Predeceased by his wife Maxine Thomas and daughter Megan, Vice Admiral Charles Winton Morris Thomas OMM CD is survived by his daughter Jody, son in law Curtis Coates, sisters Lahni Thompson and Linda Larsen and his greatest loves, grandchildren Samantha(Bryant Shapiro ) and Andrew (Shannon Sterling).
Born in Kelowna, Chuck joined the RCN in 1954, the first class of the Venture Plan, as an engineer in order to obtain an education and help support his younger sisters.
He served as the engineering officer In HMCS Antigonish, Jonquiere and Saskatchewan. He crossed trained as a Maritime Surface Officer, and was Commissioning Executive Officer of HMCS Preserver, Commanding Officer of HMCS Fraser and Commanding Officer of the Fourth Canadian Training Squadron.
In 1979 he was posted to NDHQ Ottawa and began the challenge of his career, the recapitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy and the project that became the Canadian Frigate Program. This would be his singular focus for 10 years.
Promoted to Vice Admiral, he became Commander of the Navy in 1987 and Vice Chief of the defence staff in 1989 resigning in 1991 in protest over a proposed department policy paper that would have cut members of the Forces.
While still a midshipman he met his true love, a fiery redhead from Victoria whom he convinced to marry him. Chuck and Maxine were partners in every sense of the word, intellectual equals whose love and respect for each other was a model for us all. If he succeeded she was absolutely his right hand, tempering his aggression, supporting his courage.
He retired to Victoria where many, many rounds of golf at the Victoria Golf Club lay ahead. He and Maxine enjoyed every minute of being home with Megan and Nana.
The loss of Maxine and Megan in quick succession had an enormous impact on him. Despite the sadness he had continual happiness in his relationship with Sam and Bear, delighted in their careers and lives they had built, the partners they loved. He was a towering figure in their lives, he loved being a Grampy.
We have no words to express our gratitude for the friends who kept watch on him and supported him in this difficult period. Neighbors, navy friends and the Wednesday group at the golf club ensured someone spoke to him every day. A special thanks to Tony de Rosenroll who was like a son in his care and attention.
Chuck believed in Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. He fought for the RCN and staked his reputation on the need to equip the men and women who serve.
We draw strength in knowing that as we look to the ocean and we see a gray hull in the distance, we see a part of him. A blessing indeed.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Broadmead Veterans Memorial Lodge or Do It For Daron youth mental health foundation.
A Visitation will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, BC on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 1830-2030.
A Funeral Service will be held at St Peter and St Paul’s Anglican Church, 1379 Esquimalt Road, Esquimalt BC on Wednesday, October 12 at 1030. A reception will follow at the Wardroom CFB Esquimalt.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
28 Responses
Dear Jody, Curt, Andrew and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father/grandfather, our Admiral. Much has already been said on this site and others about his career, accomplishments, vision, mentorship, steadfast conviction and his unfailing commitment to the RCN. I can only echo those sentiments. He and Ed Healey made the Navy what it is today. When my father, a former shipmate from Jonquiere and New Glasgow days, passed on in 2002, Chuck attended the informal gathering we held and I was extremely grateful that he took the time to remember my Dad to me. I am sorry I could not do the same for you. He will be missed.
Jody,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad to you and your family.
Your strength of character is an inspiration for me.
J
Hi Jody – it’s Judy. I never knew your dad but after reading his obituary I realized how much you take after him – your strength and leadership are so much like his. May you find a moment every day to smile at a memory of your dad. Love and hugs to you and the family. ❤️❤️
Dear Jody
Your father’s passing very sadly marks the end of an era. I aways viewed his predecessors and successors as mere place holders. The Admiral was different. A true leader and visionary naval officer, driven by his love of the Navy and a clear understanding of what must be done to prevent it from falling into irrelevance. Never one to compromise what he believed in, he resigned in protest. The sign of a truly great man, in every respect.
I consider myself fortunate for having known him.
My sincerest condolences to you, the family, the Navy and Canada.
Dear Jody,
Gail and I send our most sincere condolences at the passing of your Dad.
Many years have passed since those happy and exciting early years living in Dartmouth along its beautiful Lakes and visiting together.Your Mom and Gail taught school together and your Dad and I embarked on naval careers together that continued three decades. Although post integration, I pursued an aviation path, we collaborated frequently especially as CADO and CMDO respectively as well as Navy and Air Commanders.
He was a visionary- smart and determined and always competitive especially at budget time.
I was honoured to know Chuck and work with him. He left his mark on Canada’s Armed Forces and Navy in particular for which all Canadians should be grateful.
May He rest in peace.
LGen Larry Ashley (Ret’d) RCN CF
Dear Jody,
Please accept our humblest condolences on the loss of your father. While only meeting him a handful of times, he was always very kind, down to earth, genuine and engaging. I specifically remember one occasion when your parents hosted a wedding party, and despite the numerous other demands he had to tend to as a host, he took the time to talk to me, expressed a sincere interest in me as a person, and also in my career aspirations. As a young reserve junior officer, it left a lasting impression. Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this ordeal, and we hope that you can find some comfort in knowing that he left so many people with a lifetime of fond memories.
To Jody and family,
Chuck was the consummate Naval Officer and gentleman. He was courageous, principled, and fiercely dedicated to the RCN, the Canadian Armed Forces, and those who served. His leadership in bringing the Navy to Canadians was so forward thinking and exemplary that even though it wasn’t necessarily understood at the time, it was the right thing and was instrumental is setting up RCN leadership to carry the torch. I so appreciated getting to know him on a more personal level when we settled back in Victoria. I adored him even more and am so grateful for the many times we sat together at various events. RIP Chuck, rest now our faithful servant. Yours aye Gina and Bruce
From Ed Brownfield.
Condolences to the family and blessings for a safe passage for the Admiral.