Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David Thomas Obituary
David L. Thomas, S.J.
David L. Thomas, S.J., teacher and pastoral minister in Jesuit high schools and parishes in the Pacific Northwest, died June 22, 2021 at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos. He was 82 years old and a member of the Jesuit Order for 63 years.
David was born in Spokane, Washington, March 9, 1939, the son of Joseph L. Thomas and Lillian Hunter Thomas. He graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory School in 1957. Two years later, he entered the Jesuit novitiate in Sheridan, Oregon. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Gonzaga University and a M.Div. from Regis College, Toronto.
David taught Latin, history, speech, and religion at Loyola High School, Missoula, MT, 1964-1968. After his theological training in Toronto in 1971, he returned to the classroom. Assigned to Seattle Preparatory School / Mateo Ricci College, Seattle, he devoted 35 years to Jesuit education, both as a teacher and administrator. Primarily a teacher of history, he also taught photography for many years and later served as Vice President of Plant , dean of students, and administrator of the Jesuit community, 1997-2006.
He served as Pastoral Associate at St. Francis Xavier, Church, Missoula, 2006-2014, where his ministry focused on the aged in retirement homes and health care facilities and to the home-bound of the area, bringing sacraments and companionship. He later did the same ministry at the Jesuit residence in Spokane, 2014-2018. He was also an excellent musician and repaired church organs and other instruments. He retired to a ministry of prayer at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in 2018.
David is survived by his brothers, J. Richard (Dick) Thomas and Daniel F. Thomas, Sister-n-law, Sharon Thomas, nieces Sue and Lori Thomas, Judy Arsenault and Debbie Lee, nephews David, Bill, and Gary Thomas, all of Spokane. He was predeceased by a brother, James.
Funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 16, 10 a.m. St. Aloysius Church, 330 E. Boone Avenue, Spokane. The funeral will also be livestreamed at https://stalschurch.org/mass-livestream
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Thomas
4 Entries
Lori Thomas
July 13, 2024
Still missing.... our talks, ours drives, our walks, and you Uncle Dave
John Feczko
February 16, 2022
I worked off tuition before I even started Matteo Ricci and Crazy Dave Thomas was my boss in janitorial duties in the summer of 1975. I was one of the few who could call him Dave and not, Mr. Thomas, as the faculty required. I was an A student but I rebelled against his history text and refused to read it. He gave me my only C in high school (C- actually) but he should have flunked me.
Manifest Destiny, DAVE. Godspeed!
Byrne family
July 16, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to Dave´s family. He was a dear friend to all of us beginning in Spokane as members of Augustine Parish. Kathy and Dave worked together at Seattle Prep for many years.
Our prayers and love are with you all. Rest In Peace Dave.
Peter Byrne, S.J. Robert Byrne, Kathy Byrne Krueger, Molly Byrne Carson.
Lori Thomas
July 16, 2021
I will sure miss our talks Uncle Dave
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in David Thomas's name
Memorial Events
for David Thomas
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Thomas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
