Robert L. "Bubba" Thomas

1945 - 2024

Robert L. Thomas, aka "Bubba" to some of his friends, was born Jan. 24, 1945 in Seattle, Washington. He passed away April 27 in Anchorage Alaska at his daughters home.
In August of 1961 he moved to Fairbanks, Alaska with his family from Washington. He graduated from Lathrop High School and a little later joined the Army National Guard. While in the National Guard he helped during the clean-up of the Fairbanks 1967 Flood, driving a hummer, checking out for looters, and helping to restore the community of Fairbanks.
Bob was a part of local union 302 operating engineers for many years working/operating back-hoes, scrapers, and also worked at Prudhoe Bay during the 70's pipeline days. He loved being a part of Local 302 and retired in 2012. He greatly enjoyed his time at Local 302.
He was passionate about salmon fishing, going to Chitina, dip-net fishing, he took an interest in photography especially nature photography, was a Seahawk fan, traveling around the great state of Alaska, and in his younger days he enjoyed going to Arizona and Mexico. He also loved his cabin and property on Dale Rd.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Elsie Thomas. He is survived by his two sisters, Virginia (Jack) Benson, Laurie (Roger) Ostrem; the mother of his children Sheila Hunison of Shelton, Washington; their three children, Tiffany, Bobbi, and Eric; his seven grandchildren, Camryn, Caeden "Cady", Ariana, Arizona "Zoe", Tobias, Darian, Maya; two nieces, three nephews, one great-nephew, three great-nieces, and one great-great-niece. He is also survived by Jodyne and her daughter Teri of Fairbanks.
He will be missed by his family and friends. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.