Damian Louis THOMAS
2011 – 2020

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Damian Louis Thomas, 12 June 2020, age 8, surrounded by family and close friends after a lengthy illness. Damian was born in Toronto, Ontario on 21 December 2011 to his parents of Stephen Louis and Cindy Arleen (née Pacheco) and his sister Kiera and cat Nina. A lively, outgoing child, Damian was known by his friends and family to be smart, ambitious, and ready for anything.

Damian’s candle may have been short, but like his infectious smile, it shone the brightest. He had become an avid fisherman, spending countless days with “Papi” on the lake catching the big ones all year round. He enjoyed spending lots of quality “quiet relaxing cuddle time” watching documentaries or reading bedtime stories with Mommy.

“Dey-Dey” will be fondly remember by is little sister “Kiki” who’s countless hours in the playroom shooting off their arsenal of nerf guns; playing with Lego, tag or making pretend food on her kitchenette; or just outdoors riding their bike, scootering, or a walk around the block together will be deeply missed.

Damian enjoyed swimming at the pool; riding his scooter around the block; enjoyed being a sous chef for Aunt Rhea during her visits and had a passion for video games and Taekwondo.

In March 2019, Damian was honoured as an “Honorary Rifleman” of the Queens Own Rifles of Canada; for fighting his own battle with cancer.

Damian is survived by his parents, Stephen and Cindy, and his sister Keira. Also survived by his grandparents Rajendra Thomas of Scarborough ON, Shirley (Art Lewis) of Orillia ON, Jorge Pacheco of Toronto ON, Ofelia Pacheco of Brampton ON; auntie Rhea of Scarborough ON; uncle Christopher (Salma) of Scarborough ON; aunts Carmen and Emma of Toronto ON; uncle Bryan (Iris) of Brampton ON; and cousins Soraya, Nathaniel and Gabriel. He will be fondly missed by incredibly special family friends/godparents, Denise and Nick Mikulandra (children Julija and Niko).

He will also be missed by the many aunts, uncles and cousins around the world; and the friends whose lives he has touched during his short time with us.

As a grade 3 student at St Benedict Elementary Catholic School in Milton, he was always surrounded by his friends. A special thanks to Damian’s principal Mr. Guerin and to his teachers Ms. Ungolo and Ms. Agnino who came to visit and organized a wonderful show of support; along with members of the Milton community.

A special thanks to the hospital caregiving staff; and especially to Dr. Marjerrison for the gentle kindness and for the wonderful care given to Damian.

The family would like to say a very special thank you to all the men and women at the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and to Belyea Bros for their continued support over the years.

Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus, visitation will be limited to 32 people and there is no flexibility on this. This will be the same for the service and the burial. There will be a webcast starting 10 minutes before the service and can be accessed from the following site (https://mountpleasantgroup.permavita.com/site/DamianLouisThomas.html). To those in attendance, please respect the COVID-19 protocols that are in place at the Centre. Visitation will be held at the Meadowvale Funeral Centre, 7732 Mavis Road, Brampton, ON; on Tuesday 16 June 2020 starting at 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM. A quiet burial will take place at the cemetery following the service with family members. The family will host a private function after the burial for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Damian’s honor to the Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital; McMaster Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

There is also a trust fund set up in support of the family by The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada which can be accessed through the following link [https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/50106].

Sharing Condolences/Tributes/Donations can be made online through Mount Pleasant Group https://www.mountpleasantgroup.com/home