Mitchell "Michael" Thomas

Mitchell "Michael" Thomas died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with lung disease. He was 77 years old.

Mike was born in Kana:takon to Louis and Louise Thomas. He attended the village school until he left to pursue work full time. Mike was a construction and ironworker for fifty years. He traveled the country as an ironworker until finally settling his family back in Akwesasne and starting Thomas Steel Erectors.

Mike's work can be seen throughout Akwesasne: the Kana:takon School, Kanonhkwatsheri:io, Iakhihsohtha, and the Anowarako:wa Arena, to name a few.

One of Mike's favorite activities was being outside. He loved mowing the lawn, being on the boat and spending time on St. Regis Island. Mike travelled all around the world and spent some time in most of the continental United States. His favorite place to go was Arizona, where he lived several years as a snowbird.

In the last years of his life, Mike became an avid historian. He was constantly learning about the history of Akwesasne and working for the rights of the people of Akwesasne. He hoped that his research would change the course of land claims, border crossing and treaty rights.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Charlene, and his children, Julianne (Justin) White, Michael (Carrie) Thomas, Krystal (Steven) Hallman, Kamie (Tony) Swamp, Karen (Jake) Adams, Barry (Cecelia Francis) Thomas and Kathy (Josh) Francis; his sister, Theresa Newvine and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Louise, his brothers: Abraham, Leonard, Richard and Edward, his son-in-law, Steven Hallman, and his faithful canine companion Penny.

Friends and family may celebrate the life of Mitchell "Michael" Thomas, beginning Friday, June 15th at 12:00 pm at the Kateri Hall, until Saturday, June 16th at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Regis Catholic Church, Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 am with Rev. Jerome Pastores officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Hunter's Hope and the Akwesasne Animal Society.