THOMAS - Austin James Thomas, beloved husband of Debbie and adored dad of Dylan and Aidan, died suddenly on March 20, 2009. Austin was born on March 4, 1952, in Hamilton, ON. He lived in Regina from the early 1970's until 1990, working for SaskTel and then attending the University of Regina, from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education specializing in Fine Arts. The call of the ocean then took him to the northwest coast of BC, where he taught art at Nisga's Elementary-Secondary School and met many special friends, including his wife. Austin and Debbie were blessed with two wonderful sons and the desire to have the boys grow up closer to family took them to Cabri, SK, in 2002. Austin became principal of Cabri School and still got to teach his favourite subject - art! He loved his time in the classroom, sharing his gifts of art and creativity with the students he cared deeply about. His creativity extended to creating beautiful woodwork projects for home and his sailboat. He also served his community as a member of the Cabri Lions Club. Austin's greatest passions in life were his family and sailing, but music and motorcycles weren't far behind. His favourite times were spent with his family and friends on sailboats, both at Lake Diefenbaker and in the Gulf Islands off the coast of BC. A perfect day for Austin was a great sail on a sunny day, then a warm summer evening at anchor on the ocean sipping scotch, playing the guitar and singing for the people he loved. A celebration of Austin's life was held on Wednesday, March 25, at the Cabri School with Rev. Maxine Pirie officiating. Music was provided by "Lexie Culham and The Boys" and the Cabri Community Choir. Jim Moen eulogized Austin's life and honorary pallbearers were Mark Thomas, Larry Thomas, Stephen Nussbaum, Garnet Grylls, Gordon Clark and Jim Moen. Scriptures were read by Mark Thomas and Stephen Nussbaum and a video presentation to celebrate Austin's life was prepared by Tania Holland and Sydney Gossard. Austin is survived by his wife Debbie; sons Dylan and Aidan; sister Kim (Dave); brothers Larry and Mark; nieces Kaya and Alexa Slavin and Elizabeth Owen; mother and father-in-law Edie and Gary Holland; sisters-in-law Kristina (David) Owen and Tania Holland; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents Austin and Thelma Thomas and his sister Shari Thomas. Austin was loved and adored and while our sadness is deep, our wonderful memories of our time with him will keep him alive in our hearts. Memorial donations may be made to the Austin Thomas Memorial Scholarship (through the Royal Bank of Canada, transit #00778 account #5012091 or donations can be made with cheques payable to Debbie Thomas), which will be awarded every year to a graduating student at Cabri School or a charity of your choice. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.