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Robert Kevil Thomas III

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University of North Carolina University of Richmond

Robert Thomas Obituary

1945 - 2009
Robert Kevil Thomas III, passed away Tuesday, July 21st at Novato Community Hospital near his home in Novato, California.

Born July 24, 1945 in New Albany, IN, he was the first of four children born to Robert Kevil Thomas Jr. of Chicago, IL, and Barbara Hindery Thomas of St. Joseph, MO.

Robert attended Benedictine High School, the University of Richmond, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served two tours in Vietnam with the MCB 121 Seabees.
A career civil servant and world traveler, Robert lived in Europe and Asia before settling in the Bay Area in 1989.

Robert is survived by Mary Lou Thomas, Patricia Miller, children Amanda Thomas Bull Kirk and Matthew Kevil Thomas, grandchildren Erica Bull, Zoe Bull, and Sawyer Thomas, brother Jeffrey Thomas, sisters Jennifer Wagoner and Karen Thomas, and pet Schnauzer Winnie the Pooch.

Robert will be cremated per his request. A memorial service to be held in October. For more information, please contact the family.

The family requests that in place of flowers, donations go to The Friends of the Cherry Valley Library, Mary Collins School at Cherry Valley, 1001 Cherry St., Petaluma, CA, 94952, to honor his love for his grandchildren who all attend Cherry Valley Elementary and his love of literature.

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

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Jul. 24 to Jul. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Thomas

31 Entries

Brenda Hudgins Hayes

July 18, 2024

You just couldn't/CAN't Forget....KEVIL....one of a kind....Never knew what he was going to say or do. Brilliant, master of language. So glad our lives touched...and one day will see him again. Hugs, Begee (SGHS'64)

Richard Stockton

July 15, 2010

I found out about Bobs passing last October when e-mail was not answered and did a little researching. I served with RK in Vietnam and in Gulfport.I lost contact with him in 1969 when we left the Seabees but got his e-mail address about 2000 kept in touch until 2007 and then lost address when I had to clear my computer when I left my job of 20 years. Very sorry to hear of your loss.It took me almost 9 months to try to find the right words and the guilt for not attending any of the Seabee Reunions. I know he will be truly missed by family and friends. Good bless you all Frog New Jersey [email protected]

January 5, 2010

Jennifer, Jeff and Karen and family,
I was shocked to hear about Kevil. He was a long distance cousin. May he rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Susan Warden Faessel, Anaheim, CA

Jeanette Cordero

October 20, 2009

I had the honor of knowing Bob when I worked at Oakland Army Base. I was a brand new goverment employeee/intern. Bob was bigger than life... funny, loud (to the point of almost being scary), super-intelligent and willing to share everything he knew (whether you wanted to know it or not). He had wonderful stories to tell. I got that he loved his family deeply and loved what life had to offer - travel, food and good wine. I remember him laughing, laughing and laughing about just about everything.

Thanks for all the wisdom you passed on and your friendship. I am so very sad you are gone.

Brenda Hudgins-Hayes

September 28, 2009

Today is when I found out that my old friend is no longer on this earth. I am shocked, saddened, and angry.

Kevil and I reconnected several years ago..not a difficult feat as we really had not changed the basis of our highschool friendship.

I was continuing to forward information regarding Veterans, especially Viet Nam Veterans, and emailing him, but none were being returned; so today I asked my husband, Joe, to see if he could find him online.

I was so looking forward to seeing him in October as he was supposed to "swing down" from his Seabee meeting to spend some time with me in Florida.

Kevil was crazy, funny, talkative (he even out-talked me!),caring, loving,argumentative, over-intelligent, and frustrating; and I loved him.

There was only one Kevil...and I will always miss you, sweet man. Begee

Philip Matthews

July 29, 2009

Kevil, I was fortunate to know you and spend time with you. As I told Jeff: you made the beer taste better and the ballgames more fun. Life was more interesting and exciting with you in it, and I will miss you like crazy.

Charlie NcCallan

July 28, 2009

Bob was a good friend and we spent many hours enjoing good wine, good company and messing about with computers. I will trul miss him.

Del Palmer

July 27, 2009

I am so very saddened & shocked to hear the news of Kevil's death. As a long time friend of the Thomas family, I can say, without a doubt in my mind, that his dear, marvelous Mother, "Barbara T.", was waiting right at those pearly gates for Kev!!

Kevil was always the big brother to his family & he wore that role very well. I know he will be missed deeply.

May Light Perpetual Shine Upon His Soul and All Those Who Have Gone Before Him.

Alex Stuck

July 27, 2009

I knew Kevil through Barbara Thomas. What I remember the most was the long speech he gave me when I joined the Army. He gave me lots of good information. He supported me 100%. We talked a few times after that but I eventually lost contact with him. A great guy, I'll miss him.

Karen Auroy

July 27, 2009

I didn't know Bob well, but I do know that he was a shining star in the life of my dear friend, Pat. He brought such joy and love into her life that I will always be grateful for him. In our brief encounters, I enjoyed his dry wit and thoughtful comments on a seemingly endless range of issues, but most of all, I liked his smile; the one caught so appropriately in his photo. Thanks for being there, Bob!

Rich Northup

July 27, 2009

Jeff, Jennifer, Karen and family,

Kevil's humor topped the charts for all of us. He also possessed a deep kindness and love for others. I still remember many stories he told and were told about him. One of my favorites involved him getting stuck up in the top of Benedictine's bell tower where he had climbed to photograph the cadet corp for the yearbook during formation. As soon as the cadets were called to attention where they stood sharp and silent, the stillness was pierced by a shrieking and shrill falsetto wailing,"HELP!" As this scream was repeated over and over the corp began to break formation piecemeal as first one then another and another turned his head to observe Kevil holding up handfuls of pigeon poop pleading for rescue! All were soon turned to knee shaking whups of laughter! I will miss this loving and funny man who was my brother Steve's best friend in high school.

Jeanette Scotland

July 26, 2009

Bob was an intelligent, sweet and generous person. He gave my aunt Pat immeasurable happiness. His willingness to receive her love in return made it sweeter. His tongue-in-cheek humor tickled me. "Yez Miz Patty. Aihz a hurryin'."
We have much to thank him for- his services as a soldier and as a life-long public servant. He bore an emotional wound from Vietnam yet his love for his comrades had the power to heal.
Thanks for the memories of laughter and gifts of love, Bob.

July 26, 2009

Kevil was my mentor and idol at Benedictine. A free bird of the highest order. Humorist,serious thinker, and absolute iconoclast.
I never saw him after high school, but never forgot him. Steve Northrup: I know how you feel......and I am sure I too heard the story that made Zenner wreck his car! It was an horor to know him. My most sincere sympathy to his family.
John Rothert, Powhatan Virginia

Anne Curley Sagnette

July 26, 2009

To the Thomas Family,
I too shared many good times with Kevil during our high school years. His of course at Benedictine and mine at St Gertrude's - He was fun, smart, clever and never at a loss for words. He was liked and admired not only by his friends but also by his teachers and even parents of his many friends.
Such a loss for his family and friends, he will be missed.

Sam Elbe

July 26, 2009

Bob,
Clear sailing ahead, you did you duty well here on space ship earth. Enjoy the new ride.

Connie Marelich

July 26, 2009

We will miss you Robert. You were a dear friend to one of our dearest friends. God bless. Connie and Tony
Novato CA

Jean Shepard

July 26, 2009

Condolences on the dimming of this funny, sometimes maddeningly bright light. Kevil's spirit lives on through his family and the many memories he left for us. Lucky are we whose life he touched.

Sherry and Tui Hill

July 26, 2009

Our deepest sympathies to the entire family.

Bruce MacDougall

July 26, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family. I met Bob through the Seabee reunions he attended in VA. A true Seabee!

Bruce MacDougall
President, Vietnam Era Seabees, Inc.

Jay Zenner

July 26, 2009

Very sorry to hear about my high school buddy. We lived a few blocks apart and rode together to Benedictine HS many days in my '55 Chevy which I wrecked one day listening to one of his fantastic stories coming from the back seat. May he rest in peace.

Bruce McDonald

July 26, 2009

So sorry for your loss, a loss to all who knew this kind, funny, insightful and brilliant man. We knew him as Kevil at Benedictine, a name uniquely fitted to his one-of-a-kind personality. He helped shape a lot of lives there. I am saddened by his passing but glad to have been touched by his life.

Kathy Soga-Bassetti

July 26, 2009

I MISS you so much my Dear friend. I will never forget my last Birthday- this past July 8th(09) when you took PC (Patty Cakes) and I to The Left Bank. I thought I was in Heaven eating the most delicious food ever presented. I not only loved the food, but the funny stories you told about them and the liqueurs that accompanied each one. You were the smartest person I've ever met Roberto and the ONLY one I'd never argue with- why would I? I could never WIN- you actually really knew EVERYTHING!!! With everlasting love and respect, your friend forever,
Kathy

The Dude & Dudette (Bob & Pat)

July 26, 2009

David Harrington

July 25, 2009

Knowledgable, caring, giving, and a proud American. Bob always had time for his friends and was one of the most dedicated & loyal men I knew.
Many relied on his support and now he can help us even more.
Pray for Bob and his family.

Galia Gur

July 25, 2009

Good man, I'll miss you.

Steve Northup

July 25, 2009

Mandy, Matthew, Jeff, Jennifer and Karen -- Your father and brother was my best friend from high school. We shared many adventures and many laughs together, as well as serious discussions about sports, literature, movies, politics and life in general. In recent years, I was fortunate to see him on his travels back to the East Coast to visit with his family here and for reunions with his beloved Seabees. He especially loved to talk about his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud. I have so many wonderful memories of him. His departure has left a big hole in my life and in my heart.

Karl&Kathy Laucher

July 25, 2009

Kathy & I will miss Bob very much.
We enjoyed sharing with Bob being proud grandparents of Sawyer Thomas. We were looking forward to many more family reunions with him. Bob had a terrific sense of humor, and had his own prism on politics and life. As a Viet Nam vet, Bob did more than his share for the US of A.

Whitney Thomas

July 25, 2009

Bob was a sweet man who would do anything for his family. He always had a story to tell of clever or funny things his own children and grandchildren said and did over the years. He made new friends easily but kept his old friends close as well. I know Bob will be missed by many.

Linda Finley

July 25, 2009

Mandy and Family... Please know that my heart is with you all in this very painful time. He will live in your hearts in the loving memories you have. Blessings to you all,
Linda

Ron/Jenny Wagoner

July 25, 2009

We will miss you, Kev-January will be especially sad-

jeff thomas

July 25, 2009

Hello Everyone, and welcome to the RKT guestbook.

From Petaluma,
Jeff

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