The life of Major Ian Thomas
THE man who founded a religious retreat in Capernwray has died, aged 92.
Major Ian Thomas, who lived at Capernwray Hall for 40 years, died on August 1 at his home in Loveland, Colorado, where he had been living since 1986.
Mr Thomas was born in Hampstead in 1914 to Albert and Jennie Thomas. After school he spent two years at St Bartholomew's Hospital but left to become a preacher.
He was called up in 1939 to serve with the Royal Fusiliers in World War Two and was posted in France and Belgium.
During a brief leave in England he married Joan, but soon returned to military operations in North Africa and Greece.
This was followed by service in Italy where he was involved in the Battle of Monte Cassino after which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
While Mr Thomas was away he asked his wife to buy Capernwray Hall at an auction and it was opened as a Christian youth and conference centre in 1947. Within two years a Bible school was added and today the Torchbearers International organisation has expanded to include 24 centres around the world.
For 70 years Mr Thomas travelled extensively around the world preaching while he also wrote several books centred on the Christian life.
He and his wife enjoyed more than 65 years of married life and they had four married sons who are all involved in the organisation, either based at Capernwray or in America.
Mr Thomas's funeral took place in Estes Park, Colorado, on August 6. A thanksgiving service will be held at Capernwray Hall later in September.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Lancaster
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
