Obituary for John (Roly) Thomas
John Thomas
May 31, 1927 - January 1, 2021
We regret to announce the passing of J.R (Roly) Thomas, a remarkable man who sadly passed on January 1st, 2021 at the age of 93.
Roly was born in South Wales on May 31st, 1927, the only child of the late William and Rachel Thomas of Trem-y-Wawr, Alltwen. Educated in Wales, he graduated in civil engineering at Swansea University in 1952. Prior to his University years, he completed three years of National Service attaining the rank of Sergeant.
Roly will always be remembered by those he left behind, whether friends or family, he was much loved and will be missed. Roly is survived and lovingly remembered by his family in Calgary, UK and the USA. Husband to Betty; father to Deborah Sargant and Joanna Thomas; stepfather to Gillian Hinkey (Ron), John Wray (Denisse); grandfather to Emily, Tom Sargant (Ellie), Vanessa Wray, Katrina Wray and Sophia Torres and great grandfather to William Teare. Since they first met in 1981 Roly enjoyed Betty’s devoted love and support for their Calgary, UK and USA families.
His professional career started in 1952 with British Rail, London from where he joined Esso Petroleum at the Fawley Refinery in Hampshire, UK. In 1974 he emigrated to Canada and joined MHG International in Montreal as a Project Manager and relocated with them to Calgary in 1976. His career encompassed a wide range of fulfilling projects including; oil and gas refining, marine super tanker operations and research into oilsands recovery techniques.
Roly was actively involved with the community; he was a past President of the Calgary Welsh Society and a member of Lions International, Calgary North Hill Club. He had multiple interests including golf and a tremendous passion for rugby. He would set the PVR for all hours of the morning to watch the international games while eating his cheese on toast. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, Dixieland jazz, playing golf and travel, particularly to Hawaii. He is also known for his humour, quick wit and positive attitude. The day before his passing he gave two thumbs up and said he had no pain and no problems.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Peter Lougheed Hospital and the Brenda Stafford Foundation, Cambridge Manor for their support in the final weeks of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.
A private viewing will be held for family. In lieu of a Funeral a Celebration of Life will be held when we can all be together.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of John please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
May 31, 1927 - January 1, 2021
We regret to announce the passing of J.R (Roly) Thomas, a remarkable man who sadly passed on January 1st, 2021 at the age of 93.
Roly was born in South Wales on May 31st, 1927, the only child of the late William and Rachel Thomas of Trem-y-Wawr, Alltwen. Educated in Wales, he graduated in civil engineering at Swansea University in 1952. Prior to his University years, he completed three years of National Service attaining the rank of Sergeant.
Roly will always be remembered by those he left behind, whether friends or family, he was much loved and will be missed. Roly is survived and lovingly remembered by his family in Calgary, UK and the USA. Husband to Betty; father to Deborah Sargant and Joanna Thomas; stepfather to Gillian Hinkey (Ron), John Wray (Denisse); grandfather to Emily, Tom Sargant (Ellie), Vanessa Wray, Katrina Wray and Sophia Torres and great grandfather to William Teare. Since they first met in 1981 Roly enjoyed Betty’s devoted love and support for their Calgary, UK and USA families.
His professional career started in 1952 with British Rail, London from where he joined Esso Petroleum at the Fawley Refinery in Hampshire, UK. In 1974 he emigrated to Canada and joined MHG International in Montreal as a Project Manager and relocated with them to Calgary in 1976. His career encompassed a wide range of fulfilling projects including; oil and gas refining, marine super tanker operations and research into oilsands recovery techniques.
Roly was actively involved with the community; he was a past President of the Calgary Welsh Society and a member of Lions International, Calgary North Hill Club. He had multiple interests including golf and a tremendous passion for rugby. He would set the PVR for all hours of the morning to watch the international games while eating his cheese on toast. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, Dixieland jazz, playing golf and travel, particularly to Hawaii. He is also known for his humour, quick wit and positive attitude. The day before his passing he gave two thumbs up and said he had no pain and no problems.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Peter Lougheed Hospital and the Brenda Stafford Foundation, Cambridge Manor for their support in the final weeks of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.
A private viewing will be held for family. In lieu of a Funeral a Celebration of Life will be held when we can all be together.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of John please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.