Bill Thomas

William E. Thomas II, also known as Bill Thomas, passed away in his home on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Born August 31, 1942, he was 83 years old. Son of Alfred R. and Ruth B. Thomas and grandson of Herman C. Bretschneider, Bill was born in Denver, CO and attended East High School. At the age of 13 Bill began riding around town on a Vespa scooter his parents had purchased for him and by 17 he began restoration on a Triumph Tiger Cub. This began his career with the motorcycle community which continued for the remainder of his life. In 1965 Bill began racing at Coal Creek near Lafayette, CO with the Boulder Ridge Runners and by 1967 Bill was racing motocross in Europe. Returning from the Spanish GP in 1967, Bill opened Bill Thomas Motorcycles which remained open for business until the spring of 1988. Locally, in 1980 Bill designed the motocross track in Lakewood known now as Thunder Valley for a national race and in 1982 he designed the track at the Continental Divide Raceway in Castle Rock, CO for a second national MX race. Bill's passion for the perfect machine kept him busy through a multitude of different endeavors. Bill tirelessly pursued the perfect balance of power, suspension, and tuning to give the rider the most enjoyable experience. Bill is survived by his cousins, Louise Lamphere of NM and Jemma Crae of OR. Bill is also survived by his stepson, Jason Carter of CO; Julia Carter; and his grandchildren-Elliott, Everett, and Eleanor-who will always remember him lovingly as Grandpa Bill. He will be missed by his friends and family and will be remembered fondly by all those who swung a leg over the saddle of a motorcycle and rode the trails and tracks with him both near and far. Bill will be laid to rest near his parents and grandparents at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, CO.