allyn Thomas-Reilly (Greg), grandson Caden, sister Lynne Benz and all his friends.
By request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the SSI Food Bank or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.