Edward "Ed" A. Thomas

There once was a man named Ed Thomas. He lived expectantly, always ready to meet the next challenge in life, whether it was in his profession, in his home, his family, or his health. He was a genuine human being. Like Nathaniel in the New Testament, who Jesus exclaimed was "a true Isaelite in whom there is no guile," Ed had no guile. He appreciated simple truths. He was a problem-solver everywhere in his life. He was truly loyal to his friends, friends from childhood and friends he made throughout his life. A quiet man, Ed did not seek the limelight, but enjoyed the satisfaction of a good day's work, a good day's hike, a good meal, and a good chance to sit and talk to friends and family. The illness that plagued him for the last years of his life robbed him of the incredible stamina we always appreciated, but it never robbed him of his hope, his faith, and his appreciation of the goodness of the life that he had been given.

Ed was born to Abraham (Bob) and Wilma Thomas on December 3, 1955, in West Springfield Massachusetts, where he grew up with many cousins. He attended public schools there, and after a year at AIC in Springfield, attended Rochester Institute of Technology where he graduated in 1978 with a BFA in photography. Shortly afterwards he met his wife, Joanne, while they both worked at the Quadrangle in Springfield, and they married in 1980.

Among the blessings of Ed's life were the opportunities he had to share his creativity in his business, Ed Thomas Photography which he built up from nothing to a productive enterprise in both Connecticut and New Hampshire, lasting forty years. Along the way he cherished relationships he formed with other creative professionals, and always went above and beyond to serve every client. He always said that he was privileged to do what he loved for a living, and still get paid to do it!

Ed had a keen appreciation for nature, and a love of hiking and camping. He was especially proud of his membership in the group of White Mountain hikers who have hit all the 4,000 foot peaks there. His idea of a perfect day was one spent on a trail with a pack, taking in the sights and sounds of life above the treeline.

The light of his life was his role as a Dad. He loved his sons well, sharing with them all his enthusiasm for life outdoors, taking (sometimes dragging) them along on many a hike. He took a keen interest in their lives, learning about farming from Aaron, and jazz from Ben, and cherishing his role as father-in-law to Caitlin, Ben's wife. He always sought to support them in every way, and inspired them to pursue their dreams using the gifts God gave them, just as he did.

Ed's delight was to work with his hands to serve. He did so quietly, but enthusiastically. He worked on Habitat for Humanity projects, and helped lead many boys on Scouting camping trips through Troop 149 in Windsor Connecticut sharing what he loved so well--life outdoors. He was proud of his role in rehabilitating Murray Hall in Marlow New Hampshire, the home of the Marlow Historical Society, as well as his stint as Selectman in Marlow. When his strength diminished he could still be found using a camp stool to sit and fix things around his home; he never wanted to stop helping. Never one to give gifts of jewelry, flowers, or fancy department store items, Ed gave his gifts of helpful acts of kind repair and practical provision to his family and to so many. He loved with calloused hands and ripped and stained jeans, waiting to solve the next problem.

Ed was a steady support to his wife, Joanne. He always encouraged her to be her best self, and had endless patience with her intellectual flights of fancy, providing practical ballast to her life. He listened to her (mostly) and was a sympathetic ear as she brought home issues from her work as a teacher and then as a pastor. He gave wise counsel. He was her best preaching critic, and enjoyed nothing more than distracting her from her "too serious" nature and stack of books with a bout of teasing or a silly joke. He taught her how to laugh at life and at herself. As his health declined, he also taught her many lessons about hope, and about patient endurance.

Ed was predeceased by his father Abraham (Bob) Thomas and his mother Wilma. He leaves his wife of 42 years, Joanne. He leaves two sons, Aaron and Benjamin, and Ben's wife, Caitlin, several aunts and uncles, as well as many cousins. He also leaves one sister, Eva Thomas.

Ed leaves so many, but has joined the church triumphant where he now rests with Jesus Christ, his master and his friend. We will not see his like again, but we cherish the many gifts he gave to us in his life.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 pm on Friday September 23, with a funeral service on Saturday, September 24 at 1:00 at the Union Church, 998 Route 12 North, Westmoreland New Hampshire. A graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Union Church, 998 Route 12 North, Westmoreland, NH 03467.