Slim Thomas

Eldon Merle "Slim" Thomas

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of E.M. “Slim” Thomas at the age of 90 on Saturday March 19, 2016 at the Lion’s Prairie Manor.

Predeceased by his wife Marlene in April, 2009; parents Percy and Opal; brothers Ira and Allan; sister Irene; sister-in-law Edna Thomas; brothers-in-law Wilbur Coutts, Bob Ingram and Bill Ingram and grandson Billy McCormick.

Lovingly remembered by son Ken; daughter Cheryl Nickels (Dale); granddaughters Stacey Hitchen (Ian), Cari-ann and Andrea; daughter Heather Thomas (Doug); granddaughter Tracy McCormick; daughter Lori Grant (Ron); granddaughter Dana Grant (Derek); great grandchildren Owen Hitchen, Jacia, Raina and Keaton Nickels, Tielan Nickels, Shay-Lynn McCormick, Brooke and Marcus Joseph, Chloe Beam and Mitchell McCormick.  Surviving are brothers Ralph and Clayton (Betty); sisters Verna Coutts and Carole Ingram; sisters-in-law Evelyn Sherdahl (Dennis) and Mary Thomas; many nieces and nephews.

Slim was born October 16, 1925 in Oakville Manitoba. He was raised and continued to live in Oakville until moving into the Lion’s Prairie Manor in January of 2011. He married Marlene Tully on May 8th, 1954.  He worked for Metcalfe Farms, Campbell Soup and Christianson’s Ltd. before starting his own business E.M. Thomas Trucking. At 84 years old he was still operating his loader clearing snow for various businesses and homes in the community.

He was very community minded and always willing to volunteer wherever needed, especially the local arena and cemetery.  Slim loved to be in his garage working on his vehicles and equipment, and took pride in keeping them clean and in tip top shape.  He was well known for his willingness to help others, had a great sense of humor, loved animals, and enjoyed watching sports, especially hockey at the local arena.

The last few years Slim loved the frequent visits from his great grandchildren. They loved to visit Grandpa T. and it always brightened his day.

We are all going to miss that twinkle in his eye and his million-dollar smile.

A private grave side service will be held at the Oakville Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Slim’s memory to Oakville Cemetery, c/o Dale & Shirley Kirton, Oakville, MB, ROH OYO or the Oakville & District Community Endowment Fund, P.O.Box 1153, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3J9 or a charity of one’s choice.

Slim’s family would especially like to thank the Parkside Staff at Lion’s Prairie Manor for their loving care over the past five years.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.