Benjamin Wayne THOMAS

THOMAS, Benjamin Wayne  Dec 19, 1980 – Nov 3, 2017

With the deepest sadness I announce the passing of my husband and best friend Ben, on Nov 03, 2017.

Ben was born in Victoria, into an army family; moving to Borden, Ontario at the age of one. Returning to Vancouver Island at a young age, he lived in both the Comox valley and Victoria areas. His family finally settled in Campbell River at school age. He helped raise his younger siblings and became an avid reader. During his time at school Ben spent and focused much of his time with the Air Cadets, Squadron 363 out of Campbell River.  While he continued with Squadron 363, attending summer camps and enjoying the structure and comradery the Base was able to offer.  Ben was proud of the many awards he achieved, including Best Dress, Drill and Deportment in 1995. In 1998 he achieved Top Drum Major and Gold for Vancouver Island Band competition. He graduated in 1998 from Carihi Secondary School.  During the final Cadet year in 1999, he was awarded Top Staff Cadet and Top Micro Band. Cadets took him across Canada, into the United States Lewis-McChord Base. Cadets also allowed him to participate in a half time show at a BC Lions game.

After Graduating from High School in 1998, Ben became Head Baker for Tim Hortons. In 2001 he moved to Victoria and became involved in commercial construction and a safety officer for the site. Upon aging out of Cadets, in 2001 he worked towards his First Lieutenant Officer commission, and secured his Second Lieutenant Officer commission by 2003.

It was in Victoria that he met Amanda at a football game.  It didn’t take long for Ben and Amanda to start dating and turn what they had into a serious relationship.  In 2006 the couple moved to Kelowna, where they got engaged and is where they married in 2008.  For 9 years they lived happily in Kelowna until Amanda took a transfer at her job, which brought the couple back to Vancouver Island, taking up residence in Ladysmith.

Ben worked a few odd jobs before being hired on at Thrifty Foods, which is where he was employed until he became ill and could no longer work.

On Friday November 03, 2017 Ben passed away, predeceased by his mother Shelley and stepfather Sean. Ben will be remain in the heart of his: wife Amanda, father Dan, stepmother Deb, sisters; Jill (Stewart) and Elizabeth (Evan), brothers; Jonathan (Miranda) and David, all of their families, numerous members of Ben’s step-family and friends.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Cape Mudge Band Hall on Quadra Island, Saturday November 18 at 1:00pm, and everyone is welcome.

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