Search by Name

Search by Name

Timothy Thomas Obituary

Timothy Hudson Thomas

May 19, 1951 ~ June 16, 2012

Timothy Hudson Thomas, treasured friend, true gentleman, raconteur, and source of love and joy to more than can be imagined, passed away unexpectedly on June 16th.

A rare Seattle native, he attended St George and St Francis grade schools, Seattle Prep High School and the University of Washington. He was significantly involved in the automobile trucking business with his father Ted until the business was sold in 1986. After that he went on to attend the Sorbonne and lived for a while in Paris - a city he loved above all others. He later graduated from the Sotheby's Art Evaluation and Appraisal School in London, and with his appreciation of design and his unique gift of taste, he launched a successful interior design business that continued until his death.

Timothy truly enjoyed entertaining. Gifted with an amazing voice and a true flair for showmanship he became a performer audiences longed to see. Along with other talented associates he started The Group, a cabaret act that produced several sold-out performances at the Ruins and later at Act Theater. Their Christmas shows and Timothy's performances as his alter ego, Jenny St Croix, were fantastic events and always left patrons wanting more.

A real lover of dogs, Timothy was devoted to his last pet Clark; a large Great Dane who he often said suited his lifestyle perfectly. Clark loved to lounge on the bed with him, sleep in, and filled Timothy's days with joy and amusement.

Timothy was a true renaissance man. While he excelled in so many different areas, none of us will ever forget his social e;lan and the pleasure he brought to all the lives he touched.

He is survived by his parents Ted and Patty Thomas, brother Terry (Sandy) Thomas, sister Mary Pat (Tom) Bowman, nephews Terry Thomas III, Marshall and Mathew Thomas, Ned Bowman, niece Alice Bowman, and his beloved friend Vana Ingram.

Timothy, we miss you dearly.

Donations in Timothy's name to your favorite animal charity or Dane Outreach.

Services at St. James Cathedral 11:00 am Friday June 29, 2012.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jun. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Thomas

Not sure what to say?





Jay McTyier

July 6, 2013

I was just writing a memoir about a weekend I spent at Tim and his wife Lili's home there in the U-district, and decided to do a google search to see what became of everyone. It saddens me to know now that Tim is no longer on the planet, but the words I read here about him tell me he was the same gracious, zany host I experienced when I was with him and my friend Bill, also now deceased, back in the mid-80s. Truly, thanks for the memories, Tim.

Michelann Ortloff

August 23, 2012

Timothy, my summer camp friend! You completed the beach with your pareos. Orcas Island will never be the same. You were one of the proverbial kind.

Ray Martell

August 22, 2012

So long my Friend, Tim. Did not see you for many years...We had fun driving to Seattle Prep with your Dad in his Cadillac. And we had fun at Prep in class and in some plays together. Always a smile and a joke. What a great laugh you had!! Always true to your friends and kind to all. I am sad, but I am glad to have known you. Until we meet again, Cheers! Ray Martell

Janet Yoder

August 7, 2012

I was once in a writing group with Timothy, Vana, and Beverly. Timothy was a witty, generous, elegant man. He will be missed.

Lisabeth Bull

August 6, 2012

Seeing Timothy every August at North Beach was a highlight in the year. His humor, support, kindness and sass were always a delight. I'm shocked that he will no longer be around for a drink or slice of pie at sunset. I wish the best to those who are missing Timothy. I'll toast his memory each year at North Beach.

Marianne and Tim Bull

August 5, 2012

We too knew Timothy and Vana from North Beach Inn on Orcas. Always upon arriving we would look down the beach to see if Clark and the German Shepherds were on the beach and if Timothy and Vana were situated in the sun. We loved to hear his stories. His happiness to be on the beach ( if the sun was shining!) was infectious. A favorite time is when he volunteered to "hide" our newly acquired beach-roaming stray in his car in case the old owners might show up. They didn't and he welcomed Henry every year with joy. Stunned to hear of his death, we will miss him every summer to come. Our sympathy to his family and to Vana, and to Clark.

Janeen Harbert

August 5, 2012

I learned of Timothy's death a few days ago at North Beach. "Columbia" cabin was vacant, fitting for the passing of my enchanting summer friend. I enjoyed many beach talks, drinks, and mutual love of dogs. A fond memory is meeting Timothy and Vanna on the cardeck of the ferry and beginning our vacation with drinks and outrageous laughter as we plowed through the waves toward Orcas island. The dogs and I will miss Timothy. Summer will never be quite the same.

B J L

July 4, 2012

We miss Timothy greatly, every time this group of friends meet we will toast him with fond love. Always a gentleman, with the very best sense of humor - Timothy we will remember you always.

Amy Woods

July 1, 2012

Timothy always had a smile and joy in his heart. I loved to hear him laugh. His sense of humor was the best and he made me laugh every time I saw him. He will be deeply missed.

Edith Lind - Director, Dane Outreach

July 1, 2012

I regret to say that I never knew Mr. Thomas, but as any Dane-person knows, those of us who share our homes and hearts with a Great Dane become one large “Dane-sized” family, so I feel I can call him Timothy. Not all Danes have such a loving, generous human as “Clark” clearly had in Timothy, and Dane Outreach greatly appreciates being a beneficiary of memorials to Timothy. The donations we have received will go toward our work in rescuing Danes so they, like Clark, can soon share joy and laughter in a loving home. From reading Timothy's story and the thoughts expressed here by his friends, I know he was truly a special person. We are honored to be included in the celebration of his life, and express our deepest sympathy to his friends, family, and Clark, on their loss.

John Heidtbrink

June 30, 2012

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Don Foro

June 26, 2012

Timothy was genuine, said what he thought, with no holds barred. Clark get down!

Jesse Wrenn

June 26, 2012

Timothy was a client. We only spoke when there was business to be discussed. I doubt we ever had a business discussion that didn't include a fair amount of laughter and end with him calling me kiddo. Timothy was a friend. I will miss him.

June 26, 2012

For all of us who knew Timothy and will miss him very much,especially his Family, you are all in my prayers. Earth has lost a quality person and friend and Heaven has gained a great soul. Rest in Peace Timothy. I treasure that I knew you and experienced your joy and laughter!
Lesli Ann Cone

June 25, 2012

To The Thomas family,
Tim was a wonderful "LIVE FOR LIFE" kind of person. He was always full of such a "zest" for life---theater, comedy and music. He would share love and laughter with all those he encountered. We remember a fun evening with him at Mathew's wedding. He was fun-loving, talented, heartfelt and definitely left an imprint on those with whom he shared time and cared about. He will be sorely missed.
With our deepest sympathy, Mary Lou and Terry Snowden

Patrick O'Brien

June 25, 2012

I worked for Tim and his dad in the 70's and 80's and will always remember him for the caring person that he was. I am truly sorry that he has passed but am thankful that I had an opportunity to know Tim and to work with him. He will be missed.

Marilyn Coll

June 25, 2012

I have known Timothy since we were awkward teenagers and young adults trying to find our way. What a strong person he became. So smart, elegant, worldy,and handsome... yet one of the most genuine, kind and soulful people I have known. To laugh or cry with Timothy is to get in touch with your own spirit.
Wish I could see you again, Timothy. Rest well my friend.

Jessi Heaton

June 25, 2012

Timothy has been a family friend for as long as I can remember. He was an amazing man. Someone you could always count on for a laugh so deep it left you breathless. I so wish I could be there to help celebrate his life. I will miss him and the presence he always brought to any occasion that was lucky enough to have him. Cheers to you, Timothy. Thank you for all memories.

June 24, 2012

I met Timothy through Vana Ingram and her dog training school. It was there that we both enrolled our dogs to become animals of refined behavior and exempliary character. What I remember most is how we laughed non-stop while Vana tried to shape us up to train our dogs – he with a Great Dane puppy, then the size of an overgrown Cocker Spaniel.

He was a gracious, loving man whose presence lit the room like a chandelier. Around Timothy I felt special.

I am so sorry for his passing.

Jane Ashe

Michelann Ortloff

June 24, 2012

Timothy was brilliant, unique and beloved. I will always remember our times with him on Orcas Island. He was a true mensch. We will miss him forever.

Mervin Wolf

June 24, 2012

I met Tim thru Michael McQuiston when he was still a teenager and later worked with the late designer Dean Polley on one of his homes, long before Tim became a designer himself.
I remember him as a real gentleman and a person of unique personal style.
His passing is a bit of a jolt.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in Timothy Thomas's name

Memorial Events
for Timothy Thomas

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Timothy'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Timothy 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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