Eugene C. Thomas

Eugene C. Thomas was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on February 8, 1931, to Clifford E. and Margaret A. Thomas. He died at home in Boise on September 13, 2010. In his early teen years, the family moved to Boise where he met Jody Raber. They graduated from Boise High School in 1948 before Gene headed off to Columbia University in New York City and Jody went to the University of Idaho. In December, 1950, they were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Boise, spending the next few years in New York while Gene completed college and law school, also at Columbia. Gene began his legal career as U. S. District Judge Fred Taylor's first law clerk. Then he worked as a prosecuting attorney in the Ada County prosecutor's office, first as an appointed chief deputy, and later, at the age of 24, was elected to the office of Ada County Prosecuting Attorney. He and Jody began raising a family when their son Michael was born in 1952, soon to be followed by Stephen in 1953. In these busy years, Gene also entered into a partnership with an experienced, highly regarded Boise lawyer, Willis Moffatt, and they began the law firm Moffatt Thomas, now known as Moffatt Thomas Barrett Rock & Fields. Although he practiced in many areas of the law -- business, health care, utility law, banking, and legislative advocacy -- Gene initially made his name as a trial lawyer. He believed in service to the profession. At age 40, he was elected President of the Idaho State Bar. Later, in the 1980s, he would serve as the State Bar delegate to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates. From there he rose to Chairman of the House of Delegates in 1985 and was elected President of the American Bar Association in 1986-1987. In addition to his law practice, Gene was deeply involved with his community and two of his favorite causes were health care and education. He served on the St. Luke's board of directors from 1963 to 1998, including ten years as its chairman. He was also one of the creators of St. Luke's affiliate, Mountain States Tumor Institute. Gene served on the board of the College of Idaho for about two decades. In recent years, he became particularly interested in the Boy Scouts of America, designing and funding a program for children of limited means so that they could participate fully in the Boy Scout activities. The University of Idaho College of Law has also been one of his interests where he has funded research and scholarly work on topics in the development of the law. He held honorary LL.D. degrees from both the University of Idaho and the College of Idaho. Gene was joined in the practice of law by both of his sons. He was fond of telling his sons that law was a terrific career because you never had to retire from it. Indeed, he was serving clients and participating with his usual vigor in board meetings even in the last two months of his life. Gene Thomas is survived by his wife Jody. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this December. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Mike and Martha Thomas and Steve and Maureen Thomas, his grandchildren Katherine, John, Nicholas, Peter and his wife Rachael, and Andrew, and his great granddaughter Casey. Gene is also survived by his nieces Karen Love (and her husband David and their children Kristin Boscia, Christopher, Kourtney, and Kevin) and Kim Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marjorie Cook. Gene was a great lover of animals during his life, beginning with his black Cocker Spaniel, Diablo, and including his several Springer Spaniels (all named Sunday) and his cat, Rosebud. Gene's family would like to thank Dr. Paul Montgomery, St. Luke's Hospice, and all who brought him comfort in his last few weeks. The family suggests in lieu of flowers contributions to St. Mary's School, Mountain States Tumor Institute, the Boy Scouts, the Idaho Humane Society, or a favorite charity. His funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 2612 West State Street at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 20, with a reception to follow at the Arid Club at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel.