In Memoriam: Paul “Doc” Thomas

Ontario Basketball is saddened by the loss of legendary coach Dr. Paul “Doc” Thomas, who passed away peacefully November 2, 2017. He was 91.

The Niagara Falls, ON native began his career as a basketball player and was a four time All-Canadian at the University of Western Ontario.

At only the age of 24, Thomas was a player-coach with the the 1952 National Champion Tillsonburg Livingstons who represented Canada at the Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland.

As head coach of the Windsor Lancers for over 20 years from 1969-1991, Thomas led the team to three OUAA Championships in 1971, 1973, and 1979, made six appearances in the CIAU Championship, was named CIAU Coach of the Year twice, and in 1993 he was inducted into the OUAA Referees Association Hall of Fame.

Thomas was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.  He was also inducted into the University of Western Ontario Hall of Fame (1983) and University of Windsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 in the category of Administrator/Builder/Coach.

The University of Windsor and his family are holding a celebration of life at the St. Denis Centre Nov. 17 starting at 11 a.m.