THOMAS, J. Wes
March 16, 1946 - March 15, 2015
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our dear Wes, husband of 46 years & childhood sweetheart to Lyn, loving father to Janet (Kris), Jacquie (Justin, Tyler, Logan) beloved Papa to Nayla, Davin, Brooke, Karter and Kristopher. He is also survived by brother Alan in England who he loved very much. Predeceased by father John in 1972 and Mother Agnes in 2009. Wes was born in Liverpool, England and came to Canada in 1968 with his new bride, Lyn. They spent 2 years in Central Butte, Saskatchewan where Wes taught English and Phys. Ed. and 1 year in Regina attending University and making lifelong friends. He was a fast and formidable rugby player and athlete and despite injuries years later, says he would not have changed a thing. He achieved a Certificate of Education with commendation in England, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and Master of Education degree from the University of Victoria. When they moved to Vancouver Island in 1972, Wes taught P.E. and English for 14 years at Lake Cowichan High School. His daughters, Janet and Jacquie, were born there in 1976 and 1978 and he and his family established a solid circle of friends who became like family. Wes made a career move in 1985 and relocated his family to Terrace where he became Vice Principal of Skeena Secondary School. Since 1987, he has resided in Maple Ridge where he was Vice Principal at Garibaldi High School, Principal at Westview Junior High, and lastly, Principal of Pitt Meadows Secondary school. He positively impacted thousands of students with his “Nobody’s Perfect” philosophy, many of whom reconnected with him years later. He spent the last 12 years of his retirement with his family, enjoying some travel, welcoming grandchildren, riding his tractor around his beautiful garden, having regular coffee times with friends, and he could occasionally be found floating in the pool with a cold one on a hot summer’s day. He will be dearly missed. Memorial Service to be held at Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel (Osborn’s) Saturday March 28 2pm. Condolences may be sent to www.mapleridgefuneral.ca