Father Dave Thomas Memorial Book

David Thomas Remembered

A glimpse at the life of Dave Thomas through a compilation of stories and anecdotes from his friends

For

Libby & Riley

Lest we forget...

The Reverend Canon David Powers Thomas

Born 2 May 1941

Called to Glory 16 December 2009

CONTENTS

Foreword 1

Obituary 3

Condolences 6

Kennett Paper Article 28

Memorial Service Program 32

Memorial Service Remembrance Eulogies & Homily 34

Remembrances by Friends 52

Afterword 91

CD’s Appendix

Memorial Service

Sue Thomas Address to the Parish, 17 January 2010

Selected Sermons by David Thomas

When your mother asked me to pull together some stories and anecdotes about your Grandpa Dave the day of his funeral service, I had no idea what a moving experience this would be for me. As I read through the condolences and stories that make up part of this book of remembrances, I was deeply moved by the number of lives he touched. I believe he would also have been moved, and surprised, by this outpouring of love and respect.

So just who was David Powers Thomas? He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, minister, priest, shepherd, counselor, confidant, raconteur, actor, comedian, rascal, friend…and he was a man…a man’s man. As you read the experiences and remembrances’ his friends and the members of his church family have been so kind to share, you will notice a recurrent comment: David was larger than life. He truly was. Everything he did was done with style and flair, on a scale so grand that it defied gravity and all the laws of physics. David was a class act and a true character. He was a combination of Clarence Darrow, Noah Webster, Ronald Regan, Will Rogers, Robin Williams, Lionel Barrymore, Elmer Gantry, Bing Crosby in his role as Father O’Malley, and Billy Graham (your mother and grandmother can tell you who these guys were). David was gregarious yet humble; outgoing yet sensitive; outspoken, yet a good listener; a romantic, yet a pragmatist; impatient yet empathetic; passionate yet compassionate; a leader, yet a follower; devout, yet not sanctimonious; and he was an outstanding Priest, Minister, preacher and Shepherd, yet not pious nor ethereal. He never met a stranger and had legions of friends.

Your Grandpa loved his family passionately and deeply. Your Grandmother Sue was truly the love of his life, and she felt the same about David. He swept her off her feet, and she dazzled him. He loved his two sisters, Linda and Suzanne, and spoke of them affectionately, and always with great pride. He loved his daughters, your Aunt Kat and your mother, and his son-in-law, Ryan. And he loved you ladies with his whole heart. I remember when first Libby, then Riley, joined the family. I never saw a prouder Grandfather…I thought he was going to bust! He spoke of you both in many of his great sermons.

David loved life and the things life had to offer. He had an unquenchable zest for life. He enjoyed good food and drink. He loved to party, and he and your Grandmother Sue threw some of the best parties I ever attended. He loved to dance. I remember a wedding reception where he wore out several much younger ladies on the dance floor. People were always surprised to see a man of your Grandpa’s age and proportions dance so enthusiastically, and be so light on his feet.

David had a deep and unshakable faith in God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was the most faithful Christian I have ever known, and his faith was an inspiration to all he touched. And how he could preach. In the 12 years he was Rector at Church of the Advent, I never heard a bad or mediocre sermon, nor did he ever repeat a sermon. His sermons were inspiring, insightful and challenged us to be better people. Though he did love life, and he lived it to the fullest, he recognized that life is transitory. Because of his strong faith, he did not fear death, because he knew, as he often said, that death is not the end, but a whole new beginning.

My Father used to tell me that you count your riches not in gold or dollars, but in the number of friends you have. My Dad was right, and your Grandpa’s friendship was one of the great treasures of my life. He truly enriched my life, and I miss him terribly. He was like a brother to me, and one of the truest and best friends I have ever had. I loved your grandfather, and I know he loved me. You may find it strange that men can love each other. Our love was not untoward nor the romantic love that you two will someday joyfully experience. It was a love born of mutual respect, admiration, appreciation and regard for each other. We were kindred spirits.

As I close, I would like to say that it has been an honor for me to coordinate compiling these tales so you will be able to share your Grandfather’s zest for life and get to know him. It is everyone’s hope who has contributed to this collection of remembrances that you may come to love and cherish your Grandfather as we all did, and be inspired and comforted by his example.

Finally, as you go through life, if you feel a cool breeze on a warm day, when there is no air stirring; or if you fell a surge of warmth when you are cold; or if you suddenly feel happy when you are sad or depressed; or if you unexpectedly gain courage when you are afraid…that is your Grandpa looking out for you.

The Rev. Canon David P. Thomas, age 68, of West Grove, PA died Wednesday December 16, 2009 at the home of his sisters, Suzanne Thomas and Linda Thomas in Marblehead Massachusetts. He was the loving husband of Susan Johnson Thomas, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage.

Powers Thomas. Dave attended Colgate College and then the American International College in Springfield, MA earning a bachelors degree in 1963. He completed his seminary education at Seabury-Western Theological in Evanston, IL in 1967.

He started his career as a teacher and coach at Vergennes, Vermont. Dave served as Rector for St. Marks Episcopal Church in Omaha Nebraska, Piedmont Parish in Marshall VA, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Lancaster PA, as the assistant to the Bishop of Nebraska, as a Diocesan Missioner for the Diocese of Central PA, as the interim Rector for Good Samaritan in Paoli, St. David’s in Baltimore, and St. Paul’s in Bloomsburg, PA before coming to The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square.

In addition, there were many other affiliations and accomplishments, too numerous to mention, which highlighted his successful career. Dave was a member of the Rotary Club of Kennett at Longwood and the Union League in Philadelphia. He was a former board member of the Jennersville Regional Hospital, and the Kennett Area YMCA.

honored to uphold. He will be sadly missed by the many congregations that he served, the communities in which he worked, and most of all his family who adored him. Survivors include in addition to his wife Susan, two daughters Katherine Thomas of Ashville NC, and Sarah Stephenson and her husband Ryan of Middletown PA, two sisters, Linda Thomas and Suzanne Thomas both of Marblehead MA, and two granddaughters Libby and Riley Stephenson.

A memorial service celebrating David’s life will be held 11AM Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent 401 N Union St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Family and friends may visit with the family from 9:30-11AM before the service and again at the reception in the parish hall immediately following the service. Interment will be held in the adjoining church memorial garden.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Advent for the Memorial Garden Perpetual Care Fund, 201 Crestline Drive Kennett Square, PA 19348. Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (610-444-4116) of Kennett Square. To send an online condolence, please visit www.griecocares.com

Dear Linda and Suzanne, so very sorry to hear of your brother's sudden passing. The tributes to him were wonderful and can only imagine the tremendous loss that you must be feeling. Hugs to both of you. In His grace, Barby, Phil Cusumano and girls

Posted by: Barby Cusumano Chagrin Falls, FL - friends with Linda and Susuan Dec 30, 2009

Few people have the opportunity to make such an enduring and positive impression on the lives of others as Dave Thomas. As our pastor and our friend Dave has helped make our lives richer through his example of living a life guided by Christian values of compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others. While we will surely miss Dave's animated, energetic and fun-loving character, I pray that we will, through God's grace, live our lives in a way that consistently reflects Dave's example of a Christian life well-lived.

Posted by: AL & Ealise Rundle West Grove, PA - Friends and Advent parishioners Dec 29, 2009

Sue, love to you all. I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He touched so many lives, mine included. Peace be with you and your family.

Dear Thomas Family, Your loss also hit our family like a ton of bricks. Dave played such an enormous spiritual part in our family and was also a good friend, a true genuine person to all our children and us. Dave's part in our life was baptizing all four of our grand children, marrying four out of five of our girls, remarrying Bobbe and me on our thirtieth anniversary, confirming Becky and I into the church, and marrying Bobbe's sister. We now have a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Please accept our sincerest condolences to your family. Lovingly, The Currys

I first met Dave when we served on the board of the local Y together. I was shocked to learn that a "man of the cloth" could actually have a sense of humor! He had a terrific attitude & a great sense of humor...and our paths continued to cross. When I chaired the Southern Chester County Relay for Life, Dave came to the site, as my request, to deliver the opening prayer. I can still picture him, walking in the pouring rain and sloppy mud, in his official clothes and good shoes. "Let's get the show on the road," he said. "I've got a funeral to do!" And that's the way he was, from one thing to the next, sacrificing his own time, comfort, and sometimes his shoes. A year ago, when my teenage daughter wanted to shop for a new church, she immediately settled on Advent; after hearing one of Dave's sermons, she was hooked! I shouldn't have been surprised, and we should have changed churches years ago. In short, it felt like home. Prior to my attendance at Advent, I don't think many teenagers would have said that about church! We still have yet to officially join, and it makes me sad; I feel like Dave & I had unfinished business. Now I can't even get my daughter to return to church, without Dave at the pulpit. It feels empty. How did he always know, how is it that he could always see into my heart? I'll sorely miss his wit, his caring, even the funny way he walked. I know that he's gone on to glory -- no doubt in my mind! -- and for that, I am truly happy. But my heart is heavy with the loss of someone I called "friend." He changed my life, and nothing will EVER be the same. Thanks, Dave, and God speed. I hope to one day see you in paradise.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Cn. David Thomas. Although our paths only crossed for a relatively short time at St. Thomas Lancaster, I truly enjoyed working with him and with Sue, Sarah and Kat. May the good Lord welcome you into his arms, Dave...I'm sure you will be deeply missed by the many who love you.

I am a newcomer to the Episcopal Church of the Advent and Father Dave. I've been seeking a new church home since we relocated from Fredericksburg, VA a few months ago. Though I grew up in the Methodist church, I have felt that 'special something' each time I have visited Advent and heard Father Dave's sermons. I was on the website just now to learn about Christmas Eve services and was stunned and saddened to learn of Father Dave's passing. I've not yet met Dave's family, or most of the members of Advent, but I am so truly sorry for the loss of one who obviously touched so many. I pray for peace, comfort and blessings for all of you.

With deepest condolences & prayers in sympathy on the death of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many! His light shone brightly the light of Christ all his life and service, and his jovial presence and Godly common sense will be so missed. Please know his name will be remembered in our Christmas prayers, and our prayers surround you all in the hope of the Resurrection through the birth of Jesus to us all. In peace, The Rev. Paul W. Gennett, Jr. & the people of St. Thomas's Parish, Newark DE

Posted by: The REv. Paul Gennett, Jr. Newark, DE - Episcopal priest & colleague Dec 23, 2009

Sue. I ran into Charlene today and she informed me of Dave's passing. For some reason I missed it in the Lancaster paper. You have Barb and my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. We know that God is with you. It would be great to hear from you after these many years. Our phone is 717-285-2332 and the email is rnmable@comcast.net God Bless! Ron and Barb Mable

Posted by: Ron Mable Mountville, Pa. 17554, PA - former colleague Dec 23, 2009

Dear Sue and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Dave's death. Our whole family experienced so much at St Thomas, growing spiritually with Dave's wonderful sermons and energetic leadership. Paul and Sarah learned a great deal with our St Thomas family during their formative years. Of course Heber and Emily and family also had the privilege of knowing Dave while at St Thomas. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss Love From Phil and Hilary (Becker)

Hello, Dear Sue, Years have gone by and yet my memories of David, St. Thomas, you and all the wonderful people I counted as friends will remain with me always. Dave helped me through some very tough times and counseled me to stay true to the Lord in all that I did and He would assist me in my life. I thank God that he was there for me-and I am sure there are countless others who feel the same. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was so devoted to you, Sarah and Katherine. I have often wondered what your girls were doing. If you get a chance (whenever) please e-mail me and let me know. I am sure Kristen would be interested, too. My heartfelt sympathies to you, Sue. I am sure your faith will see you through. I will be praying for you.

Posted by: Laurie (Wiig/Middleton) Colombo Victor, NY - friend Dec 22, 2009

I HAD JUST HEARD ABOUT REV. THOMAS WHILE READING THE NEWSPAPER TODAY. MY WIFE AND I ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR THE NEWS AND OFFER OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE MARRIED US ON MAY 16, 09 AT THE STONE BARN IN KENNET SQUARE AND WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE! I REMEMBER HIM TELLING US, " I HAVE ANOTHER WEDDING THAT DAY, BUT DONT WORRY, I MAY BE ALITTLE LATE, BUT I WILL BE THERE!" AND HE WAS THERE JUST AS PREDICTED! IN ONLY KNOWING HIM FOR A SHORT TIME, HE PUT THE BOTH OF US AT EASE DURING THE STRESSFUL TIME OF PLANNING OUR MARRIAGE. WE ARE TRULY SADDENED TO HEAR THE NEWS AND WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT HE TOUCHED MANY PEOPLES LIVES IF EVEN ONLY KNOWING THEM FOR A SHORT WHILE. THE STORACE'S

Posted by: JOHN AND JILL STORACE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA - MARRIED US ON MAY 16, 2009 Dec 22, 2009

Sue and family, I am truly sorry for your loss, but it is certainly God's gain. Heaven will never be the same. I know this has to be so difficult for all of you. I am so thankful that we had a chance to visit with you and David last summer. It was such a special time. God Bless.

Posted by: Sallly (Tatro) VanMeter Bloomfield, CT - Long time friend Dec 22, 2009

Father Dave was very special to our family. We were exploring different churches when we first moved to the area in 2005, and once we heard one of Father Dave's sermons we knew - we had found our church. He had a gift for explaining things in a way that all of us could relate to and made religion seem real. My 11-year old even said that he actually looked forward to church to hear Father Dave’s sermons. We know that he is happy and at peace where he belongs, but selfishly we are sad because we just weren't ready to say good bye to him. We feel lucky to have known him these past 4 years - he was a gift.

I only had the pleasure of knowing Dave for one year, but as a returning church goer I found him to be wonderfully welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive. I've been an Episcopalian for most of my life, but never have I known a priest who was so caring and down to earth. How lucky we are to have had him. It was only a few weeks ago that he spoke in a sermon of his attitude toward death, dispelling any fear or dread. I took so much comfort from his words, and now I know that he is in that better place he so eagerly sought.

Posted by: Richard Greenwood Kennett Square, PA - Member of Advent family Dec 22, 2009

Dear Sue, Kat, Sarah and the rest of the Family. Dave and I were speechless when we heard. Dave and all of you are part of our family. When we heard it was just like loosing another member of our family. He will be missed by all that knew him. He was a man that was larger than life. There are no words to tell you how sorry we are. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all Dave and Michelle Russell, Lancaster, PA

To Suzanne and Linda and all of David's family. I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of this special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jean Johanson

Dearest Sue, Kat, and Sarah, Thank you for the most wonderful gift-your husband and daddy. I truly believe the poem below reflects Dave, his approach to life and death. I miss him, already! "I'M FREE" Don' grieve for me , for now I'm free. I'm following the path God has laid you see. I took his hand when I heard his call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found the peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too-will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee, God wanted me now; he set me free. ~ Author Unknown~

My thoughts and prayers are with Dave's family. I was fortunate to have been able to share memory time with Dave...Sue and the old Brattleboro gang during our 50th high school reunion. The ironic thing...in many ways...it was as though time had stood still...many of our conversations and laughs were as though we were still in high school or college... I feel so blessed to have had those several special hours with my friend. Dave was the quarterback of our high school football team...a damn good QB and a damn good team. I think he was also the God QB for the many that he touched. His passing is such a loss... Certainly he sits with Jesus today...at this special time of his birth...Christmas...in some ways...how fitting! In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...I luv you man! Go with God!

Posted by: Lance Westerlund San Juan Capistrano, CA - High School Best Friend Dec 22, 2009

All I can think about is Advent without Dave Thomas. And then I imagine he's up in heaven saying "Haven't you been listening to me all these years???" I believe he has taught us all so much about life and about being a Christian. I am so grateful for the privilege of his friendship and ministry. I miss him. Sue, Kat, Sarah... I hope you feel the love we all have for you.

Our condolences to the Thomas Family for their lost of Father Dave who was always available to all in need.

Posted by: Ian and Betty Brandau Bloomsburg, PA - Parishioner at St Pauls Dec 22, 2009

Our condolences to the Thomas Family for their love one who has gone to be with Jesus.

Posted by: Ian and Betty Brandau Blooomsburg, PA - St Pauls parishioners Dec 22, 2009

Dave, we will miss you-our memories go way way back to your Marshall days in the 60"s. As funny as you were, we all knew the serious side of you and that was so so precious and comforting. May you rest in peace and know that you touched all of your friends with the most gentle ,gentle heart. Your smile will be forever in our hearts. Love and hugs, Sal and Bun

I am so saddened by the loss of this funny, kind man. My sincere condolences to Kat, Sarah, and Sue. I love you all and wish you peace during this difficult time. We will truly miss his great smile and bad jokes!

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the Thomas family and Father Dave. He was a great man and very dear to our family. God bless him and his family. May God's grace be always with you.

Sue and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you manage through this time. Take care of yourselves. Sincerely, Joe and Jeanne McClellan

To Sue & Family, We are lifetime Episcopalians and have been members and officers of parishes in many states throughout this country and Anglican churches in Bermuda and

Singapore

. Never have we known a priest as effective and loving as Father Dave in all that experience. He was of significant comfort and inspiration during several medical and personal crises. These allowed our children, who live in Oregon, Colordo and Delaware to know and love him. His sermons were meaningful and from the heart. With great confidence, he spoke of not being afraid of death several times from the pulpit. We take great comfort in knowing that now he is with his Maker and things are as he described! Our whole family has been uplifted by Dave and he will be sorely missed.

Posted by: Art & Jackie Holveck Kennett Square, PA - Friends, Parish members Dec 21, 2009

Sue- Tim and were so very sad to learn of Dave's death. Please know that we will be keeping you and the girls in our thoughts and prayers. I always remember when you came to Lancaster in the spring of 1975. I had met Dave once and the second time I saw him I began introducing myself again, thinking he had so many new names to learn he couldn't possibly remember them all. He stopped me right away and informed me he had made a special point of remembering me which I found very flattering until he added, "You are the most pregnant person I have ever seen and I hope I'll be getting called to visit you in the hospital very soon"! Lynn Peters

Sue, Sarah, Kat and family-When else would the biggest snow storm in 7 years hit but on the day of Dave's service?! His exit is larger than life and will be part of the many memories we all share. For Dave's friendship, ministering to my son and family, spiritual guidance and support of my work I am forever changed and grateful. The youth of Advent never had a better advocate; his love and concern for them made the impossible possible. No matter the hour of our departure, he always sent us off on all our mission trips with a prayer and hugs. Now it is up to us to continue the work he sent us to do and carry on in his place. He will be always missed and never forgotten. Love from our hearts to yours. -Jan

Posted by: Jan Berry Schroeder West Chester, PA - Advent Yth Ministry, parishioner Dec 21, 2009

Please know how sorry we are that you have lost such a wonderful man. Dave is the reason we belong to Church of the Advent. We met him shortly after we moved to this area nine years ago. Our children call him the "funny Father". We call him the pillar of our church community. There are no words to express the loss you must feel. There is and never will be anyone like Father Dave. I will miss his sermons, his laugh and his wit - among many other exceptional qualities. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. It's just hard to believe that he is not here. His presence and spirit will always be with us. The Fitzgibbon Family

Sue you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and Dave will be in our hearts forever. He touched each of us with his ministry and was a comfort to us thru many challenges. He was a very special person and God's gift to us and our family. We pray for you, your family and for Dave. He is at rest in God's hands and we will miss him. We pray for God's strength for you and for his grace to fill your heart with loving memories to comfort you. Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences. Ray, Peggy and Billie Mislock

Father Dave's sermons were an inspiration to us all. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience his wonderful gifts. We found a home at Advent thanks to Father Dave. Our children loved his stories and will especially miss his Christmas Eve family story.

Sue & Family - know that you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband. I know that there is little I can say to console you but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love from El Paso, Texas.

Dave, We love you for many reasons not only because of who you were, but because of all you have been to so many people and because you have done more than anything could have to let us know the goodness of life. You are not gone from us; we have you always in our hearts.

There was an absolutely genuine quality about David, an absolute lack of affectation and a wonderful tincture of humor. Like his dear sisters, he could be outrageous - but always with a twinkle and a raucous laugh. I only heard him preach once - at services for a dear friend in our mutual home town, but I thought then, that when my turn came it would be great to have him up there rooting for me! It's a shame that that chance is lost, now. But perhaps not! Love and deepest condolences to Susan, Suzanne and Linda, Sarah and Ryan, Katherine, Libby and Riley.

Suzanne, Linda and all of the Thomas family, how special your Dave must have been!!! I have learned to know him through the many many stories told by his sisters. How fortunate you all were to have such a loving and wonderful brother, husband, father and grandfather. I hope you will all hold each other tight during this difficult time. My sincere sympathy and love to all of you. Sally Hooper

My love and sympathy to all the Thomas family. I appreciated so much Dave's visits to my husband, Ted, in Firbank when we moved to Crossland. (He had a brain tumor and died 2 months after we moved). Dave was a fantastic preacher! I will miss him very much.

Suzanne and Linda, I am so sorry to hear about David. As you remember our parents were good friends. David always had such a great sense of humor and I was always happy to see him and talk. I know ministry was his calling and how much he enjoyed it. How much he looked like your dad. I loved the picture with Lou and Gordon. It made me cry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Bev Sowerby

Posted by: Beverly Bearse Sowerby So. Portland, ME - old friend Dec 21, 2009

Father Dave Thomas made the word of God real for me, my family and countless others. His sermons caused us to laugh, sometimes cry, yet in the end, we all understood the message. Through his teaching, he encouraged us to smile in the face of adversity, celebrate our blessings, but most of all, Keep the Faith. He will be sorely missed by all and not forgotten for all of his good works. This was a man who made the world a better place for everyone. Our condolences to Sue and the entire family

Posted by: George and Diane Hudak Kennett Square, PA - parishioners Dec 21, 2009

Sue and all the Thomas family: Sandi and I embrace all of you with our love and prayers. Five years ago this Christmas I (Stan) said goodbye to Diane and five years ago this Christmas Sandi said goodbye to her brother Andrew. The joyful message of Christmas helps us through the darkness and brings us to the Lord Jesus who will mend our broken hearts. We are lifted up by this wonderful hope we share. David was a genuine personality, never lofty nor pretending. He was an inspiring preacher, dedicated pastor and faithful friend to all clergy who knew and loved him. We give thanks for his priesthood which brought honor to the Episcopal Church. Sandi and I hold you in our prayers. Stan Imboden and Sandi Imboden

Posted by: Canon Stan and Sandi Imboden, Episcopal colleagues - Clergy friend Dec 18, 2009

To Father Dave's wonderful friends and family here on Earth, We too were deeply moved with Fr. Dave's passing, Debi and I had the opportunity to share a special time with Dave and Sue when they first came to Advent. We felt Fr. Dave would energize Advent and indeed he did and in the process, touched so many of our lives. When Debi had a major procedure at Christiana several years ago, Dave was with us to reinforce our faith and pray for recovery. Dave possessed a God given ability to have an IMPACT on those around him, a blessing that has had a profound effect on our spiritual journey. We will miss you, pray for your family and reflect on the many positive experiences that we shared. Love, Debi and Chuck Muhly

Posted by: Chuck and Debi Muhly Devon, PA - Friends, past Rector's Warden Dec 18, 2009

Sue, Kat, Sarah and Ryan, Geoff and I are going to try our best to make it through the snow to share our condolences. I can't believe he's gone - I was thinking he was one of those people who you could call a legend. Lots of

people wrote "larger than life" - I can't put in better words. Love to all of you!

Posted by: Lisa & Geoff Pawlikowski Philadelphia, PA - friend Dec 18, 2009

Linda and Suzanne, We are so sorry for your great loss. Through our many years of friendship, we learned what David meant to you and how you both loved him. Family means everything to both of you and you 3 had a special and wonderful relationship. You are in our thouights during this very difficult time. Love, Ter and Linda

Posted by: Linda Roemer Peabody, MA - friends of Lindda and Suzanne Dec 18, 2009

Sue, Sarah, Ryan and Kat, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Dave was such a wonderful man - so full of love and life. Even though we didn't always agree, I know that he cared about me and I certainly cared about him. I know that not only our church, but also the whole Kennett community, will feel the loss. He certainly made this world a better place.

Dearest Linda and Family: Please accept my deepest condolences - Linda, when ever you would speak of your brother I saw your eyes light up and a smile come to your face- cherish all the wonderful memories that I know will forever bring these warm feelings to you and your loved ones each time you think of your brother. In sympathy and friendship Ann Zaia

Dearest Thomas Family, Dave has gone to Glory, he went with grace and love in his heart. He showed us daily how to love one another. I will be forever thankful to have called him friend. I will miss our conversations, laughter, and I will cherish all of my memories of Dave and his direct advise! My last visit with Dave ended with a big bear hug, a kiss, and a "I love you", truely, a father to us all! His light will continue to shine brightly in all of our hearts. God Bless you!

Sue, Kat, Sarah and Ryan - I am deeply saddened by Fr. Dave's passing. My condolences to you and all of the family. He was a terrific priest and friend in so many ways. I will never forget the comfort he gave me after my car accident. He came all the way to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital (with Nancy) on a Sunday night to pray for healing for me. I will miss him terribly and cannot imagine Advent without him.

Posted by: Diane Tait West Chester, PA - parishioner and friend Dec 18, 2009

Fr. Dave was a wonderful person. Our family has grown in faith and love because he made Church of the Advent a place where our boys wanted to be. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. He will be deeply missed. Until we meet again....

Dear Linda and Suzanne, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Your brother David will always live on in your heart. Treasure all those happy memories spent together. I wish you peace. Love and friendship, Angela Hurley

Posted by: Angela Hurley North Andover, MA - Friend to Linda and Suzanne Dec 18, 2009

I never met this great man I always heard Kat speak so highly of...just last week we discussed a Philly trip together to spend time with him and how much fun we would have. My heart aches for my dear friend and all the people he touched...words fail to convey the depth of sorrow I feel. He was a man of God who rests in peace now with God.

Posted by: Christina Calabria Greensboro, NC - friend of daughter Kat Dec 18, 2009

We watched in wonder at the love of these three sibling ( I that have been estranged from one of mine ) envy their loving connection. We share your sorrow. For the entire Thomas family we wish you peace in this difficult time. Share in the joy of David’s life. He touch many people. Our hearts go out to you all. Comfort one another it is what David would want. Susan our deepest sympathy to you and your girls. Suzanne and Linda you have our love.

As Catholics feeling estranged from the church, my son's father and I were struggling with where to baptize our son, who at that point was 2 1/2 years old. We went to a few different churches before finding Father Dave at Advent. He came to the house to meet with us and I, being the guilt consumed Catholic, was a total wreck, cleaning the house and cooking a hot lunch. He came in and announced he had already eaten and then proceeded to put us at complete ease, understanding of our personal faith struggle and welcoming us and our son into the church. The morning of the baptism, Father Dave picked up a nearly 3 year old (and 35 lb.) Max to offer him up and promptly stated "Well I'm glad you didn't wait another week". While I never officially converted, Advent became my church of choice and I found Father Dave's ability to connect with his congregation comforting. I was so sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful man who was blessed with truly being able to do God's work in the most basic authentic way. I feel blessed that he was in my life, if even in a small way.

Posted by: Carol Ciliberti Kennett Square, PA - parishioner Dec 18, 2009

To the Thomas family, We will never forget how Dave reached out and welcomed us into the Church. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. May you be comforted knowing how many of us he has touched and how much we all loved him. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Posted by: Denise Day and Karen Conlin Kennett Square, PA - Part of the the church family Dec 18, 2009

We will miss your warm and funny spirit. I always left with a smile after talking with you. Harland was so tickled after your chat on Sunday. You will be missed. Sue and family our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dave – I hope you’re listening. And Sue can share in this too. I have a confession:: When you first came to Advent, I wondered what we had gotten into. For you were diametrically the opposite of Dick Kirk, the latter a great organizer with an engineering brain. You were so much bulkier - and gracefulness was not an attribute I’d ever assign you. In fact, after just a week or two I had you labeled as “a bull in the china shop”. But twelve years passed and I ended up having great affection for a man who lived by his heart as well as his brain. Dave, you turned me into a friend and admirer – and one who looked forward to Sundays at church, not just for communion and listening to the choir and meeting old friends, but more especially to receiving the benefits of your sermons. You were an amazing speaker. And every sermon managed to touch me in such a way that I left church determined to be a better person. Thanks, Dave. You’ll be sorely missed.

Father Dave, Thank-you for lifting us up. To the Thomas family, May angels bring you peace. Much love, Vicky, Ryan and Haeli

It doesn't seem real. It can't be. Dave was larger than life. He exuded more life than any one person should. We have shared so much together over the years and we will miss you so much. We're so sorry we are not going to be able to come up for the Memorial Service. Know that we are thinking of you - alternating between tears and laughter. Our love to Sue, Kat, Sarah, Suzanne, Linda. God Bless you with peace. Love, Pat and John

Mrs. Thomas, Katherine and Sarah: I can't believe someone so full of life can be gone. As I have moved around and attended other parishes, no other preacher could possibly measure up. The sheer joy that Father Thomas brought to everything he did and to those around him was evidence of the power of the holy spirit. I still freqently remember and am comfortaed by the words of a sermon from probably 25 years ago about transitory this life is, when he asked, "just stop for a moment and think about the things you were worried about one year ago today." The worries of life are fleeting, but God is forever. Something I'll try to remember today.

My heart aches for you, Dave's family. I cannot imagine how empty your home. I know however, that your hearts are full of love and a life time of wonderful warm memories with Dave. Dave brought comfort and joy to all. He always took a moment to ask if everything was okay, and lent an ear or gave a hug when it was needed - to everyone. He lightened my heart when it was heavy, gave me hope when I thought there was none …. and always made me smile. He is, was, and always will be a guiding light, a man of great character, and a man my boys and I were blessed to have known. I will miss you greatly. Thank you. Thank you and God bless you for ever and ever. Peace be with you. Until I see you again. Love, Janice Link Moores Parishioner Chadds Ford, PA

Dave was more than my Priest. He was a friend. Dave was more than a friend. Dave was my brother. We argued and disagreed. But, I loved him. And, in his ‘Friar Tuck” manner, I think he loved me. I miss him. Len

Posted by: Leonard C. Bieberbach Unionville, PA - Friend and Parishioner Dec 18, 2009

Serving at the altar with Father Dave was so meaningful. He would always ask who's doing what today. It was like arranging a dance to make sure everyone knew where to go during the service. Sermons were my favorite as if directed at me sometimes. Personal stories that went way back were the best. God had his arms open to receive Father Dave. Sue and Family...many prayers will go your way. God Bless Your Family!

To the Thomas Family- I am so very sorry for your loss. I am honored to have met Father Dave.

When my sons were younger and attended Sunday services with me, they always checked the program to see who was giving the sermon that particular day. They loved it when Father Dave gave it. They liked that the sermons Father Dave gave were short, sweet, and to the point. They understood what he was saying and could relate to it. Thanks Father Dave for your wonderful sermons and talks.

My deepest and most heart felt sympathies to his family. The Church of the Advent will miss Father Dave's smiles and wonderful sermons. He'll be missed by all who knew him. God takes care of his own and he'll surely take care of Father Dave. God Bless you Father Dave.

Father Dave lit up any room he entered; everything he did had gusto and joy. He was an irreplaceable mentor, father figure, and friend. And he cut the floor with some amazing dancing at my brother's wedding in 2006! My prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

We never met him in person but by knowing Kat, we know what an amazing person he was. We are so sorry for your loss. We love you Kat and know that he lives on in you and your family. Many Blessings. The Lawing Family, Karen, Greg, Daisy, Gaia, and Naomi

Words cannot express my sorrow... You lit up any room you entered and made the whole place laugh. I will miss being your adopted daughter when visiting. Thank you for giving me Kat, I promise to keep her on the straight and narrow, ok, I promise to love her always. Blessings Sue and Sarah and the whole Thomas family and congregation.

Mrs. Thomas and Family, words cannot express how sorry I am at the passing of Father Dave. I enjoyed his sermons as they made me laugh, they made me look at my own life and they made me feel God's presence even more. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My deepest sympathy goes to you in your time of loss. Dave was one of the of the sweetest people I have ever ment in my life.I met Kat and Sarah many years ago and Dave and Sue welcomed me into their home with arms and hearts. When I struggled with with life tests, Dave always had a kind word and soft heart to comfort me. He was a father to me when I didn't have one of my own. I am very thankful to have known such GREAT man. He will be sorely miss.

To Mrs. Thomas and the Thomas family, our family is so deeply saddened for your loss. Father Dave's passing is such a loss for everyone whose lives he touched and those who had yet to meet him. There was never a time when his humor, kindness and concern didn't warm the hearts and heal the spirits of those around him.

I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed 100 times more by your family than by us. He was our lightt too. Thank you for sharing

David will be sorely missed. We truely enjoyed his sermons and is one of only 2 that I can say that about! He exudited the spirit of Advent Church

My thought and prayers go out to all of you. I am so saddened to learn of your loss, especially at this time of year that is so cherished by the Thomas family. I will recall with great fondness the many happy times my parents and I spent with David and the Thomas clan.

When you are the most alone, He is intimately present. Psalm 32:7 When it is the darkest, He is the only light you need. Psalm 27:1 May God be your comfort in sorrow and your hope and strength in the coming days.

David- you were one of my closest friends and I will miss you dearly- Thank you for sharing your life with me- Dick

Our Heart felt condolences to the whole Thomas Family. May the memories of Love and Laughter you have shared fill you up and get you through. Peace and Love always

Father Dave found the humor and humanity in every event, every story, every encounter. He truly embodied the Christian ideal of how we should treat each other, and I am thankful that we were able to know him for the time we did. I will always be grateful for how Father Dave helped restore my faith, long before the trial in my life during which I would need it most. I grieve for him, a great loss to his family, his Church, and the world. No doubt, he has been warmly greeted in heaven with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I still draw comfort from the words Dave shared with us at my daughter's funeral and of course, from our shared belief that we will all be reunited one day thanks to the promise of our Lord, eternal life. God's peace, Father Dave. Much love, Amy, Rick, Grayson, Zoey, and ^^Arden^^ Bucher

Daddy.... you ARE larger than life... a legend in your own time... you are the best friend a girl could have and a better father could not be found! I selfishly mourn for you... I know in my heart you are with God... your entire lifes work celebrated in your passing... the heavens are full now and I know you have Jesus shaking his head and laughing... saying... "I can't believe he said that out loud!" I am at peace knowing that there isn't an unsaid word between us... I hugged you enough... kissed you enough and told you how I couldn't and wouldn't have made it this far with out you. WE are each others biggest fans... and I can still hear you cheering me on! I know with every fiber in my being how much you loved your family... your friends.... your life in the church... You lived like a ROCK STAR... you marched to the beat of your own drum... making no appologies along the way... I love you for that... I love you for so many things... but mostly I love you because you loved me better than anyone could ~ has or will!

Linda and Suzanne, My heart bleeds for your family and yourself. I know the love, affection, adoration that you had for your brother; smiling as you mention him. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. May God uphold you and give you strength during your time of bereavement as you reflect on the good times shared as family. Sorrowfully Submitted, Kimmy

On the many occasions when Dave"s sermon would seem directed at one or more of our family, we would ask each other on the way home, "How did he know?". He knew all of us. He inspired all of us. Sue, we pray for you and your family. We grieve with you. Nick, Mary, Nick and Greg

So sorry to here of Dave"s passing. He always took all religions into consideration when saying a grace before any community event. He had a wonderful personality and was just a good person. I will always have fond memories . sinerely, Barry Kanofsky

Posted by: Barry Kanofsky Kennett square, PA - Rotary member and friend Dec 17, 2009

Sue, Sarah and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss your father's laughter and jokes! He was a wonderful man that we have been blessed to know. Love, Michelle, Victor, Meghan, Erin, and Rachael

Posted by: Suzi & Fred Kennett Square, PA - Friend, minister, Rector's Warde Dec 17, 2009

My heart goes out to Mrs. Thomas and the girls. Father Thomas was an important and large part of my childhood and again later on in life. He is and always will be my hero and inspiration. At this time, I am holding on to the many many memories I have of him being the fun loving, caring and wonderful person. He will forever live on in my heart and memories. My wish is that God guides you and blesses you during this difficult time.

Over the last forty five years I have been a part of the Church of the Advent family as well as a member of the Catholic Church. Throughout these years each minister has been warm and welcoming - Father Dave not the least of these. When Tom had his cancer surgery at Jefferson, Dave heard that I was not comfortable driving into Philadelphia so he decided to go in to the city "on an errand", dropped me off at the hospital and met me three hours in Tom's room and stayed for a visit. This is a true sign of a Christian doing God's work. We loved him. Sandy Mills

You are all in our hearts and prayers at this time. Dave was loved by so many and he will leave a big space in many hearts. May God bless him and you his loving and beloved family now and forever.Meg Devereux

Father Dave made church FUN and you actually looked forward to his sermons. I could not help but smile every time I saw him and he helped me through troubled times. I will miss him, but I am sure God wanted to have fun and called him home.

Sue and the rest of the family - How stunned and saddened we are. Dave was larger than life and such a great example to us all on how to live life to the fullest. I feel privileged to have known him. His sense of humor, his so-human touch and approach to life. He will long be remembered for the way he touched our lives and so enriched this entire community.

Posted by: Bonnie Korengel Kennett Square, PA - Rotarian, friend Dec 17, 2009

Sue and family, a friend just shared this quote with me...thought I'd share...i still can't believe Dave is Gone...i'm so thankful for the time i had with him, even though way too brief....God bless you all! Sherry and I will always be here for you! In the words of Washington Irving - “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”

Sue Thomas can still remember the time her husband, Dave, saw a young hitchhiker on Route 82 near The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, where he was rector. It was a very cold day, and he invited the boy into church, were he gave him some coffee and then bought him a bus ticket so he could get home.

did that day changed his life,” Sue said. “He did that so often for people.”

Rev. Canon David P. Thomas died peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the home of his sisters, Suzanne Thomas and Linda Thomas in Marblehead Massachusetts.

Few in the Kennett Square community did more than Thomas. He helped to initiate Kennett School District’s After-The-Bell program, and was a big part of the Longwood Rotary’s Operation WARM program. He was a former board member of the Jennersville Regional Hospital, and the Kennett Area YMCA.

More than that, he was a friend to the sick and the poor. “He was an ordinary man with an extraordinary gift,” said Bruce Murray, who was head of the search committee that brought Thomas to Church of the Advent nearly

Thomas had the ability to comfort the sick in a way few others could. He often visited retirement homes, especially Kendall retirement communities.

“He helped people he didn’t even know,” Murray said. “He had a gift from God.”

church, will be the person who succeeds him until a replacement rector is found. Peterson said Thomas utilized most of his time helping people and the community rather than church administration. “He was a pastoral priest,” he said. “I always told him he was a rough, tough creampuff soggy in the center. It means he has a good heart.”

Thomas had the ability to give sermons without any notes whatsoever, week after week. “His sermons were so inspiring, yet he used no notes,” Murray said.

“He was just totally blessed,” Sue said. “He knew what the Scriptures were. He was probably the best speaker I ever heard, and he always gave credit to God.”

The way Thomas came to The Episcopal Church of the Advent was almost a miracle in itself. Thomas didn’t make the cut to the final 10 out of 100 applications. He was number 11. But when one dropped out, he was in the pool, and made it all the way to the final two.

“We asked him at the time what his favorite service was,” Murray said. “He said it was the burial of the dead because it’s an opportunity to let people know death is not the end, but the beginning.” That answer, along with others like it, made him the unanimous choice to lead the church.

Thomas made many friends, one of whom was Rev. Bob Thomas, retired from the New Life in Christian Fellowship in Kennett Square and a member of the First Baptist Church in Kennett Square. “We shared the same last name and we called each other brothers,” said Bob Thomas. “He managed to do things in a wise way.”

“He loved his grandchildren,” said Murray. “He had a great sense of humor and was a great dancer -- right up there with Fred Astaire.

“I don’t think any woman could have been loved more than I was loved,” she said. “It was a fabulous marriage. Dave loved life and he loved people. He told me not to cry from him when he’s gone, because he’s gone to glory. I’m mourning for me.”

December 19, 2009 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent 401 N Union St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Family and friends may visit with the family from 9:30-11a.m. before the service and again at the reception in the parish hall immediately following the service. Interment will be held privately by the family in the church memorial garden.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Advent for the memorial garden perpetual care fund 201 Crestline Drive Kennett Square, PA 19348. Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (610-444-4116) of Kennett Square.

Barbara and I met Father Thomas and his lovely wife Susan at the wedding of Barbara’s sister where David was the celebrant. Being a small wedding, it provided us an opportunity to spend extra time with David and to meet Susan. Obviously, we had much in common. We each had two daughters close in age. Katherine was five, Sarah four and our two daughters were four and two.

Barbara and I had been brought up in the Methodist and Lutheran Churches. We had never encountered a minister like this Thomas fellow-----genuine, funny, engaging, friendly, but all delicately balanced with a religious bent and formality.

With our young family, we were beginning to think about making the choice between one of our own churches or joining a totally new church together. Neither of us was tied to our previous churches and so we thought about the Episcopal Church and this Father Thomas fellow we had met. He made religion seem real (come alive???), something to embrace and cherish, fun, a part of life, as opposed to being out of reach, not attainable, and a constraint to the real living of life.

As young men, we did all the things that young men do; balancing our young families with our work worlds, and always trying to please our spouses. We worried about what the future held, whether we would amount to anything, and of course, financial security for our families.

As years passed our children became teenagers and we were met with a new set of challenges. Many nights we discussed issues like appropriate dress, dating, behavior, respect, and proper discipline.

Dave was committed to teaching and living the actions that to him exemplified Christian Living.

Later life and particularly the arrival of Libby had a significant impact on Dave’s life. For him, I believe that it was part of the culmination of the life cycle and the opportunity to provide the promise of a life filled with Christ’s love to an infant whose future was so uncertain. All so close to his life’s mission of living out his Savior’s will, through the improvement of life for many others. David was tireless in his commitment to serving others.

David intervened in my life in so many ways over the years. Whenever he thought he could help, he was there to do whatever he could. He and Sue supported Barbara and I through the death of parents. He showed up to hold Barbara’s hand at the hospital when I was admitted with chest pains, he arrived at Women’s and Babies Hospital in Lancaster to baptize our 1 ½ pound baby granddaughter the day after she was born, he found a specialist at Johns Hopkins to help our oldest daughter deal with her autoimmune disease, and just over a year ago he cleared his calendar so that he could marry little “Squirtter”, our youngest daughter Lizzie. Yes, he was there for our family so many times just as I know he has been there for all of you.

David was-----to be politically correct-----Resource Intense. A nice way of saying he was hard on mechanical things. Consumers’ Digest Recommended Buys fell apart in David’s hands. Items that we would expect to provide 10 years of useful service lasted three or less with David.

Let’s consider barbecue grills. David’s first grill was the type that folded up, was considered light duty use, and needed to be kept in out of the rain. I don’t need to tell you how it was used or where it was stored. I forget whether it got run over by one of the cars or was damaged under the garage door. However, I think it lasted about 6 weeks.

Being the careful and informed shopper that David was, he researched grills and settled on a Weber de elegance grill. We both gasped at how much it cost. David was so proud of that grill.

I don’t remember whether the hamburgers were any tastier, but the fact that the tools were longer and the surface area was increased, it supplied all the extra testosterone rush that came with mastery of new grills.

The Weber was used hard, lid left open, and of course stored outside. Although the kettle portion never failed, the damper in the bottom failed to work, and one of the clips holding the cooking grill rusted off so that balancing the grill while cooking was very tricky.

A new grill was the answer and the “Tim from Tool Time” in David took over. Again, in-depth research was undertaken before David decided on a new gas grill.

I got my first look at the new grill in the box as Sue called me and enlisted my help before David opened the box, lost the directions, and inter-mixed all the small bags of screws and bolts. Tim would have nothing on David. It was a hot summer day, the assembly took a long time, and we cooled ourselves with some adult beverages.

When assembled, this grill seemed to have almost as many doors, racks, burners, temperature sensors, rotisserie parts, griddle parts, and dials as the cockpit of a Cessna 210. The 600 square inches of cooking surface would be perfect for the summer cookouts around the pool with lots and lots of guests.

In those days, we didn’t worry about the fat content of the hamburgers. David would cover every square inch of surface area with fatty hamburgers, leave all burners on high, and flip and cook away. The smoke fumes coming off the grill would get so thick, that from across the pool, David would disappear into the smoke. Who knew where the hot dogs were, they were in there somewhere.

Just two weeks ago at dinner with Sue and David, Barbara and I laughed and laughed about all those kinds of happenings and how upset Barbara and Susan would get. Even that night we managed to collect some OH Ed’s and David Thomas’s.

In the book Emotional Intelligence, author Daniel Goleman redefines what it means to be smart. IQ is one indicator of intelligence, but it is a poor indicator of job success because it has no “soft skills” quotient, which deals with our communication and motivational skills. These soft skills include competencies such as self-awareness, empathy, the art of listening, resolving conflicts, and cooperation.

In the Nichomachean Thesis, Aristotle’s philosophical enquiry into virtue, character, and the good life, he states that the challenge is to manage our emotional life with intelligence.

Our passions, when well exercised, have wisdom; they guide our thinking, our values, and our survival. But they can easily go awry, and do so all too often.

As Aristotle saw the problem, it is not with emotionality, but with the balance of emotion and its expression. When we combine intelligence to our emotions, it produces caring in our communal life.

I believe that David was truly gifted with an innately high capability to uniquely balance intelligence with his emotions.

David had high levels of passion, he was empathetic, a great listener, very accomplished in resolving conflict, and was a master at developing cooperation and motivation. He cared about people and was committed to seeing their lives improved.

David had the unique abilities to engage every one of us, as diverse as we are, and to make us feel cared for, worthy, of value, and to uplift our spirits so that we could see beyond the cloud of hurt that enveloped us. He was able to bring clear thinking and solutions to our most troubling problems. He also had the ability to positively motivate us to change those things that are within our control.

He had X-ray vision in reading our emotions, identifying where it hurt, and cataloging the issues that were causing the pain. Many times I believe he knew the triggers before we were willing to admit them. David had little tolerance for self denial in others but would work dutifully to help them understand it. Then he would set strategies in place to help the person move toward control and elimination of this detrimental trait.

Even in his mid-thirties, David had the ability to very effectively minister to and support parishioners of all ages. His love for people and his passion for caring, coupled with his exuding genuineness, all combined to create a very effective ministry. David was everyone’s man. He was a man’s man, a woman’s man, and a child’s man. He was an equally effective advocate for everyone. His empathetic abilities were boundless and he was adored and considered a friend to all who had contact with him.

David and details only had one thing in common ------the letter D at the beginning of each word.

We shared anniversaries that were very close in date. One year David called me excitedly and said, “Hey why don’t we take the girls to St. Martin for our anniversaries?” “Gee David, we can’t afford that,” I said. “Oh yes we can, I found this great deal and it’s

inexpensive and I found some cheap airfares.” Having been through the assembly of grills, bicycles, etc. with David, I found it a good idea to read the directions myself sometimes. So I said, “Well, let me see the write-up on the hotel and do you have any pictures?”

Well to my amazement the picture looked pretty good. So I gave my American Express Card number to David and he offered to check it out further and if okay, make the reservations----which he did.

All airfare ticket and hotel confirmations came through and on the appointed day we were off to St. Martin.

Well, we felt like the two biggest studs ever!!! Boy, were we racking up the points with Barbara and Sue. This trip was going to offset so many OH DAVID’S and OH ED’s that we might be back to break even before we got to St Martin. WOW, were we really cool guys or what!! All sorts of visions and fantasies danced through our heads. Everything went smoothly and we arrived in St. Martin on time, the rental car was ready, and we are off to Marigot to the L’Parrot Hotel on the beachfront….about a 40 minute drive.

David drove and I navigated in the front seat, before GPS. We reached Marigot and began to follow our map to the hotel. As we turned down the street to the hotel, we found ourselves in a port like area, and Dave started to drive slower and slower as we reached the hotel. A Chevy Chase moment.

David leaned over to me and said….”OH NO” I believe this is the hotel, and sure enough it was. Well the girls had been busily chatting but now realized we had stopped and asked excitedly, “Okay, so where is the hotel. Are we here?” then they looked out the window. There was this long silence. Then Sue in her always-loving way said, “Oh my gosh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Barbara slowly started to evaluate the situation and then released one of the biggest “OH ED’S” of our marriage. In unison, the girls declared that they were not staying here ----“NO WAY JOSE”.

Dave was a little white. But they had a huge deposit, how would we ever get it back??? And neither of us had a limit high enough on our credit card to do very much without our deposit back.

So we got the reservation information we had and went to talk to the manager. As we got out of the car and walked into the hotel courtyard, it looked even worse than it had from the street. If the girls saw this, Dave and I knew we were really “toast”.

Well fortunately the hotel did not have the 2 king bedrooms as was confirmed and they were planning to give us one queen and two singles. Because they could not fulfill the original contract, they were forced to release our deposits and credit our accounts. We were now on our own to find a hotel that was acceptable, which we did.

A day later, Dave and I had to go back to find the vantage point from which the picture of the first hotel had been taken. We never did figure it out.

Several days later, we split up to go shopping in Phillipsburg and had arranged a meeting point for lunch. With all the deals, Dave was in heaven because no one liked the art of the deal better than Dave. Over the years we probably looked at 20 deals from building a church affiliated nursing home, to building prefabricated granny cottages that could be added to a home as in-law suites, to water filters, several other multi-level distribution entities, to wine clubs. The “almost” deals over the years provided us many, many laughs.

We met for lunch and David came in with his typical big grin and announced that he thought we should go on a catamaran to St. Barths. “Well how much will it cost,” I asked. “Trust me” he said “we can do it” “Well how?” “All we have to do is listen to a sales presentation for some new timeshares. Barbara got slightly uncomfortable and said “we can’t afford that.” Dave came back quickly… “No trust me it’s easy. You just so no and then they give you the tickets to St. Barths. Trust me it’s easy. We did it in Disney World to get 4 free breakfasts with the characters at the Contemporary when I lost my credit card.”

Over lunch we had some wine and by the end of the lunch we decided we would do this, but just keep a stiff upper lip and say NO…... No Problem.

So we got appointments for the sales presentation and the Thomas’s got an earlier time. We agreed we would meet at the beach when we were both finished.

We got to the beach to find Dave and Sue.
“So what did you think” asked Sue and David in unison?

“Oh, well we liked the layout and the furnishings, they’re nicely decorated.

But I said I thought it was too upscale and I thought all the marble floors were over the top.”

“Oh we liked them. We liked the furnishings, we thought the financing was fair, the exchange policies were fair…..all things we never asked about. We just left. And then they both blurted….we bought one!!

Well the short end of the story is that we went back later and bought one as well. We had a great catamaran sail to St. Barths with lots of rum punch. It all turned out very well. Through the years we have all come to know that when David said “Trust me”, you could. He always delivered.

The other D in David’s life was directions. We had talked for years about taking the girls to the Macy’s Day Parade in New York. David diligently checked for several years to find a deal but never could. Then he called one night. “Hey Carr, do we have deal here. I have a buddy who has an apartment off Columbus Circle and he’ll let us use it over Thanksgiving weekend.

We went to the parade and had a great time complete with HUGE soft pretzels (compliments of David) that turned out not to be so soft due to the extremely cold temperatures. After the parade we decided to split up since some of the girls and mothers wanted to go shopping and David and Lizzie and I decided to go back to the apartment.

David called Lizzie “Squirtter” and she called him Father Dave. She was convinced that David had a basketball in his tummy and she loved to pat his stomach. David decided to take us on a walking tour on our way back to the apartment. When Lizzie asked where we were going David told her to look at the sights. “Do you know where we are going?” she inquired. “Yes, I think so but if we get lost we’ll just call a cab.” David was the ultimate tour guide reading signs to Lizzie that she couldn’t read and directing her attention to interesting window displays. After some period of time, this tour began to lose its sparkle. Lizze asked David, “Father Dave I think we’re lost and should get a cab.”

“Then why Father Dave is that store over there when it was on our side when we went by it before?”

Dave paused, pursed and rolled his lips as he did from time to time, and then began to laugh heartily. We finally asked for directions and finished our walk.

David loved this church and all of you. I remember when he was considering his call to come here. We talked about the location, size of your church, your plans for the future, the concerns he had, and the opportunity he saw. He had very positive feelings about the character and intent of this church from the very beginning.

Dave shared with me many times how happy he was here. He felt good about what he had been able to contribute and what you have achieved as a church. He and Sue have constantly shared how welcome they feel and how gracious you have been to them. It certainly appears to have been a wonderful fit, rector and church, albeit shorter than anyone would have chosen.

David Thomas had a very human side. He was genuine, fragile in some ways, friendly, empathetic, and caring. He accepted us where we were and offered us his guidance as we so chose to accept, without pressure or guilt. He understood his own inadequacies and he shared them to make us more comfortable with our own. He never stopped caring about any one of us. He always had more to give.

He loved and adored all the girls in his family – his wife, Susan, his daughters Katherine and Sarah, his sisters Linda and Suzanne, his mother-in-law Nan, his darling grand-daughters Libby and Riley and Ryan his son-in-law. Pleasing all of them was his number one goal and focus. He was their advocate in all situations.

The love that extends throughout the Thomas family is rooted in their commitment to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Although David is gone, the strong foundation upon which these relationships have been built will be sustained through the deep love that is inherent in this family.

Few of us truly know all of the lives that were enriched by David Patton Thomas in his lifetime.

David was naturally gifted in communications. His writing and preaching skills were exceptional and always carried the message of living a Christian life through outreach to others. His December 2009 Rector’s message to the church is a perfect example.

“It is our hope that each of you will do something for someone else that is a sign of your own preparation for the blessed event of Christ’s birth. Certainly we all need to help our children come to know Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Christ and not just a time to accumulate gifts. Perhaps the real preparation is how we allow the Christ event to influence our hearts and minds. By allowing God into our lives we then naturally will reach out to someone else. May this advent season be a time for all of us to get over ourselves and touch someone else who is in need.”

In as much as we have all been deeply touched, enriched, strengthened and guided through our friendship with servant David, we hereby reaffirm our commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and hereby pledge to heartily share these blessings with others so that their lives may be enriched as David has so greatly enriched our.

We thank you for this life that you so graciously have shared with us, lived in the example of your will, and returned to you in your full honor and glory, with the promise of everlasting life.

We heartily and with full commitment cherish and celebrate the life of David P. Thomas.

Eulogy by Bruce Murray, member, Church of the Advent, Chairman of the search committee that recommended the Vestry call Dave Thomas as Rector at Advent, and friend of the Thomas family.

Dave Thomas Remembrance: ~~19 December, 2009~~: Rescheduled to 21 December 2009 due to blizzard of ‘09

My name is Bruce Murray. 11 years ago ~~yesterday~~ last Friday, I stood in the pulpit of my home parish, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, in Bridgeton, NJ, and delivered the homily at my father’s memorial service. David Thomas was in the front pew. Dave did not know my father, and he had not come to the service for my father: he was there for me. Being there for others … ministering to souls in need…has been a recurrent theme in David’s life.

(Extemporaneous comment: “Before the service, Dick Sanford and I were talking, and Dick said something to me that I frankly had not thought much about. He said he had never last a friend. The same is true of me. I have lost acquaintances, family members, business colleagues, my Father and Mother…but never a friend.”) David Thomas is my friend. Simply put, I loved the man. We worked together when I was on the vestry and served as his Warden; we joked together…and he could tell a joke like no one I have ever known; we argued, as friends sometimes do; we smoked cigars together, before he quit; we partied together…with our wives; we drank together…sometimes without our wives; but, most importantly, we prayed together. Prayer was an important part of David’s life…a theme in many of his sermons…and he made me realize once again the power prayer possesses. So, prayerfully speaking, I believe I know exactly what David Thomas would say today if he were here in body…because, you see, I know he is here in spirit. He would lean over the lectern, cock his head, get “the look”, and say “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE SNIVVLING ABOUT? DON’T YOU KNOW I HAVE GONE TO GLORY?”

David Thomas was an ordinary man with extraordinary gifts. He was enthusiastic, energetic, and a cheerleader for God. God blessed him with family and with friends, even as God called him to minister in His name…something David did with his whole heart and soul. From my perspective, God blessed David with three great ministerial gifts. The first, and most obvious gift, was his ability to preach. For the last 12 years, I have watched and listened in awe as he gave sermon after sermon with no notes or reference material…sermons that were inspiring and insightful…sermons that gave lessons on how to be a better person…on how to respond to God’s call…on how to talk with God. I used to tease David…I often asked him where he got the book that had all those great sermon’s in it. His response is not appropriate to repeat in church. When I seriously asked him how he could be so inspiring and original every week, he said he simply read the lessons on Saturday night, then had a thought on how to relate them to us…and God provided the words. What Dave really did was innocently and very humanly share his life experiences with us as he preached; his human frailties, his victories and failures, his child hood in Vermont, his most precious memories...and how he was called and influenced by God. And he did it in a way which entranced us, helped us to understand and care for each other, and helped us understand our relationship with God. If he has a legacy, it is that we should frequently talk with God, and care for one another.

David’s second great gift was his ability to comfort the sick, the dying and those in emotional distress. He drove literally thousands of miles every year to comfort the sick, infirm and distressed…I think his car would automatically drive to any Philadelphia hospital if he named it. I can speak personally of this gift. When my mother-in-law had a series of strokes, she ended up in a convalescence home in New Jersey. She was obviously not a member of our church…but Dave knew how concerned my wife, Deborah was, about her Mother…and made several trips to New Jersey to comfort Hannah and Deborah. The day before his last visit, the Doctors got me aside and said there was no hope…that Hannah was not responding and should probably be taken off life support. She was on a feeding tube and oxygen. The day after David’s last visit, when we arrived to visit Hannah, she was sitting up, eating by herself, and asking when she could go home. We were stunned. I went to speak with the Doctors, and they showed me her chart…they had written MIRACLE in red diagonally across the chart. They told me that there was no medical explanation for her recovery. Did David heal her…no. But I believe his words and manner, inspired by God, gave her the will to recover. That was two years ago…she went home, where she remains…and we just celebrated a great Thanksgiving with Hannah. This is just one of many instances of David’s compassion, concern and empathy.

I believe the final and, frankly, the most precious gift that God bestowed upon David was his ability to bring people to God. My wife has called him a true “Fisher of Men”. Many of you in these pews attend this church and are here today because David Thomas touched something within you. David was not a detached, ethereal clergyman. He was a common man who was called by God, and he had an uncanny knack of communicating this call to people in a very human way. I believe the growth of this church in the last 12 years is a testament to his ability to relate to people on a personal as well as a spiritual level. You felt God’s presence in David.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of serving on the search committee that recommended that the Vestry call David Thomas to be rector of this parish. We deliberated for a year, considered over 100 candidates, and narrowed the field to 10. David Thomas was number 11 on our list. I was tasked with contacting the 10 to request taped sermons and more detailed information. One of the 10 informed me that he had been called to another parish, and David became the tenth man. When we narrowed the field to 5, David made that cut…and was invited to come to Advent for an interview. When David arrived, he lit up the room. We had developed a questionnaire to use during the interview process, and one of the questions was to name your favorite service. Unlike some of the candidates, David did not hesitate…he named his favorite service as The Burial of the Dead. When asked why, he explained that it was his opportunity to explain to the bereaved that death was not the end, but marked a whole new beginning.

They say confession is good for the soul…and in that spirit, I have a confession to make. Since I got the news of David’s passing, I have sniveled. Frankly, at times, I have wept. I’ve wept for his loving family: for Sue and for Kat and for Sarah and Ryan; for little Libby and Riley, who won’t get bounced on Grandpa Dave’s knee any longer; for his little sisters Suzanne and Linda, whom he loved and adored; and for Sue’s Mom, Nan and brother Jim. And selfish guy that I am, I have wept mostly for myself, because I miss my dear friend and want to hear his voice and take his hand once more. But, I have not wept for David Thomas…because I know that he is absolutely reveling in the new beginning of everlasting life as he walks with the God that he loved, worshiped and so ably served.

Homily by the Rt. Reverend Rodney R. Michel, Acting Presiding Bishop, Diocese of Pennsylvania, celebrant at Dave Thomas’ requiem Eucharist

“LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED; BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME.” DAVID POWERS THOMAS, WAS A PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, A HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER, PASTOR AND FRIEND; AND THE TEMPTATION IS GREAT WITH ANY ONE OF HIS STATURE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO TALK ABOUT HIS EXAMPLE, HIS PIETY, HIS PRIESTHOOD AND THE MARK HE HAS LEFT ON THE WORLD AN ON SO MANY LIVES.

IN JANUARY 2002 DAVID THOMAS WROTE THESE WORDS: “I ENCOURAGE AND RESPECTFULLY ASK THE PREACHER TO PROCLAIM JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND TO ASSURE ALL GATHERED NOT TO SHED A TEAR FOR ME BECAUSE: 1. I HAVE LIVED A FULL LIFE. 2. I WAS RAISED IN A LOVING , SUPPORTIVE AND SAFE FAMILY, 3.I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A WONDERFUL WIFE AND TWO GREAT DAUGHTERS AND NOW A SON IN-LAW. 4. GOD HAS BLESSED MY EFFORTS IN MINISTRY. 5. I BECAME VERY RICH IN FRIENDS. AND 6.I HAVE NO QUESTION THAT I AM, AS YOU SPEAK, IN PARADISE WITH MY SAVIOR.. MY ONLY REGRET IS THAT I AM NOT THERE WITH YOU TO LAUGH AND SHARE STORIES.

JESUS SAID, “LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED; BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME.” AND DAVID THOMAS DID BELIEVE IN GOD AND LOVED HIS SON, JESUS THE CHRIST. OF COURSE THAT IS WHAT WE ARE HERE TO PROCLAIM: THAT JESUS IS LORD AND HAS PROMISED ALL OF HIS FOLLOWERS A ROOM IN THE HOUSE OF MANY MANSIONS. WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBEY DAVE’S DIRECTION NOT TO SHED A TEAR FOR HIM, BUT WE WILL REALLY BE SHEDDING TEARS FOR OURSELVES BECAUSE WE WILL MISS THIS ENTERGETIC, SPIRITED,DEVOTED SERVANT OF THE LORD. OUR LIVES ARE THE POORER FOR HIS ABSENCE BUT WE REMEMBER THE PROMISES AND WE CELEBRATE THE ONE WHOSE BIRTH WILL BE COMMEMORATED IN 6 SHORT DAYS. DAVE LOVED CHRISTMAS AND THIS YEAR HE WILL CELEBRATE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GREAT TROUBADOUR WHO WILL COME TO SING HIS SONG AMONG US AGAIN ~ THE SAME SONG THAT HE SANG TO BRING THE WORLD INTO BEING.

I COULDN’T HELP BUT THINK OF THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF DAVID THOMAS AS I HEARD THOSE WORDS FROM ISAIAH. IF EVER THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD WAS ON ANYONE, IT WAS ON DAVE THOMAS AS HE FOLLOWED THE EXAMPLE OF HIS SAVIOR AND BROUGHT GOOD TIDINGS TO THE WORLD, BOUND UP THE BROKENHEARTED, PROCLAIMED LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES, COMFORT TO THE MOURNERS AND REMINDED THE FAITHFUL THAT THEY WERE OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. OF COURSE JESUS QUOTED THOSE WORDS TOO AS HE BEGAN HIS MINISTRY AND IT WAS THAT SAME JESUS TO WHOM DAVID GAVE HIS LIFE, HIS LOYALTY, HIS LOVE AND SERVICE ~ THE SAME JESUS THAT WE HAVE COME TO PRAISE AND RECEIVE IN HIS SACRAMENTAL PRESENCE TO EASE OUR PAIN AND SORROW AND JOIN EARTH TO HEAVEN IF EVEN FOR A MOMENT.

THE TEMPTATION IS STRONG, WHEN A GREAT MAN FALLS TO EULOGIZE THE DEAD BUT THE CALL OF OUR CATHOLIC TRADITION IS CLEAR, WE GATHER TO PROCLAIM THE RESURRECTION!!

EACH OF US HERE TODAY HAS STORIES OF YOUR OWN ABOUT DAVE THOMAS. THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE AND WE CHERISH THOSE MEMORIES.

WE HAVE COME TO OFFER TO GOD TODAY IN THE SACRIFICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST THOSE PERSONAL AND CORPORATE MEMORIES OF DAVID POWERS THOMAS, ALONG WITH OUR THANKSGIVINGS, OUR REGRETS AND OUR GRIEF. STORIES OF AND ABOUT DAVID WILL LIKELY BE SHARED BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR YEARS TO COME AS WE RECALL WHAT HE HAS GIVEN AND WHAT WE HAVE LOST. ALL OF THAT IS AN IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY PART OF THE MOURNING WHICH JESUS COMMENDS TO US AS “BLESSED.”

BUT OUR PRIMARY TASK AT THIS MOMENT, AS DAVID WOULD BE THE FIRST TO TELL US, IS TO CONFESS THE FAITH OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED, TO PROCLAIM HIS RESURRECTION AND TO REJOICE IN THE MYSTERY OF HIS LOVING PRESENCE IN THE SACRAMENT OF HIS BODY AND BLOOD.

HOW CAN IT BE THAT GOD SHOULD GIVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON TO DIE FOR US THAT WE MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE? I KNOW NOT! HOW CAN IT BE THAT JESUS, HAVING SUFFERED DEATH UPON THE CROSS SHOULD RISE TO LIFE AGAIN? I KNOW NOT. SUCH KNOWLEDGE IS, IN THE WORDS OF PSALM 139, “TOO WONDERFUL AND EXCELLENT FOR ME.”

THIS WE KNOW: THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST’S DEATH AND RESURRECTION WILL DIE TO SIN AND RISE TO NEWNESS OF LIFE, AND THROUGH THE GRAVE AND GATE OF DEATH WILL PASS WITH HIM TO THEIR JOYFUL RESURRECTION.

JESUS’ DEATH WAS PAINFUL AND REAL, BUT IT WAS NOT EMPTY. JESUS’ DEATH BROUGHT FORTH OUR SALVATION. THE DEATH OF GOD’S CHILDREN IS LIKEWISE NEVER EMPTY FOR THROUGH DEATH WE MOVE TO THE COMPLETION OF THAT WHICH WAS BEGUN IN THE WATERS OF BAPTISM ~ OUR RESURRECTION WITH CHRIST.

AS WE RECALL THE FRUITFUL WORKS OF GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT WHICH WE SAW IN THE LIFE OF HIS FAITHFUL PRIEST AND SERVANT DAVID WE CAN FIND STRENGTH TO HOPE FOR THAT WHICH WE DO NOT YET SEE.

WE CAN HOPE FOR OURSELVES THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL COMFORT AND SUSTAIN US IN A REASONABLE AND HOLY HOPE.

WE HOPE AND PRAY FOR DAVID A SHARE IN THAT BLESSED INHERITANCE PROMISED TO THOSE WHO ARE SEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN BAPTISM AND MARKED AS CHRIST’S OWN FOREVER.

WE PRAY IN CONFIDENCE, FOR DAVID AND FOR OURSELVES, THAT WE WILL HAVE A PLACE AT THE BANQUET TABLE OF THE KING. THERE WITH ANGELS AND ARCHANGELS AND WITH ALL THE COMPANY OF HEAVEN TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP OUR RISEN LORD FOREVER. AND WE KNOW WITH CONFIDENCE, THAT ONE DAY, WHEN WE ENTER THE GATES OF PARADISE THERE WILL BE OUR SAVIOR AND STANDING RIGHT BEHIND HIM WILL BE DAVE THOMAS AND ALL OUR PARTICULAR LOVED ONES SAYING, “WELCOME HOME, WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU!”

SO TODAY, WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE LIFE AND EXAMPLE AND WITNESS OF GOD’S SERVANT DAVID POWERS THOMAS. WE SURROUND HIS LOVING FAMILY WITH OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT AND CARE, THAT GOD MAY BLESS THEM AND HEAL THEIR BROKEN HEARTS. AND WE PROCLAIM OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORDS OF THAT OLD GOSPEL SONG:

By Al Jerard, childhood friend of Dave’s from Vermont, and Best Man at Dave and Sue’s wedding

Our thoughts are with you now and you know I will be thinking of you during the service tomorrow. I'm sending you a few thoughts which have been in my mind since Wednesday. I would like it if you or Ryan or someone could read this at the service if you think it appropriate. You might preface it by mentioning “Ever since they grew up together in Vermont one of David’s closest friends has been Al Jerard. He and David remained close long after they graduated from high school and he was best man at our Wedding. Al, along with another close high school friend, Joe Garofalo, had planned to attend the service and, in fact they drove down from Vermont last Friday ,only to have to drive back Saturday morning in the storm. Al wanted to share these thoughts as we all remember David and the great richness which he added to the lives of so many people. "

David Thomas was my best friend from the time we met in 7th grade until we both got married years later and he was the best male friend I ever had. I was honored to be Best Man at the wedding of Sue and Dave and pleased that he was able to perform a marriage for me (on more than one occasion, actually). While we were growing up in Brattleboro, VT I probably spent as much time at his house as I did at my own. I got to know his family very well- his wonderful parents, Gordon and Lucille, both well respected teachers in our community-quick-witted and very articulate. It’s no secret where David got his sense of humor and the great gift he had with the spoken word, whether it was telling an amusing story or giving a moving sermon. I also got to know his 2 very special sisters, Linda and Suzanne. The love and the pride which he had for them came through when ever he talked about them.

I honestly believe that it was a special angel or the hand of the Lord which led Dave to Susan. He certainly would have been a success in life in any case, but Sue was the rock which gave him a solid foundation for success. She could also bring him back to earth on those rare occasions when he was flying a bit too high!

I could go on for hours recalling the experiences we shared, from the hours we spent together on the bench as second string football players to the parties of college years to the final game of golf just last summer but I would like end with some words which come from another special time we shared in high school. Each summer, from 8th grade through high school David and I attended a Christian Youth Leadership training conference on Lake Winnipesauke - Camp Winni. I would like to think that those conferences helped Dave to see that the ministry was to be his life. At the close of camp each year one of the senior counselors always said goodbye with these words from Philippians Chap 1 verse 3 – “ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" and I do David.

Dave received this e-mail from a friend before Dave passed, and modified it as he thought Dave Thomas would have spoken it.

Shortly after we moved here from Connecticut and we had joined Church of the Advent, I chanced to have lunch one day with Father Dave Thomas. In the course of our conversation during our meal he asked me for my conception of heaven. I responded with what was no doubt an off the cuff and shallow response. Dave looked me right in the eye, and after a momentary pause, he said, “Well, I can tell you it’s a lot more than that!” I realized I had met a person of deep religious belief. In his Christian convictions expressed in those wonderful sermons that he delivered, he changed my personal belief and understanding of Jesus and his doctrine. Indeed, it changed my life, and I who came from a Christian family, and who had been a nominally active Christian. I became a far more truly Christian./ Dave made me a new person. Indeed, as I reflect on the whole change I think that the words more truly reflecting my new life could be, “I can tell you it’s a lot more than that.”

The night before Bob had his knee replacement, Dave came to our house to give us communion. This would not be so unusual, except that Dave was soon to go in for a double knee replacement and he was in considerable pain. Just this past October (2009), he drove into Philadelphia to see and pray with Jessica when she had surgery. He never missed seeing, talking and counseling with us when we were in need of his spiritual help.

Dave’s sermons were short, to the point and done better than any we have witnessed in our lifetimes. There often was a chuckle, frequently a tear, and a message from the Gospel that applied to our lives today.

My name is Ken Wilson. I was in our Navy for many years (35 to be exact) and am now 83 years old. My wife, Shirley, and I live in a retirement community in Kennett Square and came to Advent within a month or so of the time Dave became our church’s rector. I tell you this as background to help you understand more clearly my following thoughts.

In the past years at Advent I have come to believe that Dave was one of the finest preachers I have ever seen. His kind, humorous, but clearly Biblical approach in his Sunday homilies, always delivered without notes from the front of the nave were truly gems. There was always a message which “hit home” with my wife, Shirley, and me. I and many in our church wish his sermons had been recorded. In aggregate, they would have been a “text” for a “sermon course” in Theological Seminary.

In the past year, Dave’s care and concern for us parishioners came home to our family in a personal way. Shirley suffered a severe stroke last January and was transported to Temple University Hospital in North Philadelphia. The hospital is 40 miles from our home, and about 50 from Dave and Sue’s home in West Grove. Our family of four children and their spouses were at the hospital every day when it was not clear whether Shirley would live or die. In an Intensive Care Unit, her vitla signs were monitored constantly and her breathing was supported by a ventilating machine, as she lay unconscious and clinging to life.

Dave drove 50 miles (each way) to the hospital each of the first four days she was there, unconscious and clinging to life. Each day. Dave talked to us and prayed with us and for Shirley. On the fourth day, he met with our family as we listened to the hospital’s head of neurology tell us how Shirley was doing and what her chances were. Dave was wonderful in that first critical week, ministering to Shirley and our family. Our children’s reaction to his care for us was, “Dad, no wonder you love that man.” Shirley pulled through and is now improving, albeit slowly, in our retirement home’s nursing facility.

I was raised in the Episcopal Church. In our Navy life and subsequent retirement, Shirley and I have lived in 23 homes and have attended a like number of churches. I have been in three church vestry’s and have seen and known many rectors. Dave Thomas was clearly the best minister I have ever been associated with. He made a great impact on our lives and I thank God that Shirley and I and the good fortune to be under his loving and giving care the past dozen years.

By Sue Woodward, member of the Church of the Advent, member of the Search Committee that recommended the Vestry call, Dave Thomas to be Rector of Advent, and former school teacher

I was a member of the search committee headed by Bruce Murray who recommended that the Vestry call Dave Thomas to be Rector of Church of eh Advent. As I remember, the process had arrived at a point where the members were evenly divided between Dave and another candidate. We had reached a stalemate. Bruce suggested that we all go home and pray about the decision. I had been one of the members voting for eh other candidate, whose name I cannot recall. As I prayed and contemplated our decision, I remember thinking that if we called the other candidate, life at Advent would go on as it had, which was certainly not bad; however, I anticipated no particular excitement or new life within the parish. On the other hand, Dave’s style might “shake up” some of the parishioners, but would breathe new life and enthusiasm in the church. I decided to change my vote. With that decision, I felt a new sense of comfort that I had made the right choice.

When the committee next met and took a new vote, as I remember, Dave Thomas was our unanimous choice. My change of heart was just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the life of Advent and my own personal journey of faith. Thank God for Dave!

To be able to laugh at oneself is a great gift. Dave had that gift!

He was telling us about the trip to

Italy

that he and his wife had just made [his first trip]. He was driving along the highways, looking for signs pointing to the city where their hotel was. He knew it was in Florence. He kept looking at all the signs, looking for signs directing him to Florence. He saw none and couldn't understand why for he knew Florence was a pretty good-sized town and surely would have signs showing the way to it. His frustrations grew as he drove around and around but still - no signs to Florence.

Finally - and somehow and he wasn't sure how - he reached the hotel to find out that it was in Firenze.

He had seen plenty of signs for Firenze - but none, of course, for the English name for that city, Florence.

"I don't know why the Italians can't call the place by its right name," Dave chuckled as he told this tale about himself.

Fr. Dave was a wonderful, warm person with a fabulous sense of humor. I loved all his sermons and always got something out of them and always mentioned this to him as I was leaving church. I miss him terribly and will for a long time. He was most definitely the heart of Advent and I know he is sorely missed. Obviously, he was a great man because the God he loved so much took him early. I know of one other priest whom I loved who was very much like Fr. Dave and the Lord took him, too. If only we could still have them here with us. My heart goes out to the Thomas family and to all of the Advent congregation.

I was fortunate enough to become a member of Advent a few years before Father Dave came to us. Dave was one of the greatest men I have had the privilege to know – he was kind, caring, giving, a man who loved life, his family and the Lord – he was larger than life. His sermons always spoke to me. It was as if he knew exactly what I needed to hear each week. He helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life and brought me through with my faith stronger on the other side. His guidance, words, support and prayers got me through my ex-husband leaving, my divorce, being a single mom to 4 wonderful kids when I just didn’t think I could do it anymore. Dave was also there for me as I was battling cancer the past two years during the holidays – I could not have gotten through those two Christmas seasons without him. He always took the time to talk to me when I needed it, listen to me when I felt scared and alone or simply give me a hug when he would see I needed one after Services. He would always take my by the hands, look me in the eye and sincerely ask how I was. He lifted me when I was in the deepest, darkest places in my life. I would like to share my favorite Father Dave story:

In November, 2009, right before Thanksgiving, my youngest son and I were sitting in the back of church at the 9:00 service. Brandon and I both chuckled as Fr. Dave spoke of his daughter and granddaughter in his sermon. They were traveling to visit friends and crossing a very large bridge, his young granddaughter pointed out the window and asked “what the hell is that?” Dave’s response to that was he could not understand where his granddaughter would learn that type of language. “She must have heard it from her grandmother,” he said. After his sermon, Dave took his robe off and left the church. As this was not a typical occurrence, I was trying to figure out what he might be doing – maybe he was leaving early to get a jump start on Thanksgiving. Curiosity got the better of me and as the service continued I watched as he walked over to the offices. I continued to watch as he walked back over to the church, stood in the back and looked around at the congregation. Once again, I watched as he left the church and walked back over to the offices. A few minutes later I watched as he drove away in his car. I assumed that I must be right and he just had to leave early to get somewhere – probably off to help someone who needed him. I started to pay a little more attention to the service only to find Fr. Dave in the back of the church one more time. He came up behind me and asked me to come outside for a minute. As we walked outside, he asked me where my car was parked; he had something he wanted to give me. I told him it was down in the lower lot and he asked if I would be OK to carry something down there or if I should go back in and get my son. As he is handing me a 22lb. turkey to take home for my family, he says “I don’t know why the hell someone would give me this big turkey”. I smiled as I thought of the sermon he had just given. He gave me a hug, a little kiss on the cheek and wished me a happy holiday. I enjoyed sharing that story with my kids. We all got a laugh about the “Father Dave turkey”. As we were spending Thanksgiving at my sister’s house, we planned on cooking the turkey for our Christmas dinner. Once again, Dave was helping me through another holiday – Christmas dinner was taken care of. After the holidays, I needed to sit down and talk with him. He needed to know that I was doing so much better physically and mentally. I was finally turning the corner and I wanted him to know what a big part he played in getting me to that point. I never did get that chance.

Little did I know the person he was leaving church early to help that Sunday, once again, was me. The story of the “Dave turkey”, as it came to be known at our house, brought us all many smiles. The thought of that turkey and the story behind it helped me through the very selfish tears that I shed after his death. We did cook that turkey for our Christmas dinner and through our tears, gave thanks for the time we had shared with Fr. Dave. Every sandwich we made with the leftover turkey brought both smiles and tears.

I am thankful for the time we did have to share with Fr. Dave. I wish it could have been much longer – selfishly, I still needed him here to guide me in my life and in my faith. He will continue to live on in my heart. I am a better person for having known him – my teacher, my guide, my friend. I would not be where I am today without him. Thank you, Thomas family, for sharing the wonderful Rev. Cannon David P. Thomas with us.

More years ago then I'd like to admit, I was pursuing a masters in counseling. One course, in particular, dealt with the relationship between the therapist and the client. In "person-centered" therapy, one of the characteristics of the therapist is "unconditional positive regard and acceptance". The key word here was "unconditional". What does this mean? " A deep and genuine caring, not contaminated by evaluation or judgment of the client's feelings, thoughts and behavior as good or bad, warmly accept without placing stipulation on the acceptance. It is not an attitude of I'll accept you when; rather, it is of I'll accept you as you are” Years later I heard the term "unconditional love". Is this not the same thing? This is used in describing our Heavenly Father's love for us or a parent's feelings for their child or children. I believe totally in the power of unconditional acceptance but often have questioned "is this something that we can truly do?"

Father Dave came as close to fulfilling these characteristics as anyone I have ever known. More then once his response to a request of mine was "what ever you want me to do". . .

As all grandmothers, I feel blessed with beautiful grandchildren. Until recently, none were raised with any formal religious education or exposed to any spiritual rituals in the home. It was my own need to have the grandchildren christened. Father Dave agreed to take on the whole crowd without commitments or promises from the parents or grandparents. He accepted my children, and grandchildren, without question.

My husband Bob had a belief that if he entered the church, lighting would surely strike and being the caring person he was he stayed away to assure the congregation's safety. However, eventually he was able to meet Father Dave. His relationship with Dave started, about 13 years ago, under the worst conditions. Bob was at Southern Chester County Hospital. This was the beginning of a long, long illness that required several hospitalizations, the last at the University of Penn. When I expressed my appreciation for Dave's visits and concerns for a non-active church member his answer was so "Dave". It did not matter to him where you were on your "spiritual journey", he would reach out with acceptance, anywhere . . . anytime. . .

Bob was very involved in the planning and building the Kennett YMCA, something that he and I both were very proud of. Later when I discussed a memorial service for him I questioned Dave if he would conduct the service at the "Y" rather then in the church. . . . . "What ever you want me to do" . . .

The same year of my husband's death, I was diagnosed with Cancer. My children and friends were wonderful but the evening before my surgery it was Father Dave who was with me. He drove into the city of Wilmington, at night, and we celebrated communion together sitting at my dining room table. Yes, we also had some wine that had not been blessed!!!!

I feel Father Dave was close to fulfilling the characteristics of “accepting you as you are". He was very much a part of my spiritual journey and I will truly miss him and his wonderful hugs.

As we all do, I have many fond memories of Dave and worked closely with him for a number of years either on the vestry or heading stewardship. I thought I’d share some thoughts and impressions with you.

After 5 years of doing both stewardship and then serving on the vestry I needed a break. Only one person on this earth could have gotten me to stay another year (it actually ended up being a year and a half) and that was Dave. I could not say no: in fact I ended my last year on the vestry as the junior warden at his request. I did it because I believed in what Dave was trying to accomplish at Advent and I wanted to help him.

I completed my term in May and spent much of my summer Sundays playing golf. One Sunday in August the club had an open house for prospective members. Dave was there checking things out, thinking forward to when he would be retiring. I was in the 19^th hole after a round and Dave came in with our club manager as part of the tour. I jumped up when I saw him enter and gave him a hearty welcome. As only Dave could do he said in a voice load enough that everyone could hear him “Well Mark, good to see you, I thought you had moved away”. I’ll never hear the end of that from my golf buddies. That was classic Dave; I loved his sense of humor and the timing of it.

He also could take it as good as he gave. I ushered one Christmas eve and it was up to Chuck Muhly and me to give Dave the count for communion. Well Chuck and I couldn’t keep up with the amount of people so when it came time to share the number with Dave we told him “a lot”. He just grinned and shook his head, taking it right in stride.

He, more so then anyone I have every met, made God and my faith in Christ seem more real. It was his greatest gift and I will cherish the brief time I had with him and what it has meant to my life’s journey.

Bruce these few words don’t seem enough, but I at least wanted to get you something.

By Bruce Murray, member, Church of the Advent; Chairman of the Search Committee that recommended the Vestry call Dave Thomas as Rector of Advent

I am proud of my Scottish heritage, and am a member of the Saint Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia, the oldest philanthropic organization in the

United States

, having been founded at Tun’s Tavern in Philadelphia in 1747. Each year, the Society holds a formal dinner in Philadelphia to honor Saint Andrew on or near Saint Andrews Day, which is 30 November. This year (2009), several Society members who live out in Chester County decided to forego the long trip into Philadelphia and have our own celebration a bit closer to home.

The week before Dave died, we held our celebration at the Chadd’s Ford Tavern. There were 12 of us, all guys, including Dave, and we had a private room in the back of the Tavern. We were having a grand time…cocktails before dinner, telling stories, kidding each other, listening to the bagpiper that was in attendance, and just enjoying each others company. One of the other Society members who was in attendance came up to me and said, “Most of you guys act as if you are brothers…you seem so close. What’s the story with you guys?” I explained that most of us went to church together, and then, pointing to Dave, who was not wearing clerical garb and was in the middle of boisterously telling a joke to some of the others, while wildly gesturing, I said, “And that is our minister”

My friends jaw dropped. How could this jocular jolly guy who was drinking with the guys and telling jokes be a priest? He seemed so normal…just one of the guys. His response was priceless…”You have to be shitting me…this *@&!%+# guy is a minister? What church do you go to?”

I explained that we were Episcopalians, and Dave was Rector at Church of the Advent. My friend revealed that he was also an Episcopalian, had stopped attending church, and was “church shopping”. He committed to come to Advent that next Sunday. When Dave passed, I called my friend to let him know: he was quite troubled by the news. In just one evening, Dave had made a connection and impression on a stranger who committed to come to our church. This was a special evening with special friends…and my last night out with my dear friend Dave. R.I.P, dear friend.

There is another side to Dave Thomas’ character: his willingness to admit a mistake and apologize.

As the vestry secretary for eleven of Father Dave’s twelve-year service at Advent, I took the minutes of the meetings, typed them, and sent them to Father Dave to copy and distribute to the vestry. On month, instead of simply sending the report, he revised several sentences, replaced my word choices with his own selections, and haphazardly altered a few marks of punctuation. Embarrassed and confused by his corrections, I suggested he either tell me exactly what he wanted me to write or ask someone else to take the minutes.

“Oh”, he answered, “I don’t know what I was thinking. I am so sorry to have hurt your feelings.” And that was the end of the matter.

In that incident, Father Dave revealed an essential lesson in humility: the art of an apology. He acknowledged my confusion and took responsibility for causing it. And he did so with humility, grace and affection.

We came to Church of the Advent in 1970 when the Rev. Elbert St. Clair, or “Saint”, as everyone called him, was the rector. He baptized our son, Richard, and in the next 36 years the successive rectors confirmed and married our three children. We worked in the church in many capacities and loved the people and the programs. We lived in Chadds Ford for 41 years, and then decided to retire to our beach house in Cape May, NJ in 2006. It was a bitter sweet departure.

The story I want to share is the wedding of our daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Jason Kutulakis, on October 11, 1998. They did the pre-marital sessions with Father Dave and then tried to set the date for the wedding. Unfortunately, they wanted the reception at the Mendenhall Inn and could only book a Sunday date in October. Dave very graciously consented to perform the marriage on a Sunday afternoon which was a busy day for him with normal services.

The big day arrived and everything was perfect. Our son-in-law wanted to capture the big event, so he set up several video cameras to get every angle. When it came time to exchange vows, we noticed our son-in-law was very nervous and had begun to perspire profusely. Father Dave saw this too and offered his stole to wipe the perspiration for his hands in anticipation of the exchange of rings. This was such a wonderful part of Father Dave, who could see a need and respond. We were grateful, and the service was almost over.

As Father Dave pronounced them man and wife and they were about to kiss, a bat flew out from above the cross and sailed over the congregation. Father Dave and the bride and groom did not see it but all of the congregation did. It was the response of congratulations as the congregation clapped that must have scared the bat out of his hiding place. It was so scared that it dropped a deposit on the arm of one of our dear friends. The cameras caught it and we one day hope they will send the clip to the TV show, “The Funniest Vides”. (A bat has been residing at Advent for years. The Alter Guild covers the alter cloth with plastic when there is no service to keep it clean.)

Some might say the bat was a bad omen. We are proud to say our Joanne and Jason have been happily married 11+ years and have a wonderful daughter, Alexandra, who is eight years old. Our son-in-law is of Greek heritage and lost his father shortly before the wedding. He believes his father was at the wedding in spirit and that the bat is a symbol of good luck and good fortune in Greek tradition.

We are very grateful to Father Dave for agreeing to perform the ceremony on a very busy day. We had hoped to entertain him and Sue at the reception but they declined because he was going in for sleep apnea testing that evening. When we left Advent he offered to have a special prayer for us. It was too emotional for us during the service but we know he wished us well in private. We will always be appreciative of his kindness to us and our family.

I am sending this to you both with the hope that it will help you know and love your Poppy as so many of us knew him and loved him. Quite simply, he was bigger than life.....he was life itself encased in a warm and welcoming body.

He brings to mind adjectives, many adjectives. Happiness, fun, humor, caring, loyalty, spirituality, devilishness, unpredictability. I could continue on with an endless list. He was my anchor, my strength, my buddy, my cohort in pranks ...the constant in my life that I needed and was blessed to find. That was your Poppy.

We, my late husband Wayne and our daughter Kimberly, came to know your Poppy and Nonny, your Mom and your Aunt Kats as friends and as the years passed, that friendship grew into family. It remains that way today. The Thomas' loved us even if we are Presbyterians!

I could easily write a book with dozens, probably hundreds, of stories of our adventures and lives together on St. Thomas Road. I know that I never laughed as much before the Thomas' came and certainly haven't after the Thomas' left our wonderful hill. As I told your Nonny recently, I was never happier than during those years...not before and not after. How wonderful to be with the Thomas' on St. Thomas Road at the foot of the St. Thomas cross for oh so many years. We shared birth, death, tragedies, joys, secrets, adventures (and misadventures), meals, laughter, tears, dogs, medical emergencies and daily life. At the center, at the very core of this sharing of our lives was your Poppy. He was my constant. He would always be there. I was always safe because I knew he was there, even after the move to West Grove. His presence and spirit were so embedded in the fabric of my life and my family's that miles melted away and I/we drew strength from him. He was a gift from God.

His heart was bigger than I could ever describe. His heart was full of love and grace and forgiveness and warmth. That smile, the warmth and then the caring would scoop you up whether you were family, friend or a parishioner and all would be good again.

There are many stories I would like to share with you both and I will share them, but not here. These are tales best left told in person. They are tales of baby bottles being thrown from a station wagon window by your Mom (Sarah), of adventures at the Lake with Wayne (my husband) and your Poppy taking center stage, the boat on Christmas Eve, of your Mom and the Hulk evening in Hershey with Wayne, mellow summer evenings of reflection and friendship, or the dryer "event" when your Nonny was recuperating from her accident and David and I (and many others) were trying to keep house without burning it down!

The times when my Wayne and your Nonny would express great disgust as your Poppy and I would get started on some antic and laugh our heads off. I could tell you of the strength and support and love he and your Nonny gave Kimberly and me when Wayne was ill and after he died. Again, these are all very personal and best told in person. Remind me to tell you about the Chancel flowers and your Mom...you'll like that one.

Of the thousands of tales, one I can share of our fun times and life together is when your Poppy traded pulpits one summer at a beautiful, little church in Coudersport, PA , Sue and I packed all the kids up and went with him. Wayne had to work, Kimberly was at camp. What a circus it was any time we all did a car trip together! Anyway, Sunday morning came and David of course had to be in the pulpit but your grandmother was totally tied up with baby Sarah (your Mom), little Katherine, me being useless because I had a cast on my leg, and the dog. We couldn't let him go off without a missus, so I went with David, cast and all, plonked myself in the front row and instantly the tiny congregation assumed I was the missus! The few dozen people attending were so excited to have a wonderful priest for the day that they offered little window for either of us to explain who I was. Plus the cast drew the sympathetic vote. We tried and tried to explain and the more we tried the worse it got, so we stopped trying. Long story short, the people in that tiny little church in Coudersport, were absolutely delighted to have Father Thomas and the missus there for services! They were happy, we chuckled and off we went to rescue your grandmother from the kids.

Is my heart broken? Yes. But that is an emotion that we mortals experience when dealing with death. Is my heart full? Yes. I know that your Poppy has given me the gift of his presence and I will go through my remaining years with a smile and the blessing of David's spirit and ministry always with me.

I can't imagine life without David, but I also can't express the blessing of his great gift to all who knew him. David Powers Thomas was blessed with a grace filled spirituality and a commitment to life here on earth and to the goal of reaching the Glory of God as his greatest reward.

To close, I say love your Poppy with all your heart, treasure his legacy, and know that his presence will always be with you...every day, every moment. His presence will give you strength and carry you through all that life brings.

Your Dad was so much too so many people. We are a couple of those who were blessed to know him and to be guided by him. We came to Advent only a few years ago and very quickly Father Dave became a wonderful part of our lives. He so unselfishly gave of himself when there were crises in our household where his guidance and advice were so crucial to our understanding of the problem.

We will remember him for his passion for the church and also his rollicking good humor on many occasions. We fondly remember one Blessing of the Animals on a Sunday afternoon. He went down the line of cats and dogs and stopped when a child had a creature in a box that was incredibly small and he could not identify it. He asked the child just what it was and then smilingly proceeded with the blessing.

Father Dave was a wonderful shepherd, always tending his flock. He knew everyone and a lot about “his sheep”. He was one of God’s soldiers. During his watch our needs were minimal, but when the need did arrive, he was there. Dave obviously enjoyed his ability to help others. In that sense, he “died with his boots on”, continuing to soldier on as long as he could. We feel wonderfully blessed to have been a part of his ministry and we miss him greatly.

It wasn’t so long ago, while I was recovering from open heart surgery. I was dozing off in my hospital bed, when suddenly awakened with a surprise visit from Father Dave and Bruce Murray. How wonderful that my priest traveled to Hahnemann Hospital which is in center city Philadelphia. The visit, needless to say, was a pleasant surprise. Father Dave gave me his blessings for a speedy and safe recovery. I was most grateful for his wishes and I did get better.

It was about three months later when my lovely and beautiful wife attended church services without me, Sunday being the only day my gardener could give me a help with my garden work. At the end of the service at Church of the Advent, as Judith was leaving church, Father Dave asked why Tony was not present. Judy replied that I was working with a gardener. In Dave Thomas’s firm and loud voice, so all could hear, he exclaimed, “The next time he needs prayers for recovery, tell him to call a gardener, not a priest.” All who heard had a good laugh. So did I.

I had a huge amount of respect and fondness for your Dad. Four years ago, he conducted the wedding of my younger daughter Brynne and her husband, Marc Bruno. He was also kind enough to visit me twice at Bryn Mawr Rehab three years ago when I was recovering from dual hip replacement. But my true history with Father Dave really began almost ten years ago, after my older daughter, Brooke, and her husband, Steve White, had their triplet babies. This little family was at that time living in Wilmington, DE, and had not established any church affiliation. At their behest, I spent several frustrating days calling church after church, trying to get someone to baptize these little babies. I was told at every turn that the parents would first have to commit to a seemingly length process of formally joining the church before they would consider baptizing our babies. Finally, I spoke to your wonderful Dad, who said he would do it for us. I’m not too sure if the church elders were thrilled, but he certainly earned a place in my heart and my husband, Bill, and I became members of Advent to express our gratitude. There are just some people “whose like we will not see again”, and your Dad was surely one of them. We are grateful for having been touched by his kindness and his humanity.

Father Dave was more than our rector. He was a caring friend who was ever present in times of need. In church, in hospital rooms, and at home, he prayed with us, joked and laughed with us, and always offered practical, uncomplicated guidance.

Father Dave married two of our children and gave them and their future spouses sound counsel. Our family never tired of Father Dave retelling the story of commitment in marriage as demonstrated by his grandparents and their liver-spotted hands. He also baptized two of our grandchildren and was scheduled to baptize a third on Easter Eve this April.

Particularly memorable was the marriage of our daughter Megan to Charlie Wyman. Charlie was raised in the Roman Catholic Church. His mother wanted their marriage to be performed by their priest while Megan insisted on being married at Advent by Father Dave. Faced with an apparently irresolvable conflict, Father Dave looked for a practical solution. Always the consummate negotiator, he called the Wyman’s priest and invited him to participate in the marriage ceremony at Advent. The priest accepted and peace was restored.

The late afternoon wedding took place on one of the hottest days in the summer of 1999. This was before Advent installed air conditioning. The outside temperature was 103 degrees and even hotter inside the Sanctuary. As a result people stood outside for as long as possible. Ten minutes after the service was scheduled to start, Father Dave went outside and took charge. Standing in front of the red doors in his long white robe, he started directing traffic - - both cars and people. Shouting and wildly waving his arms, he finally got people into the Church and the service began. It was a humorous sight, but very effective.

In June, 2008 we had two tickets to a Phillies baseball game that we could not use. Father Dave eagerly went in our place. The highlight of the day, as Father Dave later told us, took place after the game when seniors (over 60 years old) had the opportunity to walk the bases. This was an opportunity not to be missed - - being on the field of a major league baseball park. He told us of the excitement and awe he felt as he stood on 2^nd base and surveyed the majesty of Citizens Bank Park from a player’s perspective. He said he felt like a kid again. The excitement he described reflected an excitement for life - - a message he shared with all of us.

A simple pleasure, and a joy that I will miss, were the many times that Dave and Sue shared a meal at our table. Dave loved food and loved to eat…something that we both had in common. After spending hours, and sometimes days, of preparation, there was such a sense of gratification to sit back and watch Dave consume my efforts (sometimes too rapidly) with such robust delight and genuine pleasure. That was my greatest reward! He would quiz me about the ingredients and we’d share our culinary stories. We would fondly reminisce about our favorite childhood meals. We both had so many wonderful memories associated with food. Many times I would bake a loaf of homemade bread for the meal, and if I also happened to serve some of my Apple Butter on the side, a look of sheer bliss came over his face as he covered the bread with the sweet sauce.

Sadly, he will no longer be sitting at our table, but I will always remember the many happy times we had breaking bread together. And I find such peace and comfort in knowing that one day I will once again join him at “the table”, with friends and family, in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

By John and Pat Pankey, former members, St. Thomas, Lancaster and friends of the Thomas family

How on earth can you describe 26 years of close friendship with the likes of Dave Thomas? We’ve laughed with Dave (side-splitting laughter), cried with Dave, worked with Dave, traveled with Dave, wined and dined with Dave (of course), had serious conversations with Dave, and those are just a few of the experiences we’ve had with Dave.

Dave baptized John many years ago. John likes to tell the story of how he met Dave. We were new at St. Thomas and Dave rounded a corner, cigarette in hand (long time ago you know), and muttered under his breath, “shit I blew that one”, and ran into John. This random encounter endeared Dave to John and thus began a great friendship.

This friendship was with our entire family, not just John and me. Sue and Dave befriended our children also. Our daughter, Lisa, is Kat’s goddaughter. One day, Dave took my kids, Steve and Lisa, to pick up something and on the way home, he quickly turned a corner, pulled into a driveway, and shut off his lights. He explained to the kids that he was being followed by the CIA. The kids were hysterical with laughter by the time they got home. He also told them, on a stormy night, about his other CIA adventures and how lightening saved his life. The lightning struck just as he was about to drive off a cliff!!! Dave’s imagination was never turned off. My children have wonderful, hilarious memories of Dave.

Our son, Steve, was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church two years ago. Of course, Dave was there. Having grown up with Dave in his life, I believe, will help a positive impact on Steve in his ministry.

I could go on and on and on. But, I think you get the idea of the impact Dave and Sue have had on our lives. We moved to the Gulf Coast of Alabama in July, 2009. We had to attend a wedding in Delaware on August 1. We were so excited that we were also able to attend the celebration of Sarah’s daughter Riley’s christening. This was the last time we saw Dave. He was being his gregarious self, laughing, serving, and loving people as only Dave. John and I are devastated by the loss of this dear friend, but we are so glad he was in our lives. God bless him and his family.

Father Dave holds a very special place in my heart and memory. On what was undoubtedly the hottest day of the 20^th century (July 31, 1999), he married my husband and me, graciously including the Catholic priest from my mother-in-law’s parish in Connecticut to partake in the wedding. Without missing a beat or a single line of the ceremony’s rites, Father Dave surreptitiously distributed his handkerchief among the groomsmen and my husband, who were radiating in their wool tuxedos and desperately trying to preserve some decorum despite rising temperatures. I couldn’t tell who was crying from the joy of the day and who was just plain sweating!

That day Father Dave delivered a homily that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. He spoke about the unity of marriage and how it outlasts so much, including the bloom of youth and the passion of love. As he did with so many sermons, he shared a tale from his own childhood and told us about the marriage of his grandparents that had survived so many world events. Just a young boy, Dave commented on his grandfather’s hands, which he had noticed were covered with liver spots. Curious to know what they were, he asked his grandfather, who told Dave that they were the marks of a long and happy life, one that he had shared with Dave’s grandmother and that when one reached his age, looks no longer mattered. Lifelong happiness and love were measured in liver spots.

While I am sure Father Dave shared this story with so many young couples starting their lives together, it is a story that stays with Charlie and me. When times are tough or arguments heat up, we have often looked at each other and simply said, “liver spots.” That is part of the greatness of Father Dave and what he leaves behind, not just for us but for so many lives he touched.

Father Dave had a wonderful sense of humor, particularly when it came to the human condition. His laugh was contagious, and he delighted in both the great and the small. When my husband did not arrive in time for our wedding rehearsal, Father Dave very quickly, jokingly shoved the best man aside to rehearse with me! A few years later, he chalked up our daughter’s meltdown at the baptismal font to “getting the devil out!” And—while my father may not share this—when Father Dave visited my dad after an emergency appendectomy, he was regaled with the details of the operation (as only my dad can tell), leaving Father Dave in stitches over the laundry list of expletives my father inserted into the story! But Father Dave “got it,” he understood the raw humanity of his congregation, which is part of what made him so loved and admired by our family.

Through many happy and tough times, Father Dave was always with us. He was one of those people you always thought would be there—and there’s so much I still want to share with him. Despite the distance, Church of the Advent will always be home to me, and Father Dave was so much a part of that.

When I was in the process of becoming a “new” Episcopalian, Father Dave came on a pastoral visit. He stood at the door with a smile on his face and a bag in his hand. As I welcomed him in, he said, “I was in the market the other day and I thought of you. I remember you saying how much you liked pineapple, but they were too hard to cut!” He took a pineapple and a pineapple corer out of the bag and said, “Come, let me show you how to use this.”

Now, each time I see a lovely golden pineapple and taste its delicious fruit, I remember Father Dave, his smile and his thoughtfulness.

By Dave Haradon, member, Church of the Advent, and member, The Rotary Club of Kennett Square at Longwood

Here are a few short anecdotes about Dave Thomas that you can add to the collection for Sarah Thomas. Thanks for putting these together.

I recall when Dave was interviewing for the Rector's job at Church of the Advent. Although I was not on the search committee, as I recall the search committee asked three finalists to come to visit the church on a Sunday just to see the place and check it out. I think the finalists were supposed to be somewhat incognito without making a big deal about their presence, but, of course everyone knew who they were. At the conclusion of the coffee hour where they were visiting, everyone was around comparing notes about their brief conversations about each rector candidate and also buzzing around about their wives. I will always remember the comment that I heard when our gang was comparing notes when someone said, "I don't know their names, but I liked the middle aged couple best; you know the one with the cute wife!" Well, of course, that was Sue Thomas. I told Sue about that comment soon after he was hired, that he was a pretty good candidate, but it was really his wife Sue that solidified the deal for him!!! Dave laughed pretty good at that one....

Dave Thomas had this very floppy bible that he used. In preparation for the service in which Dave was officially inducted on October 19,1997, he asked that I present him officially with his bible during that service. After the fact, I thought that date was an important day in his life so I put together a little commemorative note that I subsequently taped into the front left cover of his bible. Every time I had the privilege of serving with Father Dave I noticed that somehow that note had stayed taped in there and it reminded me of that day when Dave joined Church of the Advent. I also put that day in my e-calendar and always congratulated him each year on his anniversary which sort of baffled him that I happen to know that date. We also made sure the Senior Warden knew of Dave's anniversary date so it could be mentioned during the service, sometimes celebrated with cake on those special 5 and 10th year anniversaries. For Dave, who liked to control things so much, it was always fun to see the surprise on his face when we would take a few unscripted minutes during the service to give him a congratulatory Happy Anniversary moment.

The Longwood Rotary Club had a fund raising event each year. There were six men in the Club at one time who were all named Dave. We were also called the ChippenDaves. One year the ChippenDave's put themselves up for auction in an event named "Dining With The Daves" which entitled the winner to bring two other couples and enjoy the "privilege" of "Dining with The Daves". The Daves picked up the bill for everyone. The first year we did this, it was a riot. We all got incredibly drunk. Dave and Maureen

Thompson were at the party and were recently engaged. Both of them were sort of fretting over what to do for a marriage ceremony and Dave

Thompson is a pretty crazy guy. He almost talked Father Dave into marrying them that night at the restaurant. Father Dave kept egging them on and on and they all stood up and I truly thought Father Dave was going to marry them on the spot. It was only at the last minute that he paused, the entire restaurant became silent and then he relieved the tension by saying he could not legally do it because they did not have a license. It was so funny and Dave Thomas had us all going and finally found an out that let everyone release a final sigh of relief that Maureen was not going to get married in a noisy restaurant in a drunken stupor. Several months later Father Dave did marry them in a beautiful small ceremony we attended in their home with a few friends and family.

By Jean Friebel , ( mother of Deb Rock- Peterson), 88 years young and going strong! – member, Church of the Advent and volunteer church receptionist

During the summer of 2009 I worked in the church office several days a week (and I’m still there), answering the phone and helping the staff with Sunday bulletins I got to see a lot of Fr. Dave. He would repeatedly thank me for all my volunteer time and tell me that at my age, I needed to make my funeral arrangements. This jesting went on for quite some time until I finally asked if he knew something I didn’t. And we both had a good laugh.

While having this same conversation one day, I told him one thing for sure I wanted at my funeral was a lot of Star Gazer lilies in the church. His answer to me was, “Oh no little lady, you get a big floral telephone.” Once again, we both had a good laugh at that.

I can’t imagine how, but knowing Dave, I’ll bet he would have found a way to do just that.

Fr. Dave was a good friend and I will miss his wit, kindness and genuine sense of caring.

By Linda MacDougall, member, St Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA and parish secretary

My friendship with David goes back 30+ years when I moved to Lancaster, PA with my family and began to attend St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Through these years David remained a friend and support. My office "volunteer" position turned into Parish Secretary for David. Two months into the job, we were having the biggest funeral service in the history of St. Thomas, I was out in the middle of Amish country ( no phones or a least few and far between ) picking up my cleaning woman, when my car broke down- who did I call- David. He hustled out into the middle of nowhere to pick up me, my dog, and the cleaning woman. We made it back to the church with barely an hour to spare!

Because David was from Vermont, he couldn't imagine a winter without a ski trip- so off our parish went to various places, Greek Peek, Jack Frost, but most notably Denton Hill where we stayed in rooms above a local tavern. Imagine if you will, David, at 7:00 AM standing in line outside the communal bathroom, enrobe, hair uncombed waiting his turn. Not many priests would allow themselves to be seen so unglamorously!

When he moved on to other churches, he would often call me here at the office saying "Linda send me a copy of that program we did". David was still a very integral part of the 50 year history of St. Thomas. He came back to help us celebrated our 40th in 1998 and in 2008 our 50th! Last August we had another one of our "only with David" events. He came back to conduct a funeral for a long time member with an interment in our Memorial Garden. We went out to check the location and low and behold it had water in the bottom. I hustled off to find some dirt for "fill" which I shoved into the hole, splashing water everywhere, but fortunately just missing David's white chasuble ( which he informed me, didn't match the stole underneath and why didn't we have matching vestments!). It seems every event with David was fraught with some slight mishap, always well covered with humor. How typical that his service was scheduled for the day of a huge snowstorm and had to be postponed! For 30 years, David helped me celebrate the high points and was there with a comforting word through the low times. David was a personality bigger than life and I shall miss him greatly.

Deb first met Sue at the Thomas’ new home in West Grove twelve years ago. Fr. Dave had been called as our new rector and prior to moving in Deb met with Sue to discuss an Invisible Fence system for Maggie their Golden Retriever at their new home. Deb, not knowing Sue, asked if they were looking for a new church in the area. Although we had just called a new priest, Deb assured Sue they would love our family at Advent. Laughing, Sue explained that her husband had just been called to a parish in Kennett Square and our friendship began.

We have been blessed to know the Thomas’s – all of the Thomas’s – and have shared significant life events with them. And Sunday after Sunday we were in awe of Dave’s sermons and family life filled with the Holy Spirit.