Ron Thomas (2 Aug 1940 - 8 Dec 2022)
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In loving memory of Ron Thomas who sadly passed away on 8th December 2022
Ron was first and foremost a family man. He was a loving husband , dad, brother and grandad.
Once he married Coral, and the children, Andrew and Alison were born his project in life was the well being of the family.
His career projects, however, started early. Aged about 13 he built a bike, buying each part individually when he had earned enough money delivering meat to customers all around Buckley. He road onwards on the Butchers’s ‘sit up and beg bike ‘ with a leg of lamb or a string of sausages in the basket in front.
He aimed higher when he was about seventeen or eighteen and took to building a little two seater, open topped car he called ‘The Special’.It took eighteen months of painstaking work to complete but by then another project was in the air.
Ron was getting married and so the eighty pounds he got from selling The Special at a knock down price at a car auction enabled him to put a down payment on the first house. ‘Hollywood’ in Hope.
When the children were very young Ron’s project was to renovate an old Post Office van. After months of hard work he produced a fine deluxe caravanette ( at least the children thought it was deluxe) and for years he drove us all over France every summer.
By now none of his family were surprised when a new project was announced and all DIY work such rebuilding houses and renovating a lovely old house in France was very much appreciated but really it was just what we expected of him.
Ron was a keen cyclist and an avid Tour de France follower. He was a table tennis champion, playing for Wales and coaching young ones. He was also a keen swimmer and encouraged his children and grandchildren to learn. They all became proficient and won races in Galas with Sophia aged 9 winning a race in the Olympic Pool in London.
Amongst many , Ron’s projects , include learning to fly and gaining his pilots licence, buying a boat and attaining his Captains certificate, building with two Gilbern cars with Andrew.
He tackled every DIY with enthusiasm but he was always generous with his time and experience. He spent time with Andrew and Alison in the garage teaching them skills and encouraging them to take pride in their work. He was happy to mentor and advise anyone who needed it.They always knew if they got stuck with with any problem they could talk it through and get a good result. The grandchildren knew Grandad could turn his hand to anything and Sophia’s favourite saying was anything was broken and needed repairing was ‘ Grandad will fix it’
Ron had a spirit of adventure ,living , working and travelling to many countries including visiting Andrew and Trish as Andrew’s career took him to Japan, India and China.
One might wonder if Ron had any time for work but he worked for BT for 42 years starting aged 16 with what was then the Post Office . He started in north Wales aged sixteen and after moves to South Wales worked his way up to Managing Director of GibTel in Gibraltar and then as MD for Manx Telecom in the Isle of Man.
Ron loved his work and always tackled it, even at difficult times, with his usual calm, measured way. One of Rons favourite sayings was ‘ If it’s to be ,it’s up to me. ! And he certainly lived up to that.
wrote
Ron made me his PA when he was transferred to Managing Director in Gibraltar working close to him on a daily basis. Every morning he would come in with a big smile on his face, cheering our days up. His manners his way of working with us made us feel like a family. But most of all he boosted my confidence and appreciated every little detail. It was a pleasure and an honour to have met and worked with this man.He was a Great man with a heart of gold, Great friend and the Best Boss I have ever worked with. There's a special place in my memories and my heart for you. RIP Ron All my love Susan xxx
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Fond memories of a lovely man
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Sent with love x
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Lynsey,Steve,Neil and Becky donated in loving memory of uncle Ron
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Sue and Tony donated in fond memory of our uncle Ron
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Paul and Glen donated with very fond memories of Ron a very dear brother in law
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I will miss my Dad’s generosity, mentoring, guidance and love. Thanks for being a great Dad.
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wrote
On behalf of myself, Tim, Louise and Deborah. Ron will be missed by us all. We will miss his company at family gatherings. I know he has passed his wisdom and experience on to my brother, both in the practical and nurturing sense, therefore helping both of our families along the way, for which we are grateful. Rest in eternal peace Ron.
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wrote
We will miss Ron a lot, he was a so charming man, all of us we will keep so nice souvenirs
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I'm so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He was such a kind,caring and gentle man "a true gent". Never known anyone with so much patience and Alison, you are so much like him. My mum has never forgotten his kindness when the Tesco van hit her car. Sending you all lots of love xx
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Ron was a great example of a Husband ,Father, Father in law and Grandad .
A life and legacy to be proud of .
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To my wonderful Dad you meant the world to us all. we will miss you so much Alison, Glen, Tom and Sophia
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In memory of Ron
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wrote
We wanted to pass on our condolences to Coral and the family.
We were very sad to hear that Ron died recently,
Tom & I have fond memories of our stays with you during your time on the Isle of Man & the warm welcome you both extended to us… including our stay at La Chapel!
The Ron we met exuded a calm, gentle, yet inquisitive nature, which are all wonderful qualities.
We appreciate this is such a difficult time for you all but we wanted to pay our respects.
Thinking of you,
Alicia & Tom xx
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Thank you Tom and Lis. Such lovely words.
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I will love you forever and a day. Coral
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A loved one never leaves you
They’re never far away
They watch you from a distance
And guide you every day
They do become your angel
And guide you from above
A love done never leaves you
Because you always have their love
Fondest memories of a true gentleman, a lovely family man & genuinely amazing man!!
Much loved by all who knew him & will be very missed
Love Sally , Simon & family xxxxx
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Thank you all. Such lovely words and beautiful poem. Xx
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Morky and girls sending you love and sympathy
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Morky and girls donated in memory of Ron and sending love and sympathy .
donated £20 in memory of Ron
More like a brother than cousin to me - Loved very much and will be missed Love Anne xxx
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Ron always spoke fondly of you Ann and loved his time at Oscroft with His Gran and Grandad.
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When my brother Ron was building his Ford Eight Special sports car I have many fond memories of him on the back of my motorbike going looking for car parts around local scrapyards. Happy Days!
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As Ron's brother I have always been very touched by the comments from people as to how very well liked he was.
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To a truly wonderful man who will be sadly missed but remembered x
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donated £20 in memory of Ron
Ron was a lovely person he was not only my boss for many years but also a friend. He will be much missed by Coral and his family. RIP Ron x
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Such a handsome couple
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What a lovely photograph! A very special couple xx
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Lovely memories of a happy childhood growing up with Ron & Allan x
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Our lovely Gran with Ron xx
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