We Remember

THOMAS, William Robert “Bob”

March 20, 1947 — June 28, 2023

William Robert Thomas, 76, of Kelowna, BC passed away on June 28, 2023, after a short battle with Cancer.

Bob was born on March 20, 1947, to William John Thomas “Bill” and Martha Ann Thomas “Ann” in New Quay, Wales. After completing school, Bob took his adventurous spirit and farming knowledge across the Atlantic under the agricultural visa program and started working in Ontario. His love of animals and nature never left him, but he switched career fields in the early 70s and went into sales management.

In 1975, Bob met Lynne Ann Rutterford through an introduction by a mutual friend. After returning to the United Kingdom, they officially tied the knot on September 25, 1976, and went on to have 2 children, Sarah Louise and Laura Jane.

Bob loved Canada. He built a never ceasing affection for Toronto sports teams, although he was quick to remind everyone that The Toronto Maple Leaf’s had never won a cup since he started supporting them in 1968. In 1996, Bob realized his dream of returning to Canada and made Kelowna home. His infectious optimism and jovial personality made him fast friends with everyone he met. He was known for his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering positivity.

Bob was predeceased by his father Bill, his mother Ann, and his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife Lynne; daughters Sarah (Oliver) and Laura (Christian); his grandsons Kieran, Nathaniel, Adam, and Leo; his brothers Leighton (Ruth), Peter (Gillian); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

The family would like to pass on their gratitude to Dr Martos and the wonderful staff at Kelowna’s Cancer Clinic who provided such excellent care for Bob.

A casual celebration of his life will be held at Porter’s Kelowna. We invite friends to drop by and raise a drink in his honour. Please contact the family for more details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to BC Cancer Foundation, an organization that helped support both Bob and Lynne over the last 6 months.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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BC Cancer Foundation Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Ross says:
    July 12, 2023 at 4:44 pm

    Omg Bobby. I’m sorry to hear your in a better place. You have a place in my heart. I will miss you my friend.

    Reply
  • Michael and Alison Scanlan says:
    July 24, 2023 at 7:48 am

    Lynne and family, thank you for sharing dear Bob with us. He was a beautiful, warm and positive man, who made the world a better place.
    Sincerely, Alison and Michael Scanlan

    Reply
  • Jennifer and Phidias Athienitis says:
    April 27, 2024 at 12:33 pm

    It was Lakers reunion on Thursday and I have been thinking about you and your family! So so sorry to hear about Bob, he was a lovely fun person! Do write when you have time xx

    Reply

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