As a socialist and member of the New Democratic Party since its inception and its predecessor the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), Hilda Thomas was a well-known and respected figure for her moral and social leadership, who never hesitated to initiate and participate in social and political debate. A brilliant, articulate speaker, her strength, stamina and courage over five decades has inspired many to work for a more just future for Canada and the world. She was a tour de force in the civic, provincial and federal NDP. Always a staunch feminist, Hilda was a founding member of the Federal and BC Women’s Rights Committees, working on significant policy for the Party in areas of women’s rights and broader social issues.  She was a tireless advocate for a woman’s right to choose, working on changes to the Criminal Code on abortion.

Hilda was always willing to take a position on the front line, running as an NDP candidate in several provincial and federal election campaigns. On the day of her death, representatives from the NDP BC Convention meeting in Vancouver came to her bedside with a unanimous resolution from the delegates recognizing her as an insightful and dedicated leader who had inspired generations of women activists in the NDP and in many other social organizations and declaring: “This Convention of the BC NDP goes on record as recognizing and honouring the immense and unique contributions of Hilda Thomas to our party and to British Columbia society.”

As an executive member of the BC Women’s Rights Committee she facilitated the work of the Committee’s Task Force on Older Women. Hilda lent her considerable skills to a number of organizations in the health field. One of her lasting contributions is as founding and long-time member of the Everywoman’s Health Centre. In addition, Hilda served for eight years on the elected Board of the Vancouver General Hospital. She devoted numerous volunteer hours to the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities as parliamentarian, researcher and writer and also shared her talents with Theatre Terrific, a theatre troupe of people with disabilities, as well as holding classes in public speaking for members of the disability community. As a Peace activist, she devoted many years to organizing against the Vietnam War and consistently supported organized labour.

As an urbanite, Hilda did more than most to protect the parks of British Columbia. She was a primary mover in increasing Parks & Wilderness areas in British Columbia to 12% of provincial lands, conserving green space for future generations. A vocal and long-time ally for the environmental movement, Hilda worked in Point Grey for the protection and establishment of the Jericho Lands, the Point Grey foreshore, including Wreck Beach, and Pacific Spirit Park and in the end stood with the Musqueam in their Aboriginal Title and Right land claim. She actively supported the preservation of Clayoquot Sound. On campus, she worked to ensure the First Nations Longhouse was constructed.

A tenured Senior Instructor of the UBC English Department, she taught English Literature, Composition and Rhetoric, and Canadian Studies. Hilda’s keen analyses, scintillating wit and high expectations challenged and inspired generations for 30 years until her retirement in 1993. As a UBC student herself, she graduated in Honours English and Philosophy. An editor and published essayist, Hilda also wrote a valuable critical thesis on Malcolm Lowrey’s Under the Volcano for her English Master’s Degree in 1965. 

Hilda will be remembered by those privileged to hear her classical piano playing, and also by her many folk singing friends. She had an astounding voice and repertoire, and was also known for penning such legendary and unforgettable political agit-prop songs as The Broken Down Blues and Iraq Song that spring from her personal convictions on injustice in society. She was a founding member of the Vancouver Folk Song Society. With Phil, she performed at Folklife Expo 86 and countless other festivals and gatherings.

In the last moments of her life, the family and friends gathered around her sang a song written by Hilda.

The last verse of Hilda’s Days Like This:

   “So the seasons change with our life’s turning
    Snow falls down like music in the night
    And wrapped within the warm cocoon of winter
    Now we know that time must have its flight.”

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the staff and volunteers

at Palliative Care Tower 16 of the Vancouver General Hospital,

including Dr. Wendy Yeomans and Mr. Afzal Mangalji.

A celebration of Hilda Thomas’ life will be held at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver,

949 West 49th Avenue at Oak Street, on Saturday, January 7^th, 2:00 pm;

reception at Hewett Centre to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities,

Ste 204, 456 West Broadway,

Vancouver B.C V5Y 1R3.

The above obituary ran December 1, 2005 in the Vancouver Sun, page C9

Link here to articles clipped from

Vancouver Sun, Monday December 5th, 2005 page A3 and

Vancouver Courier, Sunday, January 1, 2006 page 13

Philip J Thomas Obituary

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