Christopher Michael Thomas

1982 - 2012

Christopher Michael Thomas, beloved husband, father, brother, son and friend passed away in Austin Texas, Monday October 15, 2012. Chris was born in Portland, Oregon on June 16, 1982 and moved to Juneau at the age of 8. Chris joined Boy Scout Troop 6 in Juneau, ultimately attaining the Order of the Arrow and the rank of Eagle Scout. Chris graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School in 2000. He received his Masters in Public Administration from UAS in 2009, having previously graduated from Concordia University in Portland, OR with a degree in Education.
Chris held jobs in State and Federal transportation agencies focused on highway safety and later worked in business accounting while in Texas. He also spoke highly of his early employment at REACH in Juneau where he enjoyed taking youth on supervised outings such as fishing or playing in a park.
Chris' interests ranged from outdoor adventures, to acting, and volunteering for youth. He took part in several adventure trips, including canoeing the Yukon River, crossing Admiralty Island, and hiking the Chilkoot Trail. In 2010 he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; he was an elder in the church. He taught Sunday school for the 9 year-old class in his congregation and served as an assistant Scout Master in Austin, TX.
Chris had a kind heart and a willingness to help others. He always offered to lend a hand wherever help was needed. Chris had a wonderful sense of humor and laughed easily. Growing up, he and his brother Ryan were very close and shared many inside jokes and common interests. His parents used to say that, when Chris and Ryan were together, they spoke a language of brothers that no one else could understand. Chris was a prolific writer of both poetry and prose. He loved movies and playing games – from computer gaming and Nintendo to chess, Scrabble and poker. Chris recently said that these last two years with Becca, Abby and Robby were the happiest of his life.
Chris is survived by his wife Becca Thomas (Gordon), and children Abigail and Robert. He is also survived by his parents Dina Thomas, Jeff Ottesen, Mike and Nena Thomas, all of Juneau, and his brother Ryan Thomas, of Portland, OR. Other survivors include grandfather Marv Thomas, grandmother Pat Rogers, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers or cards, donations to assist his wife Becca Thomas (Gordon) attend college in order to attain her RN can be made to: http://www.youcaring.com/search_result?fundraiser=chris+thomas under Chris Thomas Memorial Fund.