Obituary of Darlene Anne Hartley-Thomas
Darlene Anne Hartley-Thomas With Second Grandson
May 24, 1953 – July 16, 2022
Darlene Anne Hartley-Thomas (nee Hartley) passed away at the Invermere Hospital during the afternoon of
July 16, 2022 at the age of 69 after battling a prolonged respiratory condition.
Darlene was born in Bengough, SK to Harry and June Hartley (Greenawalt) who farmed in the Ogema area.
She first attended the country school in nearby Dahinda and later graduated from high school in Ogema.
After graduation she worked as a telephone operator, dental assistant and secretary. Her desire to see
different places took her to work in Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Victoria, Hay River, Inuvik as well as
vacations in the UK and Mexico.
In 1980 she began work in Calgary where she first met her future partner, Vic Thomas and a permanent
relationship flourished in 1984. Darlene’s two sons, Mark and Ryan, were born in Calgary. Vic, Darlene and
boys spent most weekends each year and summer vacation at the family cottage near Invermere. Wishing to
live in a smaller community, Darlene and boys moved to the family cottage in 2002;- Vic continuing work in
Calgary until his retirement in 2005. Together, they traveled to New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Central
Europe, Hawaii and numerous cities in the continental USA.
Darlene loved sports, especially lady’s fastball but also badminton, squash, water skiing, sailing, downhill
skiing, and golf. After moving to Invermere, she became active in the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun
Club, acting as club secretary and membership coordinator for several years and became an accomplished
archer and clay target shooter until health conditions curtailed these activities. Darlene loved flowers and her
flower garden kept her busy during the summer. She was a wonderful partner and mother and cared greatly
about her family.
She was pre-deceased by her parents and brother-in-law, Allan Thomas.
Darlene is survived by her partner of 38 years, Vic Thomas; son Mark Thomas (Shannon Thomas) and
grandsons Dominic, Carson and Bryce of Sparwood; son Ryan Thomas (Alex Weller) of Canberra, Australia;
step son Scott of Calgary; step son Mike Thomas ( Kerri-Anne Thomas) of Invermere; step son Kevin
Thomas (Cindy Thomas) of Evansburg, AB; brother Richard Hartley (Joy Hartley) of Livelong, SK; sister Jody
Schmidt (Ken Schmidt) of Ogema, SK; sister Susan Guraluick (Todd Hesjedal) of Bengough. Extended
family also includes Vera Thomas of Edmonton, Norm and Shirley Smith as well as Stan and Ruth Thomas,
both of Fort Saskatchewan, AB. Special friends include Rosemary Cliche and Mildred Hartley of Calgary
and Gerri Gemmell of New Zealand and of course her loving dog, Lola.
At her request, no service will be held.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Darlene
Anne
Hartley-Thomas 1953 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Cranbrook, Province: Colombie britanique