Barrey Wayne Thomas

THOMAS, Barrey 77 - Orangeville, Ontario died peacefully on July 12th , at Brampton Civic Hospital, Brampton ON. Born January 4th, 1948 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was second oldest son, and third child born to the late James and Marguerite (Slawter) Thomas. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Sharron (Brooks) Thomas and his sons Baby Boy Thomas and Jabari Thomas (Soo Yee). He was also predeceased by his brother, Ervin (Jean) Thomas, sister, Valerie Thomas Hodges (Darnell), and step-father Gerrard Parent.

Left to cherish his memory are sons Husani Thomas (Patti) Ontario and Anane (Trish) Brampton, Ontario, daughter Abeni Thomas Orangeville, 13 grandchildren Natasha (Josh) Thomas of Nova Scotia, Dru, Seanna, Raiden, Katelynn, Riana, Makenna, Josiah, Sofia, Santiago, Santos, Emma and Sarafina, all of Ontario, great grandson Kayson of Nova Scotia, nephew sons, Lorenzo Brooks, Trevor (Teejay) Sheppard, Walter M. Brooks, God Daughter Olisa Adekayode all of Ontario.

He is also survived by sisters Betty Thomas, Candace Thomas (Easton Dunkley),of Dartmouth N.S, Senator, Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard (George Bernard deceased) East Preston, Erna (Stanley) Grant, of North Preston, Roxanne Thomas, Halifax, Cynthia Thomas (A. Shaun Morris), Bermuda; brothers Blaine (Charlene) Thomas, Truro N.S., James Calvin Thomas and Mark (Jackie)Thomas, Dartmouth.

In his early years, Barrey protected his younger siblings and his mother. He took pride in helping his grandfather and uncle with farm chores no matter how tired he was. As a teenager, he took responsibility seriously especially after promising his father to help his mother with his siblings, and never backed down from hard work.

As a young adult, he became both the life of the party with his singing and dancing and the steadfast bodyguard for his younger siblings. He never backed down from a fight which fostered his love and joy for Boxing, in and out of the ring, in his early adulthood. Loyal to his many friends, Barrey was always ready with a story—and a booming laugh—which could brighten any room.

Barrey’s passion for fast cars was legendary, even if it cost him a few accidents in his youth. He went on to become one of the region’s most respected cement finishers. When injuries and illness forced him to leave the trade he loved, he faced that challenge with the same optimism and openness that defined his life.

A member of Victoria Road Baptist Church in Dartmouth before moving to Ontario, Barrey had the rare gift of singing and laughing at the same time — a joy that left everyone around him smiling.

Barrey and Sharron moved to Mississauga with their three youngest children in 1990 where he continued to love, nurture and protect his family until his final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ward Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 26th at 1:00 p.m. EST, with visitation from 12:00 -1:00 p.m. Barrey will be laid to rest with his beloved wife and son at Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton at 3:00 p.m. Repast to follow.