Hello Ron! 'Hope that you and the family are finding renewed strength with each and every day as you recall fond memories of Jocko - a life well-lived! Below is an email that I sent to Toronto Star columnist Rosie Dimanno, and, upon reflection, I thought that you would appreciate it. Best wishes, for now and for always, to you and your family. John Hi Rosie! It’s John Yoannou. I regret not being able to catch up to you at Jocko’s funeral. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your column, and to thank you for what you wrote. The fact that the various speakers referenced your column is proof of the consistent, endearing quality of your work. Jocko would have said: “It was a good read.” I spent 14 years with Jocko in three various ‘press rooms’ at 590 Jarvis – I recall not only his unselfish mentoring in making me a better reporter, but how the entire air was sucked out of the room when he harnessed all his vocal power to deliver his memorable CFRB reports and that signature signoff. Thank you, as well, for referencing Warren (Gerard) – I had the pleasure of meeting him and admired both his style and substance in how he carried out his craft. He was a gentleman. When I first met Jocko in 1971, he was a fierce competitor. Actually, I couldn’t compete; I could only hope to ‘cover’ the numerous stories he broke on the front page. As the years unfolded, we became colleagues and eventually, good friends. He was also a grandfather figure to my daughter; and, for many years after her birth, he would send a birthday card with a little something tucked inside. I recall the day when he first complimented me on a report that I had done over CKEY Radio. I shall never forget that vote of confidence from the ‘dean’ of crime reporting. I often said that I may have studied broadcast journalism at Ryerson, but I did my post-grad work with Jocko Thomas. Ironically, on the day your column appeared, there was a headline on the front page of the sports section describing one of the current Stanley Cup series as setting the “gold standard”. With the greatest of respect to your headline writers, I feel that your column and Jocko’s legacy deserved that headline. I recall the old saying: “We are all debtors to our profession.” If that’s true, let me add that in Jocko’s case, not only is his debt paid in full, it is us – reporters and readers/listeners alike - who owe him. Again, Rosie, thank you for raising the bar – it is one of the finest obituaries that I have ever read! John (John Yoannou 416-212-3501)

We listened to Jocko for years on CFRB as so many did, thus "knowing" him by his voice. Then not too long ago while in Bayview Village for a coffee a friend said this is Jocko Thomas !! and thus we met the legend in person. we were honoured to have done so and looked forward to the days we would run into Jocko at the Plaza. What a wonderful person. May the family enjoy the memories that Jocko brought to you.

Jocko, you were a king. You rocked the police beat harder than anyone before or after, and you were an excellent colleague. Not easy to do. You will live forever in the hearts of those who knew you, including me - I used to take your copy on the 6 am shift. Thanks for everything. Now you can finally relax and spend time with your wife. regards, Pete Cheney

Dear Justice Thomas & Family: Please accept my deepest condolences on your family loss. I pray that in time your treasured memories will bring you comfort. Sincerely Lenora Reid

Sam, I am so sorry to learn of Jocko's passing. He was a "one off" and will be sorely missed. I still have fond memories of our times at law school together and the hospitality that Jocko and Marjorie showered on me and my family. Jocko was above all a gentleman. I remember at one of the parties hosted by Jocko and Marjorie, Bulldog Brower whom you then represented accidentally demolished a sofa in the recreation room of their home. Jocko took it in stride and made light of it so as not to embarrass Bulldog. What a guy. I hope that it is some small consolation to you to know that so many of us share your grief at Jocko's passing. Best Wishes, Tony Camisso

In memory Jocko remains a bright light... sharp and always warm whenever we met. I worked at the Toronto Sun in the early 70's, 80's & 90's and remember him fondly also in later years when he was a fellow judge in the Sun's internal editorial "Dunlop" awards. He was revered, respected and loved by professionals on all sides. And Jocko sure was young to be in his 90's...no rust out there. As Rosie suggested on the Star's web site (but not the print story) he outlasted the great days of newspapers. It was a privilege to have known him. Hugh Wesley

Dear June, Your uncle Gwyn is truly a legend and I'm sure will be sadly missed by you and your family. Our sincere condolences, Helga and Barry Hughes Aurora, ON

OBITUARY

Gwyn Thomas

Passed away on 5 MAY, 2010

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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