Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
R. Thomas Obituary
Professor and dean emeritus of UC Santa Barbara's Gevirtz School, passed away in Paso Robles, Calif. on November 4, 2016, at the age of 95. He is survived by his sister Elinor Guinn of Bellevue, Wash.; children, Robert Thomas of Los Osos and Kathryn "Lissa" Thomas of Santa Barbara; grandchildren, Courtney and Ryan Morrow of Paso Robles, Robert "Devon" Thomas of Los Osos, and Kaitlin Cortenbach of Santa Barbara; and great-grandson, Brock Morrow of Paso Robles. He is preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Dr. Shirley Moore Thomas, and his sister Minnabeth Garrison.
Murray was born on July 28, 1921, in Cheyenne, Wyo. to Robert MacDonald Thomas and Elizabeth Carson Thomas. The local doctor had to be called away from a rodeo to deliver Murray and suggested to his parents that they should name him "Skeeter Bill". Murray grew up in Denver Colorado. He received his undergraduate degree from the Colorado State Teachers College in Greely, Colo., and earned his PhD from Stanford University. After becoming a full Professor at the University of Brockport, Dr. Thomas and his wife moved their family to Indonesia where he taught at the university in Bangdung. After several years in Indonesia, they relocated to Santa Barbara where Dr. Thomas spent the remainder of his career.
Dr. R. Murray Thomas was a renowned author, published more than 400 times. He forged deep relationships with many of his former students and colleagues from around the world. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for R. Thomas
4 Entries
November 17, 2017
You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace hiin every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 2 15,16
November 17, 2017
You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 2 15,16
Nancy
November 17, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort (2Thessalonians 3:16) be with you as you remember your loved one. Please take care.
Michele (Chele) Harmer
November 27, 2016
I remember your parents and family from when you returned from Indonesia many years ago! My family, the Harmer's, were friends of your grandmother, Kathryn Gilmore. I fondly remember you all and am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in R. Thomas's name
Memorial Events
for R. Thomas
How to support R.'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
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor R. 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
