Robert G. Thomas, 99

Long time North Idaho resident, Robert "Bob" Thomas, 99, passed away on June 27, 2014.

Bob was born in Kirkman, Iowa, on June 18, 1915, to Raymond Thomas and Dorothy Brazie Thomas. He spent 97 years of his life in his "beloved" state of Idaho. 

During his lifetime, Bob was an advocate of preserving the beauty of the Idaho parks and scenic areas. He was a member of the Idaho State Parks Board for several years, and was proud to have helped preserve some of the most beautiful areas in Idaho. 

Bob loved the outdoors and often reminisced about his many good times with his camper, camera and a can of chili. He was an excellent photographer, often waiting for hours just to get the perfect shot of a beautiful mountain lake. He amassed about 18,000 slides before converting to digital photography in 2002.  

A revered legacy Bob left his children and grandchildren with was his love of sourdough. Everyone who visited had the opportunity to enjoy his sourdough pancakes, and were especially delighted when he served them with huckleberry syrup made from the berries he picked every year. 

Bob served in the Idaho National Guard for 11 years. He joined the Idaho Grange in 1931, and in 2006 was recognized for 75 years of service to the Grange. 

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of more than 64 years, Barbara. He is survived by his children: Jeanette Guenther, and Raymond Thomas (Sandra); five grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren, as well as three brothers: Gene, Walt and Byron Thomas. Bob will be greatly missed by all his family, and will also be missed by his more than 70 email friends who had the pleasure of receiving many of his photographs and life stories over the years. 

At Bob's request there will be no service. However, the family will travel to, and scatter his ashes at, his favorite spot in Idaho, the Little Redfish Lake area in the Stanley Basin. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.