DAVID SPENCER THOMAS

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DAVID SPENCER THOMAS It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dave on February 24, 2015 at Percy E. Moore Hospital in Hodgson, MB. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 30 years, Joyce, and beloved daughter, Hailey, sisters Joyce (Hugh), Joan and Arlene, brother Fred, brothers-in-law Franklin, Ken, Donald, mother-in-law Georgina, father-in-law Frank (Vi), as well as many nieces, nephews and dear, dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Lily, and sister-in-law, Bunny. Dave was the youngest of five children born and raised on the family farm east of Hodgson, MB. Dave had a spirit of adventure that took him far and wide. One of his first jobs was spending a winter surveying the border between MB, SK, and the NWT's. He liked to say that he once stood with a foot in MB, a foot in SK, and an arm in the NWT's. Dave then spent over 20 years working for Otis Elevators as a mechanic and he worked in Regina, Saskatoon, Estevan and Muenster, SK; Ottawa, Windsor and Kingston, Ontario; Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta; Vancouver, Prince George, Trail and Revelstoke, BC; and Winnipeg, MB. He made his home in Vancouver for many years and always kept a piece of it in his heart. Dave's love of golfing was well known but he also enjoyed downhill skiing and skydiving in his younger years. He traveled across Canada from coast to coast as well as New York, Detroit, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, LA, Reno, Las Vegas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. However, he left his heart in Hawaii after travelling there with Joyce and Hailey. After his many adventures, Dave returned to the farm he loved full time and settled down with the love of his life, Joyce. They built theirdream home and were able to spend 30 wonderful years together. When his only child was born, his beautiful daughter Hailey, he always said that he never knew he could feel love like that. He used to say that his job in life was taking care of his girls. He handled his illness with quiet courage and dignity and did not fear death; however, his greatest heartache was that he would have to leave them. He was a devoted family man, a good friend, a great neighbor and a kind, considerate, gentle soul who loved animals almost as much as people. He has left a legacy of love and memories that we will cherish forever. Dave had a favourite quote by Winston Spencer Churchill: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give We wish to thank all the staff at Percy E. Moore Hospital and Fisher Ambulance for their kind and compassionate care of Dave. Special thanks to Sheryl Thomas who helped us through this, step by step. Your kindness will never be forgotten. In compliance with Dave's wishes, cremation has taken place, a private service and interment of Dave's ashes will take place in the spring, Dave's favourite time of year. Friends are invited to celebrate Dave's life on Saturday, March 7, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our home on the farm east of Hodgson. Your life was a gift to us, your memory a treasure, We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. We will love you forever Dave, Joyce and Hailey MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2015