Patrick Ruyi Thomas

Patrick attended St. Joseph Catholic Primary School and the prestigious Immaculate Conception College (ICC) both located in Benin City, Edo State Nigeria. During his time at ICC, he was the Dress Prefect and many tributes indicate that he was made the Dress Prefect because he was the cleanliest student in the school and held others to the same standard of cleanliness. He continued to manifest this attribute of cleanliness and was always neatly and well-dressed throughout his adult life.

After obtaining his high school diploma, he worked briefly at the Oredo Local Government Council in Benin City, Nigeria and subsequently left for the United States of America in 1981 to further his education.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in Town Planning from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. He worked for many years in various companies in the city of Houston and took pride in his work ethic.

Patrick was married on March 10, 1995 and blessed with 3 children: Zachary Osaretin Thomas, Jessica Etinosa Thomas, and Naomi Osarugue Thomas. He was proud of his children and loved them very much.

Patrick was a kind and generous man who loved to cook and entertain his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Patrick went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 and leaves behind many relatives and friends to cherish his memory.