Evan Luke (Larry) Thomas

Thomas, Evan Luke (Larry) – an officer and a gentleman – died peacefully on October 17, 2016 in Victoria, BC.

Larry was born in Kenora, Ontario, on June 23, 1921. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dora, his parents Harry and May, his sister Bernice and his son-in-law, Graham Brown. Larry is survived by is loving wife of 32 years, Lavone, his children: Larry (Janet), Shelley (Trevor); his grandchildren: Lana (Darren), Ryan (Janice), Colin (Cindy) and Michael (Lorree); his great grandchildren: Brittany, Josh, Caden, Maden, Alex, Anderson, Faith, Graham and Lily. Larry is also survived by Lavone’s children: Dale (Lynne), Judy (David); her grandchildren: Meghan, Gavin, Molly; her great grandchildren: Caleigh and Gabriel.

Larry spent his formative years in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was educated at Central Collegiate and enjoyed his minor hockey with the Regina Pats Association. Owing to a strong desire to serve Canada, Larry enlisted with HMCS Queens in 1940. Larry was trained as a medical officer and served in World War II as doctor on numerous ships in the Canadian and British fleets.

At the conclusion of the war, Larry returned to Canada, but not before marrying a beautiful British singer named Dora Tuke. Two children soon followed – Larry and Shelley – and the Thomas family began to establish roots, ultimately settling in Victoria, BC. Larry continued to serve in the Canadian Forces and shifted his focus to training the next generation of naval medical officers.

Larry soon became a grandfather and, in that category, was simply unmatched. He became his grandchildrens’ hero and showed them a world full of love and imagination: Saxe Point Park, jelly bean trees, skipping rocks, racing in the Cortina, heads out the sunroof of the Reliant, Qualicum Beach with Peggy and Denny, digging potatoes, eating peas in the pod, ball tag, elastic guns, and fish & chip nights while watching “On the Buses.”

Although Larry was devastated at the loss of Dora in 1982, he was fortunate to find true love again. In 1984, Larry married the exquisite Lavone Peebles and began a new life, entering into the world of retirement. Travelling and playing golf were the name of the game – cruises far and wide and adventures in the motorhome. Larry and Lavone became snowbirds, enjoying winters in Arizona and summers at their home in Arbutus Ridge. Larry and Lavone were social butterflies and enjoyed a wide circle of family and friends, including their long-standing card group. Larry and Lavone eventually moved back to the Victoria area and enjoyed a number of years at Matticks’ Farm in Cordova Bay before settling into their new community at Berwick, Royal Oak. Larry will surely be missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 19th at 2:00pm in the Theatre at Berwick, Royal Oak, 4680 Elk Lake Drive.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice: 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8 .