Obituary of Edward THOMAS

September 29, 1919 – March 18, 2013 Edward Thomas of Calgary, AB passed away on Monday, March 18, 2013 at the age of 93 years. Born September 29, 1919 in Taber AB, Edward was the eldest of six children. When his mother became ill and passed away leaving young children at home, Edward took on the responsibility of nurturing and guiding his younger siblings. In 1940 Edward joined the Royal Canadian Navy to serve in WWII. Edward met Hilda Pepperdine in 1936 and married on February 27, 1942. Together they had three daughters. In 1945 Edward began a long career with Alberta Government Telephones, retiring in 1982. Edward loved to spend time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed spending winter months in Santa Cruz, CA. Ted, as he was known in “swimming circles”, volunteered for over fifteen years as a coach and mentor to many young swimmers. First with the Calgary Sharkettes and later with the Killarney Swim Club in Calgary and the Jasper Place Swim Club in Edmonton. Ted was an exceptional coach who inspired many youth to be the best they could be in swimming and their future lives. He was Head Coach for the Canadian Women’s Olympic team in Mexico City (1968) and Munich (1972) and the Pan-American Games (1971). Edward was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. Edward is survived by his wife of 71 years, Hilda, and daughters Ann (Dean) and Glynis (Karen). He is also survived by four grandsons, Mark, Jeffery (Karen), David (Ashley) and Scott (Jenn); as well as four great-grandchildren, Tristan, Hunter, Anderson, and London; his sisters Betty and Shirley; and brother Donald. He was also loved by Dave, Katie and Blake and Mike, Shannon and Garner. Edward was predeceased by infant daughter Janice Lynne (1950), parents Maryann Howell and Edward Thomas, and brothers John and Glyn Thomas. Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the wonderful team of Doctors and Nurses at the Rockyview General Hospital for their commitment, care and sincerity. In living memory of Edward Thomas, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.