Gerald Bruce Thomas

Gerald Bruce Thomas of South Londonderry VT passed away on Saturday September 1, 2018 surrounded by his family. Bruce was born on May 4th 1955 in Seattle Washington the son of Preston David Thomas and Mary Snoke. Bruce was raised in various cities and states with his parents, brother Tom and sister Emily. Growing up he had a love for the outdoors and the wildlife it possessed. He loved fishing, hunting, and bringing home injured animals. One he saved in particular was a baby squirrel he named "Duffy" who he raised and eventually set free. Bruce was very talented, he enjoyed wood carving and playing trombone in his high school marching band. After high school he went on to ride his motorcycle across country from Connecticut to Colorado. Shortly after returning home, he met the ultimate love of his life and future wife, Catherine Aragi. Bruce and Cathy married on September 6th 1986. Together they built a home in Brookfield Connecticut and became parents to two daughters Victoria and Alexandra. During 2001 Bruce built a house in South Londonderry VT that Cathy designed. In 2002 they were able to move their family to the town and state in which they loved. Bruce continued with his own construction business, gaining many friends in the local area. His wife Cathy was a member of the volunteer rescue squad for 15 years during which Bruce would volunteer his time as a "victim and pin cushion" during mock accidents. He quickly became a special part of the squad in his own way. He was a true family man who loved cheering his daughters on in soccer and basketball making sure to attend almost every game, tournament, concert and play. Bruce raised his girls and granddaughter Jordyn to have the same love for animals and the outdoors as he did. He would take them fishing, shooting, biking, and hiking. He and his youngest daughter Alexandra equally shared a love for hunting and fishing, and they were able to make many memories that she will remember forever. Shortly before Alexandra gave birth to his grandson Michael, Bruce was able to enjoy one last fishing trip with her and his granddaughter Jordyn. Taking Jordyn fishing was one of his favorite things to do over the past few years and he made a point to take her to the yearly fishing derby at Hapgood pond. Bruce was a wonderful person and will be missed dearly by so many. He was predeceased by his father Preston David Thomas and wife Catherine Aragi. He is survived by his daughter Victoria Thomas and her daughter Jordyn Thomas of South Londonderry, VT, Alexandra Thomas and her son Michael Keagy of South Londonderry, VT, his mother Mary Thomas of Bend, OR, brother Tom Thomas of Richland, WA, sister Emily Shaw of North Granby, CT and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in South Londonderry, VT on October 7th at 2:30 PM followed by refreshments at the Londonderry Rescue Squad. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Bruce's memory may be made to the Londonderry Rescue Squad or the First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, c/o Brewster-Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 885 Manchester Center, VT 05255. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in South Londonderry, VT on October 7th at 2:30 PM followed by refreshments at the Londonderry Rescue Squad.