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Robert Thomas

THOMAS, ROBERT CHARLES "ROBBIE"
It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Robert C. Thomas of Fredericton NB, formerly of Kanata ON, on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. He was born in Ottawa on November 15, 1926.
He was predeceased by his wife, Rosemary, and his parents, Leonard and Alice (Smith) Thomas.
Robbie is survived by his children, Lesley Thomas (Tim Clark) of Upper Kingsclear, NB, and Scott Thomas (Deborah Waechter) of Aurora ON; grandsons, Baxter and Cooper Thomas-Clark and Robert and Connor Thomas.
He attended Ashbury College (1945) in Ottawa where he excelled at many sports. He was then trained for combat in the Second World War which fortunately ended before his deployment. He graduated from Carleton University and then Osgoode Hall Law School (1955).
He practiced law at the firm of Thomas & Winship in Ottawa for many years focusing on estate work and real estate.
Robbie loved his time at the family cottage on Ten Penny Lake where he worked his garden and enjoyed country life. He very much enjoyed his many adventures with his neighbours, Debbie and Andre, and their two beloved dogs, Ben and Harley. His endless political conversations with Earl were a highlight to Sunday afternoons.
Robbie spent countless hours volunteering with the hospitals in the Ottawa area. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and as a director of HIROC (Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada). He also played an active role in selecting the Co-Generation plant at the Ottawa Health Sciences Centre.
He started out in local politics as Reeve of Torbolton ON, and was proud to have attended the Liberal leadership convention where Pierre Trudeau was elected leader (which he told Justin Trudeau on his recent trip to Fredericton).
Many thanks to the staff and fellow residents of Governor Hall. In his few short years at Shannex, Robbie met some wonderful people who quickly became friends. He enjoyed tremendous banter and great conversations.
Thomas Picketty wrote “ As long as the incomes of the various classes of contemporary society remain beyond the reach of scientific inquiry, there can be no hope of producing a useful economic and social history”.
Robbie spent his life trying to help others. Simply put, he thought the problems of the world were due to income disparity. He was the first person to offer a hand in any given situation. To call him kind and generous was an understatement.
Robbie always got the last word.
R = rate of return
G = growth
R>G=Problem
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at McAdam's Funeral Home, from 3 to 5 pm.
For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation (www.cheofoundation.com) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com

 

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