Obituary of Roy Leonard Thomas

Roy Leonard Thomas, 76, Williamswood, passed away May 26, 2025. He was born in Halifax on March 19, 1949, to the late Robert and Eileen (Slaunwhite) Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Marryatt); daughter, Amy (Mike) MacDonald and their children, Lily and Jackson, Hammonds Plains; son, Derek, and his children, Eric and Victoria, Toronto. He is also survived by his sisters, Blanche (Jim Brooks), Dartmouth; Marion Dietrich, Kitchener; Whena Talbot, Kitchener; brother, Paul, Kitchener; brothers-in-law, Chris Marryatt and Norm Marryatt. He also has many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Robert and Ronald.

Roy was a Stationary Engineer, Refrigeration, and worked at: Halifax Developments Scotia Square; Halifax Forum Commission, where he was an icemaker and Zamboni driver; Bank of Montreal, George Street, where he worked for various property management companies. In his younger years, he worked at the VG dietary department. He spent many summers working for City Field mowing grass, which he loved to do.

Roy had many interests, but his favourite was baseball and softball, and he played for many teams over the years—C&D Softball Leagues and, in later years, the Over 40 Softball Leagues, where he considered many players his brothers. He also enjoyed bowling and bowled in a few different leagues. He was a fan of the Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs and spent many hours in the last few years watching the games. He really would watch most sporting events and enjoyed golf and women’s hockey, where he was so proud of Troy Ryan, who we took to many hockey games while he played for Chebucto. He really enjoyed watching his grandkids, Lily and Jax, play hockey and lacrosse, and he even enjoyed the dance recitals when Lily was dancing. Roy also coached minor baseball at one time.

Roy loved to drive and loved to travel. He drove us to Florida several times and drove Amy home from California, which he said was the best trip. He loved to take day trips, stopping for a meal or seeing the sights. He also enjoyed going to the movies (lots and lots of movies), dancing, and all kinds of music, and even played a little guitar.

He was very grateful to his sister Blanche for gifting him a kidney. There are so many people to thank for taking care of him, especially the last few months: the Kidney Transplant Clinic, especially Dr. Ken West and his nurses Arlene, Lynne, and James; 6A Transplant Unit; Infectious Diseases, Dr. Robbins; Family Doctors, Dr. Valerie Ross and Dr. Lilian Nwogu; Palliative Care and Nurse Thea; VON; EHS; and Station 62 - Harrietsfield-Sambro Fire Department. We would also like to thank our family, friends, and neighbours for their help during this difficult time.

His funeral will be May 31, 2025, 2 PM, at Saint James United Church, Sambro, 3811 Old Sambro Road. Reverend Helene Burns officiating. Reception following in the church hall. Burial will be at a later date. No flowers by request, and donations may be made to the Saint James United Church or the Kidney Transplant Department of the QEII Foundation.

Roy was well loved by many and will be missed very much.