Larry Thomas

[Jack Bennest]

Copyright Southam Publications Inc. Sep 10, 2008


When it comes to media personalities in Nanaimo, Larry Thomas was second to none.

A community backer of all things sports and otherwise, Thomas lent his support always, whether it be Nanaimo Clippers hockey or the World Famous Bathtub Race. He was on the spot to bring the happenings to Nanaimo radio listeners.

On Sept. 20, Thomas, who passed away at the age of 74 three years ago this week, will be the inaugural inductee into the media category for the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame. All 10 inductees will be honoured at a gala dinner at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre.

Tickets for the evening are $75 and can be obtained by visiting the Nanaimo Museum (Port of Nanaimo Centre) or by calling 250-753-1821.

Thomas began and ended his broadcasting career in Nanaimo.

He started with CHUB 1570 in 1951 when the station's 1,000-watt signal originated from the old Malaspina Hotel.

Subsequent work with Victoria radio station CJVI and a newspaper stint as a reporter/photographer for the Vancouver Sun's Nanaimo Bureau eventually led him back to Nanaimo airwaves in 1966.

The graduate of Sprott Shaw Radio School in Vancouver returned to CHUB and was the station's news and sports director until 1980. He was awarded the prestigious RTNDA award in 1978.

Thomas was the longtime voice of Nanaimo Clippers hockey, keeping local hockey fans abreast of the team's success on the ice through three B.C. Junior Hockey League championships (1976-78).

Thomas was later the voice of Nanaimo Timbermen lacrosse.

An avid sports fan, Thomas also played hockey and golf and enjoyed motorcycling and fishing.

Equal to his love of sports was his love of his community.

Larry was a dedicated volunteer. He was a director of the Central Island Radio Aid Association, Newcastle Island Society, and City Centre Association and was chosen as the Empire Day Parade Marshal in 1990.

In 1989, Thomas was recognized at CHUB'S 40th anniversary for his achievements in broadcast journalism and for being such a dominant force in our community.

He served as a city councillor from 1993-96.

Thomas returned to CHUB in 1982 after serving a two-year term in communications with the Nanaimo RCMP detachment.

He hosted the show 'Open Mike' which led him to a wide array of interviews with Prime Ministers, authors, actors, and athletes.

It was once stated that "every community should be so fortunate as to have a Larry Thomas who is not only vitally interested in all Nanaimo activities, but also gives so generously of his time and talent to further them."

Thomas put his heart and soul into Nanaimo.

He was devoted to his family, wife Audrey, their children and grandchildren.

The Daily News is profiling all 10 inductees for the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame, which opens Sept. 20.