The Rev. Canon David Thomas, more fondly known as Father David, departed this earth the morning of Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after a life of humble service to the church and his family that was filled with love, a multitude of friendships, and adventure. He was 91. 

A devoted husband to Paula, his wife and lifelong partner in his ministry, David was a dedicated father to Angela, Siân and Philip, loving “Pa” of Falani, Genna and Elisabeth, great-grandfather of Naia and Fionn, and father-in-law to Chris, Matthew, Nancy, Olivier, Nina and Elliot. 

William David Charles Thomas was born in South Wales on March 30, 1934, to Lillian and Brynmor Thomas. He excelled in both academics and sports, particularly long-distance and cross-country running, earning him the nickname “Dai the Miler.” He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Bristol University before entering Lampeter College at the University of Wales to study theology and train to become an Anglican priest. He was ordained in May 1959 and wed Paula that July.

Thus began the lifelong adventure that would see them set sail in the spring of 1961, with Angela just months old, on the Empress of Canada for St. Philip’s, their first official parish located in Murdochville, Quebec, a remote copper mining town on the Gaspe Peninsula, population 5,000 and majority French. As Paula noted, it was a lifestyle change.  

A few years later, now with Siân in tow as well as Angela, they were called to serve in Sept-Isles, Quebec, on the St. Lawrence River. Philip would soon arrive to complete their family and after 10 years in La Belle Province, they moved to Ontario, where David would serve in parishes around the Golden Horseshoe for the next 40 years, save for a three-year break when he was called to minister in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

A brilliant polymath with an unwavering curiosity for life and learning, David was known for his keen wit, quick humor and wisdom, with an enviable memory and a knack for languages both modern and ancient. Beyond a love of music — true to his Welsh heritage, he had a beautiful, pitch-perfect singing voice and could play any song by ear on the piano or guitar — he was a gifted writer. He authored numerous articles for a variety of publications as well as several books, including Carried on the Wind, a series of essays exploring sexuality and spirituality, and Birds of Pray, a hilarious take on the various characters that make up parish life that was cleverly illustrated by Angela. Up until his health began to fail in November, David also penned a weekly blog to share with his fellow parishioners on Facebook.

Even after “retiring,” David continued to minister where needed as his colleagues took vacations or sabbaticals, or retired themselves, noting, “I’m here to serve. My ministry is my life.”

He and Paula finally settled in Fort Erie, becoming fixtures of parish life at All Saints Anglican Church in Ridgeway, whose warm and caring community of friends has helped ease the way in innumerable ways as David transitioned this life.

David also leaves to mourn his passing his brother Jeffrey (Margaret), sister-in-law Anna (Peris), nieces Sally (Nigel) and Amanda and nephew Peter (Carla), all of Great Britain. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Dai Griffiths, and his infant brother, Michael.

Heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Aryo Rohani and his nurses on the stroke wing of Niagara Falls General Hospital for the compassionate care they gave Father David. The family is also eternally grateful to Dr. Kim Eric Scher and the nursing team at Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie for their wonderful care in his final days, Father Dan Bennett for his ministry, and Rod McDowell for his enduring friendship and support. 

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2025, at All Saints Anglican Church in Ridgeway, followed by the service at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow in the parish hall. David’s wish was to be cremated, and a private interment will be held at a later date. 

In his memory the family would appreciate donations be made to All Saints Church, Ridgeway or Douglas Memorial - Pallative Care Unit.

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