Predeceased by his wife Maxine Thomas and daughter Megan, Vice Admiral Charles Winton Morris Thomas OMM CD is survived by his daughter Jody, son in law Curtis Coates, sisters Lahni Thompson and Linda Larsen and his greatest loves, grandchildren Samantha(Bryant Shapiro ) and Andrew (Shannon Sterling).
Born in Kelowna, Chuck joined the RCN in 1954, the first class of the Venture Plan, as an engineer in order to obtain an education and help support his younger sisters.
He served as the engineering officer In HMCS Antigonish, Jonquiere and Saskatchewan. He crossed trained as a Maritime Surface Officer, and was Commissioning Executive Officer of HMCS Preserver, Commanding Officer of HMCS Fraser and Commanding Officer of the Fourth Canadian Training Squadron.
In 1979 he was posted to NDHQ Ottawa and began the challenge of his career, the recapitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy and the project that became the Canadian Frigate Program. This would be his singular focus for 10 years.
Promoted to Vice Admiral, he became Commander of the Navy in 1987 and Vice Chief of the defence staff in 1989 resigning in 1991 in protest over a proposed department policy paper that would have cut members of the Forces.
While still a midshipman he met his true love, a fiery redhead from Victoria whom he convinced to marry him. Chuck and Maxine were partners in every sense of the word, intellectual equals whose love and respect for each other was a model for us all. If he succeeded she was absolutely his right hand, tempering his aggression, supporting his courage.
He retired to Victoria where many, many rounds of golf at the Victoria Golf Club lay ahead. He and Maxine enjoyed every minute of being home with Megan and Nana.
The loss of Maxine and Megan in quick succession had an enormous impact on him. Despite the sadness he had continual happiness in his relationship with Sam and Bear, delighted in their careers and lives they had built, the partners they loved. He was a towering figure in their lives, he loved being a Grampy.
We have no words to express our gratitude for the friends who kept watch on him and supported him in this difficult period. Neighbors, navy friends and the Wednesday group at the golf club ensured someone spoke to him every day. A special thanks to Tony de Rosenroll who was like a son in his care and attention.
Chuck believed in Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. He fought for the RCN and staked his reputation on the need to equip the men and women who serve.
We draw strength in knowing that as we look to the ocean and we see a gray hull in the distance, we see a part of him. A blessing indeed.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Broadmead Veterans Memorial Lodge or Do It For Daron youth mental health foundation.
A Visitation will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, BC on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from 1830-2030.
A Funeral Service will be held at St Peter and St Paul’s Anglican Church, 1379 Esquimalt Road, Esquimalt BC on Wednesday, October 12 at 1030. A reception will follow at the Wardroom CFB Esquimalt.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Tim Addison
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Joanne Kane Jody,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad to you and your family.
Your strength of character is an inspiration for me.
J
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Judy Rebalkun Hi Jody – it’s Judy. I never knew your dad but after reading his obituary I realized how much you take after him – your strength and leadership are so much like his. May you find a moment every day to smile at a memory of your dad. Love and hugs to you and the family. ❤️❤️
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Captain Steve Foldesi, CDII RCN ret'd RAN ret'd Dear Jody
Your father’s passing very sadly marks the end of an era. I aways viewed his predecessors and successors as mere place holders. The Admiral was different. A true leader and visionary naval officer, driven by his love of the Navy and a clear understanding of what must be done to prevent it from falling into irrelevance. Never one to compromise what he believed in, he resigned in protest. The sign of a truly great man, in every respect.
I consider myself fortunate for having known him.
My sincerest condolences to you, the family, the Navy and Canada.
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LGen Larry A. Ashley Dear Jody,
Gail and I send our most sincere condolences at the passing of your Dad.
Many years have passed since those happy and exciting early years living in Dartmouth along its beautiful Lakes and visiting together.Your Mom and Gail taught school together and your Dad and I embarked on naval careers together that continued three decades. Although post integration, I pursued an aviation path, we collaborated frequently especially as CADO and CMDO respectively as well as Navy and Air Commanders.
He was a visionary- smart and determined and always competitive especially at budget time.
I was honoured to know Chuck and work with him. He left his mark on Canada’s Armed Forces and Navy in particular for which all Canadians should be grateful.
May He rest in peace.
LGen Larry Ashley (Ret’d) RCN CF
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Mark & Kim Cameron Dear Jody,
Please accept our humblest condolences on the loss of your father. While only meeting him a handful of times, he was always very kind, down to earth, genuine and engaging. I specifically remember one occasion when your parents hosted a wedding party, and despite the numerous other demands he had to tend to as a host, he took the time to talk to me, expressed a sincere interest in me as a person, and also in my career aspirations. As a young reserve junior officer, it left a lasting impression. Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this ordeal, and we hope that you can find some comfort in knowing that he left so many people with a lifetime of fond memories.
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Gina Donaldson To Jody and family,
Chuck was the consummate Naval Officer and gentleman. He was courageous, principled, and fiercely dedicated to the RCN, the Canadian Armed Forces, and those who served. His leadership in bringing the Navy to Canadians was so forward thinking and exemplary that even though it wasn’t necessarily understood at the time, it was the right thing and was instrumental is setting up RCN leadership to carry the torch. I so appreciated getting to know him on a more personal level when we settled back in Victoria. I adored him even more and am so grateful for the many times we sat together at various events. RIP Chuck, rest now our faithful servant. Yours aye Gina and Bruce
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Capt. N E.E.Broenfield ret'd From Ed Brownfield.
Condolences to the family and blessings for a safe passage for the Admiral.
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Roger Girouard My condolences to Jody, the family, and all those who were touched by the force of nature known as Chuck Thomas. Larger than life described him from my vantage point as a Cadet in Training Squadron, and still endured when I was driving a ‘Sweeper while he was bringing the navy into the modern era. He was the epitome of standards, expectations, and respect if you were willing to work for it. Most of us Salts know that he was the force behind delivering a modern Canadian navy capable of operating and leading in two Gulf wars, and many other operations. From that I learned that mere mortals can in fact build this country… if you can at least in part replicate his vision, energy and tenacity. A giant, with broad shoulders.
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Ian Holloway Dear Jody and family,
I wanted to offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. I first served under Captain Thomas, as he was then, when I was an AB, and he was the Squadron Commander. Because of the nature of my job, I spent a good deal of time near him. It was a sign of just how good a leader he was that, many years later when I was a PO and he was an Admiral, he still remembered me, and spoke of me as an old shipmate. That made me feel special, and I will always be grateful to him for that.
Yours in shared sorrow,
Ian Holloway
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Bonnie Kuehl I did not have the privilege to meet Mr. Thomas.
I am so blessed to know Jody, Curt, Sam & Andrew.
You are all in my thoughts and please know that you are loved.
admired and cherished, and most importantly, never alone!
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CDR ( ret'd) Fraser M. McKee I had several personal meetings with ADML Thomas when I was President of the Navy League. It was always not only a privilege but instructive to discus our operations with such an interested and cooperative senior Forces Commander. Not really part of his job, but always gave me the assurance he WAS interested in the League’s progress, needs and planning. A great example of the best of the RCN’s leadership. He will be missed, even after these many years.
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Anne Healey Dear Jody and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. May his inspirational leadership and many achievements be a lasting legacy for you, and indeed all Canadians, to cherish.
With love,
The Healey’s xo
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Ed & Bev Healey Bev & I send our deepest condolences to Jody & family on the passing of a legend. Chuck & I had in many ways parallel naval careers. In his storied journey through the RCN & the Canadian Forces he was a man of principle & action. In the ship acquisition business where I spent much of my career, Chuck’s vision, support & ability to see the big picture was instrumental in the successful refurbishing the Navy. He left his imprint on the RCN & his crossing the bar will be mourned.
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Julie Charron Deepest condolences to Jody and family. May the spirit of his contribution to his greatest passion, the commitment to his country and the men and women in uniform, along with his love of his family, continue to inspire you and appease your pain. Admiral Thomas did help make a difference and passed on his love and passion to his family. May he rest in peace.
Julie Charron
DND
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Roger Cyr Roger Cyr
He was a great naval officer and a great man. I had the privilege of serving under him in DMRS and it was truly an honour. He will be remembered always.
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Mike Bowen Admiral Thomas was a hero of mine! He was a fine Officer and leader, dedicated to the Navy and it’s people. He was an inspiration to all of us especially those who like me started our careers at HMCS Venture. As well, he was a great golfer!
May he Rest In Peace and rise in glory
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Cameron and Meg Miller Jody, Curt, Sam and Andrew, may you always remember the good times you had together. Sending prayers and peaceful thoughts at this difficult time.
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Bruce MacLean Deepest sympathies Jody and Curt on your loss. Inspirational, tough and wise. An exceptional leader from whom I learned so very much. Unquestionably, the architect of Canada’s current navy and a singular force who will be missed greatly. It was an honour to have served under Admiral “Chuck’s” command.
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David Collins Dear Jody and family. Sincere condolences on Chuck’s passing. He played golf with my dad at the VGC years ago and we saw him and Maxine there for bridge on Mondays pre-Covid. He came occasionally to the naval lunches at the yacht club too. He was a naval legend and contributed so much. Courage.
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General (Ret'd) Paul Manson Margaret and I express our most sincere condolences to the family of Vice Admiral Chuck Thomas upon learning of his passing. For many years he was a close associate and greatly respected military officer, and he and his wife Maxine were dear friends. Chuck made his mark on the Canadian Armed Forces, and on Canada’s Military history. He is fondly remembered.
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Duncan “ Dusty” and Ann Miller To Jody and family. So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was an amazing Naval Officer-so smart and so principled. He was indeed my mentor and responsible for the rejuvenation of my career. We also got to know him and Maxine through several postings and real estate transactions. Admired them both so much. We send all our sympathy and condolences. We will all miss him
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Joan Wood Dear Jody, Over the years my husband Jim and I crossed paths many times with Chuck and Maxine, and in 1987 Chuck relieved Jim as Commander Maritime Command, and Maxine sold our house in Ottawa for us. Jim always had the greatest admiration and respect for Chuck and all his contributions to the Navy. I remember his delight in recounting some adventure with his grandchildren. He will be remembered and missed. My condolences to you and the family. Joan Wood
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Lonnie McNeill Admiral Thomas was an inspirational leader. I have often reflected on some points he passed on in a talk he gave to the east coast sailors when I was a young officer. He told us to never, ever say “Close enough for government work.” We needed to do our very best in every endeavour. Interestingly, while he was keen on retaining people to ensure a strong Navy, he pointed out that we had all developed skills that would serve us well throughout our careers and lives, no matter what path we chose to take. My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
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John Murray Chuck made us all proud to be members of the first Venture class and he was also a good friend. May he rest in peace. John Murray
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Jean-Yves Forcier It has been said that “once in a generation comes someone…” who changes the course of history. Chuck Thomas was the visionary who put the RCN back on its keel. When I was a young LCdr working for him in Ottawa, I was awestruck one day when briefing him – he paused and took time to explain his vision of the Navy. Throughout the remainer of my career, he continued when we chatted in sharing his wisdom. He is already missed.
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Dennis Reilley, Cmdre (Ret) The country has lost an incredibly dedicated, talented and insightful champion of the Royal Canadian Navy, with all that that entails for the security of Canada.
He was known far and wide for his work and he gathered around him a team of dedicated professionals while he was active in the Navy.
He will be missed by his family and the Naval community.
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Théo and Laura Gauthier Sending our condolences to Jody and the whole family during this difficult loss. What an incredible legacy that lives on in his family.
Dear Jody, Curt, Andrew and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father/grandfather, our Admiral. Much has already been said on this site and others about his career, accomplishments, vision, mentorship, steadfast conviction and his unfailing commitment to the RCN. I can only echo those sentiments. He and Ed Healey made the Navy what it is today. When my father, a former shipmate from Jonquiere and New Glasgow days, passed on in 2002, Chuck attended the informal gathering we held and I was extremely grateful that he took the time to remember my Dad to me. I am sorry I could not do the same for you. He will be missed.