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David Thomas

$34,120.00 (raised so far)

About David Thomas

David Brian Thomas passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2018 at the age of 37. He is survived by his loving wife Lindsay, daughter Kennedy, mother Susan, father Barry (Dar), brother Andrew (Katy), aunts, uncles and other family as well as many lifelong friends.

David graduated from law school at UBC in 2011. During law school, he served as a judicial intern at the Provincial Court of British Columbia. He articled for Jonathan Israels and Emmet Duncan in Vancouver. He was called to the BC bar in 2012 and continued to practice criminal defence as an associate with Jonathan and Emmet. In 2015, he became a coach of the Peter Burns Criminal Moot and a supervising lawyer for the UBC Criminal Clinic Program. In 2016, David joined the Provincial Crown in Surrey where he quickly became a trusted and exemplary member of the office. He was highly respected by his colleagues, the defence bar and the judiciary. He practiced law in the same way he lived his life—with intellect, logic, humility and humour.

Although outwardly reserved, David was genuinely kind, had the ability to find common ground with anyone and to make friends everywhere he went. He was a man of few words, but with a quick wit and dry sense of humour; his words were always carefully chosen and well placed.

David’s love for logic and order paired with his intellect and sense of compassion made him a talented lawyer. Some of his happiest and most gratifying days were undoubtedly spent in the courtroom presenting an expertly crafted argument. David’s love for the law was second only to his love for his family. David was devoted to his wife Lindsay for over 17 years and to his 7-week-old daughter Kennedy who was his greatest joy. David would always put his family first. When he wasn’t with ‘his girls’ he could be found out on the golf course, walking his dog or enjoying a peaceful moment with a cigar and an old fashioned. David, cheers to a short life that was well-lived.

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The impact of your support

In memory of David’s life, family and friends have created the David B. Thomas Memorial Fund to support students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. David always felt that law school should be financially accessible, especially for students who intend on practicing criminal defence.

The financial burden of running a criminal law practice while trying to pay down student debt is daunting. Your gift will honour David’s legacy, by helping others with that burden, and supporting the next generation of talented law students to succeed.

 

Lindsay would like to encourage everyone to use the button above to contribute a story, memory or picture that she can share with Kennedy in the future.

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Messages of Remembrance

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  • I posted on your wall years ago, I was shocked you had passed then. You had protected my family when we needed it, even if it was an indirect result of your duty to the public, and gave me the time I needed to prepare for my LSAT. I got into one of the best law schools in the country, and now I have accepted a conditional offer to join the Ministry of the Attorney General as an articling student in their criminal prosecution division. You paved the way for me, and I thought people and your family should know. Thank You Mr. Thomas, I have kept you in mind since and will keep you in mind moving forward. You changed my destiny, and that of my families with your actions.

    Anon, Anon
  • Deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I had the privilege of knowing him in his work at the Surrey Crown Counsel office. He was thoughtful, unassuming and witty but most of all kind. I remember meeting him soon after I was called to the bar and as a young defence counsel trying to navigate the chaos of the Surrey courthouse - he was a friendly face. I remember a particular file where we worked towards a creative resolution, after the file was closed he would still stop me in the hallway every few months to ask how the client was doing in treatment and was genuinely interested in seeing that his progress was maintained. He had a good heart and he will be missed.

    Rebecca Gill, Colleague
  • Dave was a loyal friend, trusted colleague and fierce advocate. He embodied what it meant to be Crown Counsel and approached his duties ethically, diligently and with great fairness. He understood the great privilege it is to serve as Crown Counsel. He had a strong presence in the courtroom and was wise beyond his years. While his time with us was cut short, he made a great impact and his legacy will be long-lasting.

    B.C. Crown Counsel Association, Professional
  • I didn't know Mr.Thomas at a deep level. All I can say is that if it was not for this individual, I would not be attending law school today. His diligence in the fair performance of his duties allowed me to walk on my own path to a legal education. My family and I were greatly saddened by this tragic loss. He exercised the discretion that is granted to his role as a Crown Attorney in the most responsible of ways, and he will inspire me as I push forward on my own path. He has forever changed the course of my life, and that of my families, through his faithful discharge of his professional responsibilities. Rest In Peace Mr.Thomas, and my heartfelt condolences to anyone who was touched by this loss.

    Simran Singh,
  • I just called Jonathan Israel's office and asked to speak with David. I heard the sad news that he has passed. David has helped me tremendously in previous cases. He was a good lawyer and took the time to help me. He will be missed.

    Tamara T, Former Client
List of Donors
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  • Surrey Bar Association

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