Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
April 12, 1953 – January 9, 2025
Alister died in a tragic accident on Toronto Island on January 9, 2025. He is survived by his life partner, Mary-Ann Haney, his brother, Kevin Thomas, his sisters-in-law, Susan Haney and Sue Savor, his nephews, Jacob and Nico Fischer, his lifelong best friend, Gary Norris, and many other friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Keith and Bettie Thomas, and his brother Malcolm Thomas.
Alister grew up in Kitchener Waterloo, graduated from Guelph University, and moved to Calgary in the early 80s where he spent most of his professional life working as a writer and editor in the magazine business. He retired in 2015 and moved back to Ontario. There, through mutual friends, he met Mary-Ann and thrillingly for them (and all their friends), the sparks flew. True soulmates would be a fitting description.
Professionally, and vocationally, writing was his passion, He was proud to spend eight years as the Board Chair of The New Quarterly magazine. Never one to rest on his laurels though, he earned an MFA in Creative Non-fiction from King’s College in Halifax, graduating in 2024.
Alister’s special power was to animate and enrich the many communities he joined. He was an integral part of the Ward’s Island community, where he lived for many years. He was an avid Island hockey and tennis player. To the people of Camp Wanapitei, especially the gang he went canoe tripping with every summer, Alister was family. He had friends from all walks of life, and they all knew they could count on him.
Apart from Mary-Ann, his greatest love was to be on the water in a canoe. His deep-rooted connection to the wilderness experience was a large part of his soul. He is surely out there now.
Many have used the simple but potent word “wonderful” to describe him: an old-fashioned gentleman, a kind, generous, curious guy with a quiet and wry sense of humour. The best a man can be. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Alister’s life will be held in early March. Please check this page for an update.
In lieu of flowers please donate in his memory to The New Quarterly (tnq.ca/donate/), or the Ayalik Fund (ayalikfund.ca/Donations/).
2025
Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
death notice Alister Walter Thomas
obituaries notice Alister Walter Thomas
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Alister Walter Thomas and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
