May 29, 1942 - March 28, 2025
In Loving Memory ~
Earl Robert Thomas of Williams Lake, B.C. passed away suddenly on March 28th, 2025. He was born on May 29th, 1942 in Vernon, B.C. to lan and Marguerite Thomas and spent his highschool years in White Rock. After graduation, Earl joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he received training in telecommunications, which he used his whole life.
He met Bonnie in highschool and they were married in White Rock in 1963. In 1967, Earl worked with BC Tel and was transferred to Williams Lake. He was known as the telephone man, keeping the phones running in the Chilcotin area. After a number of years at BC Tel, he moved to CP Electronics where he became a partner and later, owner. Earl enjoyed working as a telecommunications technician, which often took him to rural areas and mountaintops. Earl's expertise was integral to communications in Williams Lake, supporting emergency services, the forest industry, and numerous civic events.
Earl's longtime passion was stock car racing. He was a dedicated racing enthusiast who raced his own cars and was thrilled to have his children and grandchild involved with racing their own cars. He would often be seen with a video camera, taping their races and supporting them at numerous tracks. He was also a long-time supporter of Thunder Mountain Raceway, helping to set-up their original communication equipment and kept things running smoothly. He was a mainstay at the track and always enjoyed spending time working with cars alongside his sons.
Earl is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his two siblings, Jerry (Brenda) and Jean (Brad), his children Kendall (Julie), Kary, and Korbin (Keri), as well as his eight granddaughters, Kayleigh (Kris), Shelby, Jessica (Mark), Courtney, Emily (Brett), Chloe, Anneli, Priya, and 3 great-grandkids, Olivia, Karter, and Ben.
Earl will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, and employees. He always did what was needed and he always did it well, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and perseverance for everyone who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support your local racetrack this upcoming season.