DOVER - Rick Thomas, 46, of Colorado Springs, Colo., passed away on Jan. 30, 2013 after a valiant and courageous battle with a rare form of kidney cancer. He was born in New Haven, Conn. and was raised north of Toronto, Ontario. Rick attended University of Guelph (Ont.) and graduated with a BS in Computer Science with an emphasis on aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Fla. Rick was a Captain with the US Air Force for 12 years, where he became an aircraft commander and instructor in air refueling on the C-5 Galaxy before making lieutenant. He became Chief of Standards and Evaluations, thus earning the rank of Captain. He had been a First Officer with American Airlines for the past 13 years. In addition to his flying career, he had his Colorado Real Estate License and assisted his wife in their business at ERA Shields Real Estate. Rick was a loving, caring, giving and truly empathetic man who was incredibly funny and could light up a room with his smile and personality. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking, skiing, fishing and mountain biking. He is survived by his wife, Suzette; their three children, Jake (10), Max (6) and Chloe (4); his parents, Jim and Lynn Thomas of Maricopa, Az.; his brother, Jim (Bev) of Columbus, Ohio; sisters, Annie Howell (Brad) of Kensington, Md., and Michele Chamblin (Alex) of Bellevue, Wash.; and many adored nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 at Swan Law Funeral Home (501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs) from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Life service for Rick will be held at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church (4285 N. Academy Blvd.) on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow internment at Swan Law Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the education fund for the children by sending checks to Suzette Thomas at 5475 Tech Center Drive, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, CO. 80919.