Robert Edward Thomas – 81, of Aylesford, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2017 in the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. Born in Windsor, Ontario, he was a son of the late Henry and Loretta Proulx and the adopted son of the late Harold and Madeline (Sullivan) Thomas. At the age of 16 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. After spending time training at HMCS Hunter in Ontario and HMCS Cornwallis in Nova Scotia, he arrived at HMCS Shearwater, Nova Scotia, where he learned an aircraft trade. He served on the aircraft carriers HMCS Magnificent and HMCS Bonaventure and travelled throughout the world. He had postings to various Squadrons and was finally posted to CFB Greenwood, from where he retired. He then owned and operated Thomas Electric and Appliance Repair for a number of years. He is survived by two daughters, Susan Helpard, Berwick and Denise North, Trout Lake; three sons, Richard (Christine), Cold Lake, Alberta, Peter (Margo), Auburn and Michael (Karla), Castleton, Ontario; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; partner, Shirley Rogers and her family, Debbie, Donna, Brendlyn, Kyle, Wayne and Murray and their families. He was predeceased by a son, Paul; brother, Arthur Diesbough; former spouse, Mary Ellen (Drouillard).