William Angus "Bill" Thomas

William Angus "Bill" Thomas, age 61 passed away November 22, 2014. He was born in Farmington, NM on February 6, 1953 son of James L. Thomas and Elizabeth Chisholm Thomas. He is survived by his mother Elizabeth Thomas of Rio Rancho, NM, his sisters Cathie Haggard and husband James of Rio Rancho, Candi Mitchell of Rio Rancho and Gin Thomas of Rio Rancho. He is also survived by his nieces Chastelle Mitchell of Taos, NM, Renee Canku and husband Eric of Phoenix, AZ, Tiffiny Mitchell of Rio Rancho, Erica Ohmit and husband Rick of Hamilton, Ohio, Lizzie Thomas of Albuquerque and nephew Scott Thomas and his wife Aurora of Albuquerque; 13 grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his father James L. Thomas, his brother Bob Thomas and his nephew Jamie Thomas. Bill was a special angel given in life to the Thomas Family to help guide them to serve the needs of others who are handicapped and those in need that they may encounter in their journey of life. He was truly an inspiration to all as he continued to live through the many challenges of his developmentally delayed problems. His beautiful smile and encouragement gave all a feeling of love and God's precious gift of life. Bill lived in Roswell, NM for 33 years, attending the Jaycee Training Center and Tabosa Development Center. He moved to Albuquerque in 1987 and entered the ARCA program. The family would like to extend a grateful appreciation to all the staff at ARCA, especially his extended Family at the Mesquitewood home - Cathy Aguilar (his second Mom) and staff for all their devotion through the many difficult ER visits at Westside Lovelace ER; and to Ed Kaul and Elaine Salomon and staff at ARCA; to Al Friedman and staff at the Adelente Program who helped him to reach his potentials; to Frank Brady who was not only his PT therapist but also a true buddy and friend; to Randy Parsons, his case manager who guided Bill and our family through the difficult times to see that he received all of his programs; to Peggy and Bruce McClure, his speech therapist who not only helped him in speech therapy but also showed him the love and care of animals; and to Reyna Wynn, case manager who guided his family and staff during his last days. The family would also like to extend their grateful appreciation and thanks to Dr. Paul Turner, MD and staff at the Neurological Clinic at UNM Hospital for their care and devotion to his medical needs; to Dr. Ray Lyons, DDS and staff who met all his dental needs; to both the Dr. Noya's at Four Humors for the care of his medical needs; to Westside Lovelace Hospital ER Staff for the their quick response to his emergency needs and to the caring devotion and love extended to Bill by the Heartland Hospice staff, especially Evelyn and Maria. Bill was an inspiration to all who have to meet the challenges of life when they have so many disabilities. He would like to quote: "The least to whom you gave your hand Will walk with you to God's own land By serving others and your Lord You've gained your life and your reward." A rosary service will be held Sunday, November 30, 2014, 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Rio Rancho, 1950 Pine Rd NE, Rio Rancho. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, December 1, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho. Burial of the cremated remains will follow at South Park Cemetery in Roswell, NM at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to ARCA, 11300 Lomas Blvd, Albuquerque, 87112, The Arc of New Mexico, 3655 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, or the Adelante Development Center, 3900 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Please visit our online guestbook for Bill at FRENCH - Rio Rancho 1950 Pine Rd NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 (505)338-2000