Thomas, Matthew

MATTHEW NICHOLAS THOMAS, beloved husband of Tillie Mary Thomas, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at the Good Samaritans - Park Meadows Village, on Wednesday, April 13th, 2016 at the age of 93 years.

Besides his loving wife Tillie, Matt is survived by his daughters Roz (Bryan) Kranzler of Lethbridge and Debbie (Ken) Sommerfelt of Winnipeg, daughters-in-law Bernice Thomas of Calgary and Gwen Thomas of Taber, grandchildren: Bryce (Casey) Thomas, Brent Thomas, Krystal (Tim) Kranzler-Bochan, Kevin Kranzler, Michael Sommerfelt, Jennifer (Chris) Norton, Jacquelyn Sommerfelt and Sean (Erin) Sommerfelt, great-grandchildren: Logan, Faith and Dylan Thomas, Nicholas, Theoren, Maddison and Olivia Bochan, Eric, Haley and Toren Norton, and Logan and Wesley Sommerfelt.

Matt was predeceased by his sons, Larry Thomas (Calgary) and Richard Thomas (Taber).

Matt was born on August 16, 1922 in Foremost, Alberta and grew up and worked in Southern Alberta. Matt served his country during WWII, was discharged, then settled in Grassy Lake with his young family. Matt worked in the construction industry, building highways and dams as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He ended his career employed at the Empress Cannery in Taber. Matt and Tillie celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary on August 2, 2015. Matt enjoyed curling, playing horseshoes and playing cards with friends at the Taber Legion. He also participated and won horseshoe competitions in the Senior Summer Games in Southern Alberta. Matt spent his retirement years tending his yard and his garden. He loved and enjoyed his family, friends, neighbours; his greatest joy was spending time with his grandkids, great-grandkids, as well as his beloved dog, Tyson. Matt had a great sense of humour. He was known as "Uncle Matt" to all who knew him.

A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. with Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating.

The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB., on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant.