Doyle Norman Thomas

Doyle was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Marjorie, Thelma (John) Legge, Hazel (Bob) Cleland and Bea (Fred) Suitor. Doyle is survived by his loving family: wife of 51 years, Val; daughters, Tanis; Marlis (Ryan) Woodard; grandchildren, Elyse and Jasper Woodard; plus several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Born on the fasrm as a New Year’s baby to Norman and Pearl Thomas and the youngest of five (four older sisters), Doyle grew up with a strong love of farm life helping out at a young age. Farm life gave many avenues of responsibilities plus all the nature, fun and sad times. He attended McTaggart School by riding his pony or walking the distance across the fields. The last two years of education were spent at Weyburn Collegiate. He started renting the farm and for many years worked for the Department of Highways building roads until winter freeze up. Remaining months were often spent in Weslaco, Texas, where his parents had a trailer. Doyle met city-gal Val in 1968 and with a little nudge they were married in the fall of 1969. They continued on with the small family farm raising two wonderful daughters. Over the years the girls were in many activities involving provincial travel for which Doyle and Val were always die-hard fans and devoted chauffeurs.

Doyle passed his love of nature on to the girls. Fun family years were spent camping in their little truck camper that saw weekends heading out to a provincial park or exploring western Canada and the states. They managed even two trips to Disneyland in the little matchbox! One fishing trip each summer for Doyle and Val to a different lake up north became another highlight. Daughter Tanis recalls her love of the farm and shared fun times helping her dad with trucking, bunching and other operations that were truly appreciated. Marlis will always remember her dad as a hardworking, understanding and patient man. This was shown in his love for his family, friends and farm life. She remembers it also being shown various times during her driver training.

Doyle was an excellent car, checkers and chess player. He also shared many years of entertainment in a small band and played the piano by ear. When in his forties Doyle took up badminton and played until his mid seventies. He really got hooked on it. It was fun when he could play tournament doubles with his daughter Marlis. The few medals Doyle won with his partners or singles proudly hung on the bedpost! Another passion was the desire to establish purple martins. Doyle built and erected a house in the 1970s. It was 20 years before a pair finally established at the farm. Talk about patience! Now three active houses are standing and the years of enjoyment Doyle got from watching them cannot be measured. In retirement birding became a small passion which until even this summer saw Doyle and Val taking small trips around the neighbourhood for their enjoyment. Doyle was on the McTaggart cemetery cleanup committee for 20years. Doyle was shy to meet new people yet well known for his honesty and loyalty remaining true to his friendships. In retirement years he so enjoyed meeting his coffee buddies twice a week. He’s venture out in a blizzard for that! His dog Patches was a faithful companion going everywhere with his master. Most of all Doyle was very proud of his wife, daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Paszekiewicz for his wonderful help and concern these past years. Also special thanks to the doctors and caring nurses on Floor 3E at the Weyburn General Hospital. Thank you for all the love, encouragement, prayers and support during this very difficult time.

There will be no service held at this time with wishes that a memorial gathering will be held later in 2021.

Donations in memory of Doyle may be made to the Weyburn Salvation Army.