January 17, 1921 –
April 15, 2010
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Cross from Ganges, BC on Thursday, April 15, 2010.
He is survived by his loving wife Mable, whom he was married to for 67 years after being high school sweethearts. A proud and caring father, he will be remembered with admiration and love by his sons, Richard Cross of Ganges, BC and Michael Cross of Ganges, BC.
Born in York Township, Ontario, Thomas was blessed with a caring family life with parents, William and Isabelle Cross. Thomas excelled in school, skipping three grade years before graduating his senior year with Commercial Certification. In World War Two, he served as a volunteer Lieutenant Flight Officer with the RAF Bomber Command. After his sorties working as a navigator, he studied Architechtural Drafting by correspondence. Reunited back with his wife after three years, he worked at Swift’s Meat Packers in Toronto, as Plant Operations Draftsman. At night and on weekends, he studied Civil Technology Engineering through the APEO. In 1959, after challenging all the exams and practicum, he was awarded his Professional Engineering Degree and Certification with a Gold Seal. During this time while working full time at Swift’s, he was promoted to Plant Operation Superintendent. In the late ‘60s, Thomas went to work with the Province of Ontario Ministry of the Environment. He was instrumental in developing and managing as a Senior Director, three branches of the Ministry; Air Resources, Water Resources and Industrial Approvals.
Thomas was a do-it-yourself man. He built his first home in Cooksville, Ontario with the help of his father and brother. He built his last home here on Salt Spring, with the help of local island contractors. For the enjoyment of his family, he built a cottage in the Haliburton Highlands in Ontario and constructed four boats for our pleasure there. He enjoyed gardening in his Japanese garden yard at his home here, and cruising the local waters in his sailboat, Maysong II. He volunteered with the local Water District, the Salt Spring Sailing Club and the Salt Spring Golf Club.
The Cross family is grateful for the excellent, caring staff at the Lady Minto Hospital Emergency and Acute Care Unit and especially Dr. David Woodley for his compassionate care and guidance.
A celebration of Thomas’ life will be held at the Salt Spring Island Golf Club, Sunday May 2nd, 2010 @ 3pm-6pm. For details, please contact Michael Cross @ 250.537.4108 or email mikeinganges@yahoo.ca