Ice fishing derby honors his legacy
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
WOODSTOCK — When Christopher Thomas died friends and relatives wanted to keep his memory alive … and perhaps help others.
They hit upon a way near and dear to Thomas’ heart — an ice fishing derby.
Year seven of the Christopher Thomas Annual Ice Fishing Derby drew more than 50 people and many donations, according to his wife, April Thomas.
She didn’t have a count yet on the amount raised this past weekend, but last year the derby raised about $4,000. The money raised will go toward a scholarship in Thomas’ name.
Thomas was a corrections officer who “knew just about everyone,” according to April Thomas.
He died suddenly and left behind his wife, two children and a huge number of friends.
He loved helping people and April Thomas said friends and strangers alike are continuing that legacy. The derby at Roseland Park Lake pulled in plenty of fishermen.
She said the man who lives on the other side of the lake brings them hot food — and a donation.
“(Thomas) knew so many people. We don’t want him to be forgotten,” April Thomas said.
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Ice Fishing
Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photos.