RICHARD N. THOMAS

Richard N. Thomas was born on October 19, 1926, and died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at his home in Fresno. Richard "Dick" was born in Oakland and raised in Piedmont, California. He was a third generation Californian of Welsh, Danish, and Norwegian decent. In high school he pursued swimming and scouting, and became an Eagle Scout. He served in the Merchant Marines during WWII and in the Army during the Korean War. He later worked as a scout executive in Solano County and then Fresno County, where he came in 1965 and settled with his family. Scouting was a passion throughout his life, serving as scoutmaster and camp director, as well as scout executive. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest award given by the Boy Scouts of America. For several years in the 1980s, he fought to save Scout Island for the use of local Boy Scouts. A humanitarian and champion of social equality, he spoke out for progressive causes. He participated in the Fresno Metro Ministries, worked to enhance the Negro College Fund before the time of Affirmative Action, and served on the Fresno-Madera Counties Board for Ombudsmen. A natural musician, Dick often played accordion for various benefits and services, including the Fresno Rescue Mission. An avid bicyclist well into his eighties, he was often seen riding his mountain bike all over Fresno. A sometimes actor and an aspiring writer, he loved film and the theater. He was awarded for making 100 blood donations to the Fresno Blood bank, and continued giving until his health would no longer permit it. A lifelong Methodist, Dick sometimes served as lay speaker for smaller congregations when their pastors were away. He was an active member of the Men's Tuesday Morning Bible Study and a member of Toastmasters and the Kiwanis Club. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dick is survived by his wife, Barbara F. Thomas; five children, Dan Thomas and his wife Mila of Piedmont, Jim Thomas and his wife Yoon Hee of Montreal, Canada, Mary Veach and her husband Steve of Fresno, Margaret Roberson and her husband Bill of Turlock, and Bill Thomas of Davis; a brother, Don Thomas of Castro Valley; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sixteen nieces and nephews; and an International Christian Youth Exchange student, Hilde Katter Hughes. A Memorial Service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 E. Barstow in Fresno on Friday, December 30, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. All of his friends and associates are invited to attend. NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA 1154 West Shaw Avenue Fresno, California (559)222-7764