Rolf Peter Thoma

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, Rolf Peter Thoma, October 2nd, 2021 in Lethbridge.

Rolf was predeceased by his loving wife Donalda Jean in 2014 and his daughter Lyla in, 1982.

Rolf was born in Germany (Mother Anna Maria and Father Willie Thoma). He spent much of his childhood in Sumatra, Japan, Germany and Austria. He experienced WWII as a 7-year guest of Japan where he learned to speak fluent Japanese and although he suffered the atrocities of war, he held a deep fondness for the country and its people.

He immigrated to Canada at the age of 19 where he met the love of his life, Donalda Jean in Sudbury, Ontario. After a brief courtship, they married and made their home in Elliot Lake, Ont., where they raised a family of 5 children.

Rolf began his career as an underground miner and quickly worked his way through the ranks to become a purchasing agent and eventually a Purchasing Manager with Denison Mines.

When his children reached young adulthood, he made his way out west, eventually settling in Lethbridge, where he and Jean enjoyed both community and long walks in the coulees. They were always accompanied by dad’s beloved German Sheppard, Shadow.

He is survived by 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 7 greatgrandchildren:  daughter Michelle McCann and her children Brittany Jeanne (Nicolas) and Brody, his daughter Kelly Thoma (Dan) and her children Colby and Brandon, daughter Barbara-Anne Grizelj (Frank) and her children and grandchildren Angella-Jean Gauthier (Gabriel) sons Bryce and Joey, Michelle-Marie Maslen (Harold) and children Ryeley, Brooklyn and Abbi, April-Lyla and children Kale and Lyla, Son Brenton Thoma (Suzana).

We thank his adopted family and friends at Good Samaritans Society, Park Meadows for their incredible support, care and love.

A Celebration of Life event will be planned for a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rolf Peter Thoma, please visit our floral store.