Becky Thomas

THOMAS:Becky January 16, 1916 – August 21 , 2011 Becky was the last surviving child of Phyllis and Stanley Gore, who came to Kelowna in 1903. She grew up on the lakeshore on Patterson Avenue, on land eventually donated to the city by her mother to help form what is now the Kinsmen Park. Hiking, swimming, skating on the lake and riding were seasonal pastimes and Becky was always ready for an adventure. On one occasion, in the height of the Depression, she and her life-long friend, Joan Adams, hitch-hiked, rode the freight trains, and slept in the hobo jungles when someone dared them that they couldn't get to San Francisco and back. Becky could never turn down a challenge! After completing school in Kelowna Becky studied at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University), and at art schools in San Francisco and Boston before returning to BC to train as a teacher. She taught in Vernon, Fernie and Victoria. She and her husband, June, raised their family in Victoria and had an active social life there. Costume parties, bridge, camping trips to Hornby Island and yearly visits to her mother's house on the lake filled their lives. In the late 60s, she returned to Kelowna and lived here until her death. Becky loved a good time and a good party, but she was happiest when she was out of doors, either sitting with a paintbrush in her hand capturing the light on a barn or a grove of trees or walking through the open countryside. In Kelowna she met Gordon, and with him she travelled in a campervan throughout much of Mexico and the southwest United States. They also travelled to the south Pacific, to Turkey and through parts of Europe. She had a zest for living and a sparkle in her eyes that was hard to match. By the last year of her life she had slowed down somewhat, although she capably managed a week in Alaska with her children on her son's boat, and she still enjoyed a no-holds-barred game of Scrabble with her lifelong friend, Erica, and played a wicked game of bridge. Becky is survived and will be remembered by her children Lesley(Thomas), and Paul, five step-grandchildren (Thomas, Karin, Eric, Jesse and Rosie), two great-grandchildren, by Gordon's family (Cliff, Felicity, Adrienne, Greg, Margaret, Chris), by nieces and nephews and by many friends. She has inspired every one of us. A Celebration of Becky’s Life will be held in the Chapel of First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Ave on Friday, August 26th, 2011 at 10:00 AM. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, B.C. 250-762-2299