David Bruce-Thomas sadly passed away in Reverliving Care Home, West Vancouver on December 1st from a covid-related illness, he was 91. David was born in Cardiff, South Wales and at school he excelled at sport including rugby and swimming, representing Wales in the latter.
Dai Thomas’ Swansea career spanned just two seasons from 1953 to 1955, during which time he played 50 matches, scoring 6 tries. He will be best remembered for playing in the Swansea pack that fought the 1953 ‘All Blacks’ to a standstill and forced a creditable 6 -6 draw on the tourists at St Helen’s on 12th December 1953.
Thomas also played for Swansea on their historic tour to Romania in 1954.
He earned a commission in the British Army and became an officer. David emigrated to Canada in his twenties and continued to excel at rugby representing B C against many of the overseas touring sides. He was on the first-ever tour by BC to Japan.
His business career in marketing and sales took him to many places in Canada including Vancouver, Toronto and Fort St John in the Yukon. Abroad he travelled widely in the Far East and was based in Djakarta and London.
He leaves a son David, a daughter Ceri, and grandchildren, Kirsten, Samantha and Daniel who all live in in B.C.
David was a proud Welshman and Canadian, with a zest for life, a twinkle in his eye and always a laugh. He will be remembered by his catch phrase “keep smiling”
Our thoughts at St Helen’s are with David’s family as we remember a great “All White”.