709 466-3468
299 Memorial Drive

Gerald David Thomas August 25, 1953 - January 22, 2026

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gerald David Thomas, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, son, brother, grandfather, friend and treasured member of the Musgravetown community.

Born in Montreal, Gerald was the fourth of ten children born to Ella (Humber) and Basil Thomas. Gerald is preceded by his brothers Frederick, Robert and Calvin; sister Lorraine; parents; brother-in-law, Ernest Dominey; parents in -law, Mark and Clarabelle (Cramm). Gerald is also preceded by his cherished best friend, Obie Skiffington.

Gerald moved to Musgravetown in 1965 from Wabush – with his parents and siblings. He quickly made friends with many; with Ernie being his closest. Gerald’s eye was quickly drawn to Ernie’s sister – a beautiful young girl, named Gertie. Gerald was too young to have a girlfriend, so he’d often make excuses to “go visit with Ernie.” However, everyone knew the real reason was to see Gertie.

Gerald dedicated his life to a strong sense of family, service, and dedication—values that defined his entire life. He shared 48 wonderful years of marriage with his darling wife, Gertie (Dominey), together building a home filled with love, laughter, faith… trees and flowers.

Gerald was the proud father of David, Angie, Jennifer, loving father-in-law to Sue and Stu, and the cherished grandfather to Sarah and Katie, who were his pride and joy.

Gerald was the cherished brother and brother-in-law to Sandra (Paul Guzzwell), Carol (Calvin Horwood), Kevin, Lionel (Patricia), Selwyn (Madonna), and sisters-in-law, Joyce (Ernie Dominey) and Sheila Thomas; brother-in-law Wallace Chinn.

A man deeply committed to his community; Gerald spent 40 years with the Department of Highways and devoted decades to volunteer service. He served with Triple Bay Eagles Ground Search and Rescue (one of the founding members) for 38 years, St. Ambulance for over 30 years, and on the School Council at Heritage Collegiate for 28 years. Gerald volunteered with the local high school camping trips and would help anyone or any group who asked for assistance.

A faithful member of the Heritage United Church, he served on three boards since 1988—the Board of Stewards, the Official Board, and the Cemetery Board.

Gerald was one of the founding members of the Musgravetown and Area Volunteer Fire Department. He served as a member for 51 years, with over 30 of  those years as fire chief. The Fire Department was extremely important to Gerald and considered his “second home” or some would say “his main home.”

In 2013, in recognition of his extensive volunteer work and lifelong dedication to helping others, he was proudly inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame.

His service to others extended far and wide: a Scout Leader alongside Alonzo Stead in the 1970s; a blood donor and organizer of more than 180 donations and he organized the blood donor clinics in Musgravetown; a Musgravetown Town Councilor for six years; and a school bus driver for 12 years. Gerald served as an active member of the Santa Claus Parade Committee for many years.

Gerald lived a life of quiet strength, integrity, and compassion. His tireless commitment to helping others, his unshakable faith, and his love for his family leave behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his spirit of service and kindness will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Visitation will occur at Fewer’s Funeral Home in Lethbridge on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 6:00pm-9:00pm; and Monday, January 26, 2026, from 2:00pm-4:00pm, and 6:00pm-9:00pm. 

 

Funeral service to be held at the Heritage United Church in Musgravetown at 2:00pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. 

 

Refreshments and story sharing to follow immediately after the service, at the Island View Salvation Army Citadel in Musgravetown.  Interment to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Gerald’s wish was donations go to the Musgravetown and Area Volunteer Fire Department; and the Heritage United Church in Musgravetown.

 

Condolences(26)

  1. REPLY
    Christopher Gulliford says

    So sorry to hear about Gerald’s passing. He will certainly be remembered as a rock of the community, helping out wherever there was a need. Personally I have many fond memories of Gerald as a Scout Leader and the guidance , fun and energy he gave to us all. He will be missed but never forgotten.

    • REPLY
      Patsy and Dorman Humby says

      Gertie, David, Angie, Jennifer, and the Thomas family..Thinking of you all and sending deepest condolences. They say that not all superheroes wear capes and it is so true when it came to Gerald. His legacy will live on in Musgravetown and surrounding communities for years to come and in our hearts as well. He will be missed.

  2. REPLY
    Toby Saint says

    Gertie, David, Angie, Jennifer and the Thomas family, sorry to hear the news of Gerald’s passing, please accept our sincere condolences. Gerald’s passing will create a great void in the community of Musgravetown, Heritage United Church and surrounding areas. He will definitely be missed and very difficult to replace. He leaves behind a great legacy.
    Toby and Ivy Saint

  3. REPLY
    Clyde Harris says

    Condolences to the family. Gerald was a friend of everyone that had the privilage of knowing him.
    R.I.P. my friend

  4. REPLY
    Eugene & Kay Stead says

    Our sincere condolences to Gerald’s family. We’ve known him for a long time. A wonderful man. RIP

  5. REPLY
    Linda Waye says

    To the family of Gerald. So sorry to hear of the passing of your love one.condonlence to all the families.

  6. REPLY
    Doreen Keas says

    My concern to the family. Gerald will certainly be missed by many.

  7. REPLY
    Clara Russell says

    I was so shocked when I read the news this morning. I can’t find words to express my feelings, he was one of the best. To Gertie and all of Gerald’s family I send my deepest sympathies, my prayers and thoughts will be with you all. Let your special memories help you get through the days ahead. God bless you all. Clara

  8. REPLY
    Elda Tindall says

    Heart Hugs Gertie, David, Angie, Jennifer and Extended family. There are no words that can express the Sadness and Sorrow you are feeling at this time.
    Gerald will truly be missed, he leaves a set of “footprints” that will never be filled.
    Sincere condolences to “All”.🕊️🪶

  9. REPLY
    Fred and Irene Humber says

    Gertie and Family,
    So saddened to hear of Gerald’s passing. Sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in your time of loss. Fly with the angels cousin.

  10. REPLY
    Austin & Carol Adams says

    So sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. Condolences to his family & friends

  11. REPLY
    Betty & Ray says

    Our condolences to the Thomas Family. He was a wonderful man & a great friend to everyone.
    Cherish your memories they will help you in the days ahead.
    RIP Gerald

  12. REPLY
    Ashley Roy says

    My sincerest condolences on Gerald’s passing. I have many great memories of Gerald growing up, he had a positive influence on who I am today. As clear by all the condolences here and on social media, he had a large influence on making our community such a great place to live, and he will be missed by all. Thinking of you Gertie and Family in this time 💕

  13. REPLY
    Charlotte Brown says

    Sincere Condolences to Gertie, David, Angie and Jennifer and extended family. So sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing.

  14. REPLY
    Ron and Brenda Crummell says

    Sincere condolences to the Thomas family. Even though we didn’t know Gerald well, we knew what a wonderful man he was and how much he did for his community through Kevin, who spoke kindly of him often.

  15. REPLY
    Susan Guzzwell says

    My condolences on the passing of a great man
    🙏Gerald is at peace and has been reunited with his loved ones
    RIP Gerald

  16. REPLY
    Wayne W. Power says

    To Gerald’s wife and family and to the fire department family of Musgravetown and Area Fire Department on behalf of the members of Placentia Fire Department I extend our sincerest sympathies on the passing of Gerald. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Gerald as a fellow First Aid Instructor and Fire Chief, a true gentleman always there to ensure the safety and well being of his fellow man. Rest easy Chief Gerald, we’ll take it from here.

  17. REPLY
    Robert Simmons says

    Deepest condolences to all the family from Jennifer and myself….Gerald was the very definition of service. He gave of himself tirelessly and his many endeavors had such a positive impact on everyone in the community of Musgravetown and beyond. It will take the work of many hands to fill the void,but he has inspired many to take up his causes….Sending prayers for healing and strength to all his family and friends…God Bless.

  18. REPLY
    Frances & Robert Gosling says

    Sorry to hear of the passing of Gerald.. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

  19. REPLY
    Susan Guzzwell says

    My condolences on the passing of Gerald a great man
    Gerald will be missed by all
    He is now reunited his family
    RIP Gerald 🙏

  20. REPLY
    Shirley Walters says

    So sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing.Our deepest condolences to Gertie and all of the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love for Glen and Shirley Walters

  21. REPLY
    LCol Bob Mitchell says

    On behalf of the members of 9 Wing Gander, I extend our deepest condolences.

    Gerald’s lifetime of service to his community reflects his values – selfless service, dedication, and care for others. Please know that the 9 Wing family stands with you during this difficult time and that our thoughts are with you as you honour his remarkable legacy.

  22. REPLY
    Anonymous says

    My deepest condolences for the passing of Gerald. I was often told what an amazing man he was, and wish I had the opportunity to know him.

  23. REPLY
    Margaret & Eric (Jr) Gulligord----- says

    Sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was a great family friend, especially to my parents that he affectionately called Aunt and Uncle. Gerald was a remarkable man! He worked tirelessly to make his community a better place. The people of Musgravetown & surrounding area will long remember his contribution. “Well done thy good and faithful servant”.

  24. REPLY
    Lorraine Gidge says

    Jenn, deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad.
    Sincerely,
    Lorraine and Wayne Gidge

  25. REPLY
    Don, Helen, and Angie Hodder says

    We are shocked and heartbroken to hear of Gerald’s passing. Our year in Musgravetown was an amazing experience and Gerald was such a wonderful part of that. His friendly, humorous personality could get you to smile on your worst day:) His love for his family and community was always evident in the way he spoke of both. Our prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.

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