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
My condolences to Jody, the family, and all those who were touched by the force of nature known as Chuck Thomas. Larger than life described him from my vantage point as a Cadet in Training Squadron, and still endured when I was driving a ‘Sweeper while he was bringing the navy into the modern era. He was the epitome of standards, expectations, and respect if you were willing to work for it. Most of us Salts know that he was the force behind delivering a modern Canadian navy capable of operating and leading in two Gulf wars, and many other operations. From that I learned that mere mortals can in fact build this country… if you can at least in part replicate his vision, energy and tenacity. A giant, with broad shoulders.
Dear Jody and family,
I wanted to offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. I first served under Captain Thomas, as he was then, when I was an AB, and he was the Squadron Commander. Because of the nature of my job, I spent a good deal of time near him. It was a sign of just how good a leader he was that, many years later when I was a PO and he was an Admiral, he still remembered me, and spoke of me as an old shipmate. That made me feel special, and I will always be grateful to him for that.
Yours in shared sorrow,
Ian Holloway
I did not have the privilege to meet Mr. Thomas.
I am so blessed to know Jody, Curt, Sam & Andrew.
You are all in my thoughts and please know that you are loved.
admired and cherished, and most importantly, never alone!
I had several personal meetings with ADML Thomas when I was President of the Navy League. It was always not only a privilege but instructive to discus our operations with such an interested and cooperative senior Forces Commander. Not really part of his job, but always gave me the assurance he WAS interested in the League’s progress, needs and planning. A great example of the best of the RCN’s leadership. He will be missed, even after these many years.
Dear Jody and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. May his inspirational leadership and many achievements be a lasting legacy for you, and indeed all Canadians, to cherish.
With love,
The Healey’s xo
Bev & I send our deepest condolences to Jody & family on the passing of a legend. Chuck & I had in many ways parallel naval careers. In his storied journey through the RCN & the Canadian Forces he was a man of principle & action. In the ship acquisition business where I spent much of my career, Chuck’s vision, support & ability to see the big picture was instrumental in the successful refurbishing the Navy. He left his imprint on the RCN & his crossing the bar will be mourned.
Deepest condolences to Jody and family. May the spirit of his contribution to his greatest passion, the commitment to his country and the men and women in uniform, along with his love of his family, continue to inspire you and appease your pain. Admiral Thomas did help make a difference and passed on his love and passion to his family. May he rest in peace.
Julie Charron
DND
Roger Cyr
He was a great naval officer and a great man. I had the privilege of serving under him in DMRS and it was truly an honour. He will be remembered always.
Admiral Thomas was a hero of mine! He was a fine Officer and leader, dedicated to the Navy and it’s people. He was an inspiration to all of us especially those who like me started our careers at HMCS Venture. As well, he was a great golfer!
May he Rest In Peace and rise in glory
Jody, Curt, Sam and Andrew, may you always remember the good times you had together. Sending prayers and peaceful thoughts at this difficult time.