Donald James Thom
October 29th, 2018
Donald James Thom. 01-31-1934 to 10-29-2018. Predeceased by parents Jim and Peggy and two brothers George and Jimmy. Survived by his wife of 34 years, Marilyn, much younger sister Gayle, children Steven (Meera), Doug (Astrid), Keith (Tina), step-children Brett (Wanda) Christensen, Tamara (Darrell) Stewart, Brian (Trish) Diemert, and Brent (Lynn) Diemert, twelve grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces & nephews, a remaining circle of life-long buddies from his cherished Bowen Island Days and an untold number of friends who are considered extended family through his walk in sobriety. Don suffered a severe fall and passed quietly on Monday, October 29th with his wife by his side. He touched the lives, and was connected to the souls, of many.
From being named the Senior King in the Better Baby Show in 1938 to becoming an elder statesman in his recovery world, there lives a story about a man [son, brother, uncle, father, step-father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,] who could create outrageous fun and laughter, pit one side of a room against the other and then change sides, and then turn around and exhibit such genuine kindness and compassion that you just wanted to remain inside his circle of positive energy.
He leaves a legacy of his wisdom that lives inside all he touched. Family and friends who will honour his memory by trying to be as cheerful, optimistic and always ready to crack a joke as Don was.
With permission we share a poem written by Sam Magill Jr. that speaks to this passing and although our hearts are heavy we have no doubt he has been rocketed into a dimension of immortality.
This is how I want to wake up after dying:
To slowly become aware as light tiptoes into the room,
To have gentle thoughts that coalesce from dreams -
Soft and fragile, then as clear and focused as the morning air -
To know that after all the difficult passages of a former life
I can smile again and look forward to the day,
Knowing who I have always been,
Knowing exactly what I love,
And what those persistent angels
Have always wanted me to do.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Salvation Army which was Don's preferred charity. Because only Don could manage to swing having a celebration on the day of Grey Cup we’ve decided to reference it as the Grey Cup Memorial and invite anyone who would like to wear a football jersey to do just that.
Don would love it!
A Celebration of his life and reception will be held
Sunday, November 25th at 1pm
George Preston Centre
20699 42 Avenue Langley
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
My sincere condolences Marilyn & family. You & Don were a loving kind & humourus pair. I always thought of Don as a wise man with a twinkle in his eye. He is no longer suffering may he RIP
TO MARILYN AND FAMILY, WE SHARE YOUR LOSS. NEVER THOUGHT OF DON WITHOUT HAVING A SMILE OR A CHUCKLE. WE KNEW DON FOR MANY, MANY YEARS Ag8dND WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.
Don was a big part of my life at Bowen Island in the forties and was a great person. We were all so lucky to have had Camp Kids in our lives. Rest in peace, Don.......
The world was made brighter with Don's presence. So happy we had the opportunity to travel this road together. Love and blessings to Marilyn & all the kids who have lost much.
You know Don that when I heard of your passing my first thought was prayers for Marilyn in this sad time and....... then I thought how long would it be before you told your "fives" story to Him! Thank you for touching my life.
I spent many an hour listening to Don's entertaining stories while he was exercising at the Chilliwack YMCA. His genuine smile and courage of character is what I will always remember. Go in peace, Don. Sincere sympathies to Marilyn and family.
our thoughts are with you Marilyn and your extended family. May all your happy memories carry you thru your loss of Don. Love Lynne & Dig
Don helped me to follow Bill W,'s advice. He was an always enjoyable friend.. Roger, a Bowen Island Boy.
I only had the privledge of meeting DON once With Gladys I was immediately taken by his warmth and sense of humour and his commitment to helping others a true elder statesman Charley and I send our deepest condolences to Marilyn and family at this difficult time
You go to one meeting. You get one chance. You go to a few meetings you get few chances. You go to many meetings you get many chances. RIP Don Love you and I will think of you from time to time!
I have had the distinct privilege of knowing Don and Marilyn for over two decades on two levels......the joy and love they both bring with them wherever .....was/is unsurpassed.......the celebration is the wonderful memories of experience, strength and hope and the huge amount of wisdom and sense of humour Don displayed through his life and those ever twinkling eyes....... The acknowledgement of loss through the Circle of Life I feel when I think of Marilyn and all of Don's Family circle.......loving support to them...... I will never forget you Don.....