Geoffrey John Thomas 1935-2009

Geoffrey John Thomas
8th February 1935 – 25th May 2009.

Geoff and Maria Thomas

Gail and I said farewell to my Father-in-law recently. A wonderful man in so many ways. For myself, I lost the father of the most important person in my life. Not only that, Geoff and I got on like a house on fire. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact he and I share the same birthday. Geoff, me and James Dean. We share the date with great company.  A fellow Aquarian.

Geoff suffered a vicious form of Alzheimer’s. Aside from affecting his mind, it attacked his body. As the disease progressed. I always felt Geoff was still there. As recent as last December, we were still talking politics and philosophy over lunch at our home. Even in the final days. As the family gathered around him. He was there. With us. Although he could not move or talk.  He was there. His body no longer responded to his thoughts.

We sang to him, touched him, talked to him. And every so often, we’d see his eyebrows twitch. Something they did when he smiled. For the first time in many years. Both Gail and her sister were together. With Dad. It was as beautiful as it was painful. Lasting a full week without water and food. The disease had taken his ability to swallow. I am convinced he knew we were all there and wanted to be with us as long as possible. His doctor said it was a testament to his fitness.

A Naval Officer in the Royal Navy and an engineer. We talked geeky tech talk often. He loved gadgets. He was known for his curiosity. Learning how things worked and then finding ways for whatever it was to function better.

The first time I saw this picture I mistook the snake in his hand for a Martini. He enjoyed a good drop.

He had a wonderful wit, and could spin a yarn better than  most.

Having had a less than stellar relationship with my own Father, I came to love Geoff as my Dad. He always accepted me for who I am. Never judgemental. I loved his little girl and he told me more than once he knew it. For that I am forever grateful.

Rest in Peace Dad. We love you. I love you. You are now part of the cosmos. Free again to explore. Bon Voyage!