Daniel "Dan" Thomas

It is with deep sadness that we share the sudden passing of Daniel Bernard Thomas (Willans) on April 29, 2026, at the age of 70 years.

Dan was born on September 20, 1955, to Barney Willans and Shirley Lemieux and spent the majority of his life in Calgary, Alberta. When Dan was a young child, his parents parted ways. His mother remarried Ken Thomas and his position with the Canadian Armed Forces had them moving regularly. Dan spent time in many cities in Canada and overseas in his early years.

He enjoyed water polo, being invited to the National team, an invite he ultimately turned down. Due to his love of swimming while he lived in Petawawa, he ultimately took a position of teaching swim lessons and working as a lifeguard at the beach. The location where he met the love of his life, Belinda.

Dan also enjoyed participating in other sports such as baseball with coworkers and golf with family and friends.

Dan returned to Calgary in the fall of 1975 and worked in various jobs building Quonsets, as well as working at Eaton’s until 1977 when he started working with the City of Calgary, holding various positions and when he retired in 2013, he was a District Foreman in the Water Services Department.

Dan always enjoyed time spent with family, and friends who became like family on vacations at Mara Lake in the Shuswap, British Columbia, Slocan Lake in Silverton, British Columbia, and Cancun, Mexico.

Dan is survived by his wife of 43 years Belinda; daughter Amanda (Tomlinson); son in law Chris Tomlinson; and his only granddaughter Harlyn (Tomlinson); sister, Toni- Lee Thomas, Gina Willans, Kezia Willans; brothers Michael Thomas, Ken Thomas, and Trevor Willans; in laws Wayne (Elaine) Vance, Kim Vance, Heather Rogers; as well as his many nieces and nephews. He will sadly not be able to meet his grandson who will arrive in June 2026.

Dan has been predeceased by Barney Willans and Shirley Thomas, Ken Thomas, Bradley Thomas, Norm Willans, Bob Willans, Roy Vance, and Jim Vance.

There will not be a Service to be respectful of Dan’s wishes.

Cremation has been entrusted to Evan J Strong Funeral Services.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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