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
Deepest sympathies Jody and Curt on your loss. Inspirational, tough and wise. An exceptional leader from whom I learned so very much. Unquestionably, the architect of Canada’s current navy and a singular force who will be missed greatly. It was an honour to have served under Admiral “Chuck’s” command.
Dear Jody and family. Sincere condolences on Chuck’s passing. He played golf with my dad at the VGC years ago and we saw him and Maxine there for bridge on Mondays pre-Covid. He came occasionally to the naval lunches at the yacht club too. He was a naval legend and contributed so much. Courage.
Margaret and I express our most sincere condolences to the family of Vice Admiral Chuck Thomas upon learning of his passing. For many years he was a close associate and greatly respected military officer, and he and his wife Maxine were dear friends. Chuck made his mark on the Canadian Armed Forces, and on Canada’s Military history. He is fondly remembered.
To Jody and family. So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was an amazing Naval Officer-so smart and so principled. He was indeed my mentor and responsible for the rejuvenation of my career. We also got to know him and Maxine through several postings and real estate transactions. Admired them both so much. We send all our sympathy and condolences. We will all miss him
Dear Jody, Over the years my husband Jim and I crossed paths many times with Chuck and Maxine, and in 1987 Chuck relieved Jim as Commander Maritime Command, and Maxine sold our house in Ottawa for us. Jim always had the greatest admiration and respect for Chuck and all his contributions to the Navy. I remember his delight in recounting some adventure with his grandchildren. He will be remembered and missed. My condolences to you and the family. Joan Wood
Admiral Thomas was an inspirational leader. I have often reflected on some points he passed on in a talk he gave to the east coast sailors when I was a young officer. He told us to never, ever say “Close enough for government work.” We needed to do our very best in every endeavour. Interestingly, while he was keen on retaining people to ensure a strong Navy, he pointed out that we had all developed skills that would serve us well throughout our careers and lives, no matter what path we chose to take. My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
Chuck made us all proud to be members of the first Venture class and he was also a good friend. May he rest in peace. John Murray
It has been said that “once in a generation comes someone…” who changes the course of history. Chuck Thomas was the visionary who put the RCN back on its keel. When I was a young LCdr working for him in Ottawa, I was awestruck one day when briefing him – he paused and took time to explain his vision of the Navy. Throughout the remainer of my career, he continued when we chatted in sharing his wisdom. He is already missed.
The country has lost an incredibly dedicated, talented and insightful champion of the Royal Canadian Navy, with all that that entails for the security of Canada.
He was known far and wide for his work and he gathered around him a team of dedicated professionals while he was active in the Navy.
He will be missed by his family and the Naval community.
Sending our condolences to Jody and the whole family during this difficult loss. What an incredible legacy that lives on in his family.