Lawrence Arthur Thistle
1926-2010
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Lawrence, husband, father and grandfather on October 11, 2010. Born in the Tyee Station on the Grand Trunk Pacific 25 miles east of Prince Rupert, Lawrence lived most of his life in Smithers. Lawrence worked as a CN watchman, then a fireman on the CN engines in Alberta. He returned to Smithers and became an engineer in 1950 and retired in 1989. In the early years he ran freight trains from Smithers to Endako and Terrace. Later he was the engineer for the passenger train that ran from Smithers to Prince George and Prince Rupert. He was a strong, hard working member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and even today some of his work is evident in the members’ working conditions.
Lawrence was very involved in the community of Smithers. He spent many years volunteering for the Elks, working on behalf of children with hearing difficulties and community projects. He was a committed Catholic and helped with the fundraising of the church in Smithers. Lawrence volunteered his time speaking in schools about the railroad and the impact it had in the north. He loved the Bulkley Valley and its beauty and he often carried his camera while driving on the back roads or hiking and took pictures of the local scenery and flowers. An avid sports fan he loved hockey and baseball and followed the Montreal Canadians and the Toronto Blue Jays…keeping track of all the stats.
10 years ago he moved to Kamloops to be closer to his children and grandchildren and to meet the needs of his health and most recently became a resident of the Hamlets at Westsyde in Kamloops.
Lawrence will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Marie, his wife of 59 years, his children, Laurie, (Joseph) James, (Fran) Patrick, (Anita) and Karen, (Bryan); eleven grandchildren and five (soon to be six) great grandchildren; his sister Charlotte Giguere and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Lottie, brother Donald, sister Edith and nephew Kevin.
Each and every day he faced his long illness with courage and strength, his spirit steadfast despite his challenges; Modeling for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren a life of stability, love, and commitment. His acceptance, humour, and understanding allowed us to grow and become capable of giving love and acceptance, ourselves.
Friends and family wishing to pay their respects are invited to St Joseph’s Catholic Church for Mass on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Following the Mass, Lawrence will be laid to rest in the Smithers Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to BC Family Hearing Resource Centre, 15220-92nd Ave. Surrey BC V3R 2T8; or to the Royal Inland Hospital, 311 Columbia St Kamloops BC.
The family is very grateful for the care and support from the staff on “E” at the Hamlets of Westsyde, the staff at the Royal Inland Hospital and the many friends and community members.
Arrangements entrusted to
Kamloops Funeral Home
250-554-2577
Condolences may be emailed to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com