Bob Thomas

Bob Thomas - devoted husband; beloved brother, uncle, friend, nephew, son and cousin; highly accomplished real estate expert; lifelong champion of liberal causes; and committed fighter for gay rights - died on June 10, 2010, after a brief but courageous battle with colon cancer. He was 66 years old. Bob was born October 28, 1943, in Springfield, Mo., to Robert and Frances Hungerford Thomas. Bob's father died while fighting in the European theater in World War II. Bob grew up in Springfield, but moved away to attend college, eventually graduating from the University of Texas El Paso. Bob's stellar 40-year real estate career was full of impressive achievements. He became a real estate agent in 1969 in Atlanta, and was awarded rookie commercial broker of the year. He later became a licensed broker in Atlanta. His early successes helped him earn the National Association of Realtors' distinguished Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. He contributed to writing and presenting many of the required courses for that designation. Bob left Atlanta and went to Century 21 International in California, where he organized a commercial division for that franchise. He later served as regional director for Century 21 of the Pacific, and also as a regional director for RE/MAX, in addition to other positions. In recent years, he worked as a consultant for Real Data Strategies. Besides his considerable professional successes, he also earned his MBA from prestigious Pepperdine University. Bob was also very devoted to political issues. He was a founding member and co-chair of the Palm Springs Democratic Club. He was elected program chair for 2008, remained an adviser to the Board in 2009 and was elected political action committee chair for 2010. In addition, Bob was the 2008 Volunteer of the Year for the Riverside Co. Democratic Party. Furthermore, he was a member of the Stonewall Democrats, a board member and served as President of Caring For Babies With AIDS and a staunch opponent of Proposition 8 in California. He was a founding member of the Marriage Equality Coalition. Never hesitant to speak his mind when needed, Bob gave freely of his time, enthusiasm and intelligence to the liberal ideals he held dear to his heart. He was someone who made things happen. Bob is survived by husband Tony Thomas, Palm Springs; sister Rayea (Paul) Pieschel, St. Simons Island, Ga.; nephew Joe Palcher, Cincinnati, Ohio; and niece Jennifer (Garrett) Silliman, and grand niece Harper Silliman, Atlanta, Ga. He is also survived by in-laws, Gail and Bobby Hendon, South Fulton, Tenn.; Lisa (David) McGrath, niece Ann Marie, and nephews, David and John, Ormond Beach, Fla.; Alan Thomas/Deidra Stone, and nieces Alexis and Reanne, Fruitland Park, Fla.; and Kathy Hendon, Dallas, Texas. In addition, he had several cousins and uncles who loved him dearly. He was also adored by his "herd" of three dogs and three cats, whom he doted on. At Bob's request no funeral service is planned. However, there will be a celebration for Bob in late July. For more information contact tleethomas@aol.com In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 255 N. El Cielo, Suite 140-189, Palm Springs, CA 92262.