Thomas Doering

Thomas Richard Doering passed away peacefully at Eagle Ridge Hospital on September 12, 2012 with his loving family by his side. Thomas is survived by his ex-wife and steadfast friend Lila and dedicated son Karl; in-laws Bob and Lois Gubbe, and Peter and Heather Gubbe; nephews John and Graham Gubbe; and many friends and former coworkers from the Iron Workers, Millwright, and Machinist Unions.
Thomas was born in Hartmannsdorf, Germany on July 2, 1939. At the age of 15, Thomas left home to attend school in Munich where he became a millwright. He worked a few years in Hartmannsdorf and Munich before immigrating to Canada in June of 1965. He became a proud Canadian citizen in Vancouver on December 4, 1970. In Vancouver, Thomas worked for Mac & Mac, Galbraith and Sully Ltd. before spending many fulfilling years working for Canadian Energy. He then moved on to being machinist erector and foreman at Dominion Bridge. In 1990, Thomas helped install new machinery at Pacific Press in Surrey and stayed there until his retirement in 2004. In 1991, Thomas was awarded a Silver Veteran's Badge (Twenty -Five Year Veteran) as an honour conferred by the Grand Lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
As a child, Thomas had to hike and ski for miles in order to get to school. Naturally, when he moved to Vancouver, Thomas became a regular at Whistler to continue his passion for skiing. As a nature enthusiast, Thomas was an avid hiker and cyclist. He was an adroit fisherman –– much to the delight of his friends, who loved his gifts of gravlax, and fresh and canned salmon. In his free time, when he wasn’t reading or listening to music, Thomas would spend hours in the workshop he’d built, applying his artistic abilities to woodworking and stained glass projects, which showcased his flawless workmanship and creativity. He had a passion for gardening and strove to find as many unique and exotic plants and flowers as possible, showing little concern for how far he would have to travel in order to make his plans happen. Alongside Lila, Thomas spent many happy hours in the summertime canning fruits and fish, filling the freezer and shelves with bounteous amounts of jams and pickles, so he could delight others with delectable gifts.
Forever gentle in spirit, Thomas was generous, kindhearted and compassionate, and always tried to make people happy. Thomas’ wry sense of humor would often bring laughter to those around him. Thomas’ family and friends, both here and in Germany, remember his life fondly. We mourn Thomas’ passing, but find solace in knowing that he is in Heaven and is free from pain and suffering. Geh’ mit Gott, Thomas. Rest in Peace.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Thomas’ name to the BC Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
“God’s Garden”:
God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, 'Peace be Thine'.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.