Written by by Gus Rethwisch

13413675_289987821337809_3068716971768340871_nGary Thomas – WABDL Chief Administrator
Born August 7, 1938 in Hollywood, California and Died June 6, 2016 in Newberg, Oregon

If you were ever weighed in at a WABDL meet where Gary and his wife Elma managed the weigh in room,  then you know it wasn’t a typical weigh-in. It was actually a good experience.

I hated weigh-ins in the time I lifted in the old AAU in the early seventies and then the old USPF up until 1986.  People were rude – indifferent.  Most, not all, of the officials whether it be judges, meet directors, or weigh-in staff didn’t seem to want to be there.  I understand more than most that directing a Powerlifting meet is a thankless job.  Because of the bad attitude of some officials we started WABDL.

Gary Thomas was very organized in the weigh-in room.  His wife Elma, who I   used   to   be married to, has been helping me with meets since 1984.  She organized me, and Gary helped organized Elma.

Gary was a bank Vice President, and he and Elma worked together very well for the WABDL from 1999 until June 1, 2016 when Gary went into Hospice.  Gary gave 17 loyal years to the WABDL even up to 5 days before his death.  When I go to the Rancho Cordova, CA, Chico, CA, Olympia, WA, Portland, OR and the world meets, it won’t be the same without Gary.  When I attend any of those meets that’s when Gary’s absence will hit me hard!  Gary I want you to know that your professionalism, courage, and your presence are irreplaceable.  You made the WABDL weigh in room the most efficient and friendly of any federation.  It’s been an honor to know you and to work with you!

Gary battled prostate cancer for nine years.  In the middle of the World Championships in Anaheim, CA in 2007, Gary and Elma had to go to a local hospital so Gary could have back surgery.  Gary’s prostate cancer had already spread so he dealt with the prostate cancer spreading to his bones and lymph nodes for nine years – 2007-2016.  He fought quietly and courageously, refusing conventional chemo therapy and opting for Holistic infusions at a holistic clinic in Reno, NV.  Most importantly, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and the Father answered prayers and aided in Gary’s survival for nine years under impossible odds.

Gary was my scorekeeper for 52 meets and he spent 418 days, 12 hours a day at WABDL meets.  He and Elma were married for 17 years.  They both grew up in Hollywood and Burbank, CA.  They were high school sweethearts in 1956.  Then they went their separate ways.  Gary married and had 2 children, then his wife died of cancer in 1995.  Gary and Elma reconnected 42 years later – A storybook ending.

If anybody wants to send donations or condolences please send email to Ron L’Huillier (WABDL Webmaster) for her address (dlron700@gmail.com) .  For your information, Elma did not want donations, this is my idea.  I know she could use some help.  Plus I’m sure any good experiences that any of you have had with Gary would be of interest to Elma.

This is a very difficult period for Elma.  She is 78.  Without Gary and Elma, there would be no WABDL.

Sincerely,

Gus Rethwisch