Wilfred "Glyn" G. Thomas

Wilfred G. "Glyn" Thomas ended his earthly journey on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio after a courageous battle with cancer. The love of his life, Joni, was by his side.

Glyn was born March 1, 1946 in Stockport, England to Jessie (Campion) and Wilfred B. Thomas, III. Glyn gained a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Wolverhampton College of Technology and then graduated from Cranfield Aeronautical Institute near London, England with a master's degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation he traveled extensively through Europe, Turkey, Pakistan, India and Iran where he became friends with the local residents. He served as a Senior Engineer for Hawker Siddeley Dynamics in the Guided Missiles Division and also was employed by Volvo Penta Marine.

He returned to England and gained employment in the London office of Cooper Bessemer Corporation headquartered in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. In 1978 Glyn accepted a position with the newly formed Cooper-Rolls joint venture in Ohio (eventually Rolls-Royce) and contributed to the sales efforts of large gas turbines and compressors worldwide. Major oil companies relied on his abilities to select their equipment and Glyn worked with the east-west line through Asia, handling all the technical details and serving in various locations such as Singapore, Malaysia, India and England. He truly loved his work and the benefit it afforded him to travel the world, one of his passions, and his dedicated service for over 40 years to the energy field speaks volumes for his contribution to improving living conditions for people around the world.

In 1985, Glyn became a citizen of the United States, an honor he cherished. He was civic minded and was elected and served on the school board in Mt. Vernon Ohio from 1990-1993 as well as being elected Pleasant Township Trustee from 1996-2000. His hobbies and interests were varied including farming and gardening, traveling, sports car enthusiast, nature, hiking, sailing, caving, and most particularly railroading. Glyn was a devoted Christian and enjoyed visiting numerous churches around the globe during his travels.

Glyn will be remembered most for his wonderful sense of humor, English charm and dignity, bravery in the face of adversity, and ability to make friends all around the world. He created long lasting partnerships with people both personally and professionally and was well-liked by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Joni (Schlinger) Thomas whom he referred to as "Love"; children, Sarah Thomas, Robyn (Brett) Steinhauser, Alex Thomas, Alicia (Tim) Kraynak, Brooke (Steve) Stanley, and Caylah May, a.k.a "Wilfy's baby daughter", as well as his grandchildren Lilly, Ethan, Ella, Emerson, Elijah, Eva, Gracie, Lily and Mia. Glyn was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Tony.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday, February 14, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway in Granville, Ohio with the Rev. Karen J. Chakoian as celebrant. A High Tea celebration of love and life will follow at the Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Road in Granville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be accepted at the Bryn Du Mansion for the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation .