Gerald Arthur Archibald Thomas, "Gerry", age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2021 at his home.He was born on August 28, 1934 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and adopted, when he was about 6 months old, by his loving parents, Arthur R and Annie W (Archibald) Thomas.

Gerry immigrated to the United States when he was 14 years old, along with his parents and younger sister.He graduated from Los Angeles Pacific College High School in 1952 and studied, briefly, at Seattle Pacific College, which is where he met the love of his life and future wife, Wilda Johnson.On August 12, 1957 he became a United States citizen and 11 days later, on August 23, 1957 graduated from University of Washington.Shortly after his graduation he joined the United States Marine Corp and was honorably discharged as a Captain.On February 7, 1959, Gerry and Wilda were married in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Gerry took a job in Massachusetts for a handful of years before being transferred to Kansas.Always eager to learn, he attended law school, taking night classes at the University of Missouri, graduating in 1971.It was in Kansas, Gerry and Wilda completed their family when they adopted their daughter, Juliann and four years later, their son, Wayne. In 1976 Gerry was transferred to San Francisco, California.He then took a job with Bank of America, who transferred him in 1980, to Denver, Colorado to be the president of their commercial mortgage department.There he was instrumental in the development of the Denver Technological Center.

Gerry was a Christian attending the Presbyterian Church most of his adult life.When COVID hit and the churches were closed, Gerry and Wilda would watch their church services streamed on their home computer every Sunday.He was blessed with a green thumb and grew the most beautiful rose bushes and orchids. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed golfing and loved spending time with his family going camping in the warmer months and downhill skiing in the winter.Later in life, he loved spending time with his three grandsons and recently spending time with his great-grandson, as well.Gerry had a marvelous sense of humor. He could make you laugh so hard you would have tears running down your face and your sides would ache.

Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Wilda; daughter, Juliann (Timothy) Pester; son, Wayne (Tifany) Thomas; 3 grandsons, Gregory (Itzayana) Dellinger Pester; Robert (Michaela Hacaga) Thomas Pester; and Deckard Thomas; Great-grandson, Mateo Dellinger; sister, Beverly (Carl) Torrelli; 2 nephews Brian Green and Michael Torrelli; 2 nieces, Heidi (James) Michaelis and Connie; 6 biological siblings, Iona, Mavis, Rodney, Dennis, Linus and Wendy

He is preceded in death by his parents, Annie W Thomas in 1965; Arthur R Thomas in 1979; a sister, Helen Jeanne Thomas in 2004 and his biological brother, Larry in 1964.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Gerry touched are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 1:00pm.
McCormick and Son Mortuaries, 25002 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 926371-949-768-0933