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In memory of

Kurt Alan Thomas

Jewett City, CT

September 1, 1959 - June 17, 2019

Sep 1, 1959 - Jun 17, 2019

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Kurt Alan Thomas, aged 59, peacefully passed from this world in his sleep after almost a decade long battle with both throat and lung cancers on June 17, 2019.

Kurt was born September 1, 1959 to the late Harold Thomas Jr and late Hilda Thomas (nee Irwin) on a military base in Fort Campbell Kentucky where his father served in the army. The youngest of three boys. Kurt grew up an army brat, living in several different locations in his youth including Germany, Texas, and Massena New York which the family would call home.
In school Kurt was a strong athlete that participated in baseball, wrestling, and basketball, winning several school letters.

After Kurt graduated from Massena High School in 1977 his enlisted in the navy where he served as a machinist's mate from 1977-1981, receiving an honorable discharge in 1981. In this capacity as a machinist he served on a ship where he could see the world; ultimately he would travel across the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean where his unit would primarily be stationed during the Iran Hostage Crisis of the early 1980s.

After Kurt was discharged he worked a variety of odd jobs or machinist jobs in a civilian capacity. In 1989 he married Holly Thomas (nee Gaudreau) in Connecticut and together they had two children: Mike J Thomas born April 13, 1990 and Matthew Bradley Thomas born February 7, 1994. During this time Kurt also informally adopted his step-daughter Michelle Faille (born November 30, 1975) as his own daughter and delighted in spending time with her and her three boys. Although separated and divorced from Holly by 2010, Kurt always made his children/grandchildren his first priority.

By his friends and family Kurt will be remembered in many different ways. He will be remembered as a devoted father who follows his children's achievements with pride and was always encouraging. He'll be remembered as a dedicated sobriety coach, having achieved almost three decades of sobriety at the time of his passing. He will also be remembered as a mental health advocate, who openly discussed his mental health issues and created space where others could share their stories without feeling stigmatized. At the very least, he will be remembered as a generous human being who continuously put other people's needs before his own. His selflessness, even during his last days on earth was remarkable and shows a true strength of character.

Kurt leaves behind two older brothers, Steve Thomas of Fowler NY, Dave Thomas of Massena NY, his nephew Tim Thomas of Fowler NY, his eldest son Mike Thomas of Marlborough MA, and younger son Matthew Thomas of Canterbury, CT. He also leaves behind step daughter Michelle Faille of Danielson CT as well as three grandchildren: Joshua Gaudreau recently of Kennewick WA, George Faille III of Danielson CT, and Allen Faille (his namesake) of Danielson, CT. He also leaves behind several cousins throughout NY and WI who mourn his passing. A private man, Kurt's last request was that there would be no formal service held in his memory. A Celebration of Life date is to be determined at a later time. In lieu of flowers, friends and family of Kurt can make donations to the American Lung Association which is making advancements in lung cancer research and treatment: https://www.lung.org/

"All I can do is be me, whoever that is" - Bob Dylan

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