David E. Thomas April 17, 1935-March 21, 2004 Safe in the arms of Jesus and with his wife Patti and sons, Brian and Bruce, by his side, David E. Thomas passed from this world leaving us to be with the Lord on a sunny Spring day, Sunday, March 21, 2004. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend he will be forever in our hearts. David was born in Phoenix, AZ on April 17, 1935 and was 68 years old when he passed away after a long battle with cancer. David attended the University of Redlands and received his BA Business Administration degree in June of 1957. He entered active duty service in the Navy in November of 1957 and received his Honorable Discharge in October of 1960 as a Lieutenant JG. He proudly served as the Executive Officer on the USS Bolster stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI and sailed the South Pacific during his tour of duty. Although retired at the time of his passing, David had a distinguished career in Sales and Marketing in the building materials and manufacturing industry. He was a principal in Zesbaugh-Thomas, Inc., founded Thomas Architectural Products, Inc., and served as western marketing manager for both ConSpec Systems and Copper Sales, Inc. Of the extensive construction projects David was involved in, two that particulary stand out, namely, the exterior metal cladding of the Washington State Convention and Visitor's Center and the metal recladding of the old SeaTac Air Traffic Control Tower after the earthquake. David became a member of Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) in 1968 and in 1978 he was made Puget Sound Chapter President. In the 10 years following he put his mark on committees, the Board, the Region and the Institute. He also was a member of Sales & Marketing Executives International and the Distributor's Council. David was the recipient of many citations and awards throughout his career, but was particularly proud of receiving the CSI chapter's most prestigious award, the Hugh Hallett. In 1988, following his term as Region Director and Institute Vice President, he was named a Fellow of CSI. At the Chapter level David served on a number of committees including Membership, and Program and Memorial Fund. He served the Board as Director, Treasurer, Vice President, President-elect and President and continued to volunteer and assist with new member orientation until the time of his passing. David is survived by his devoted wife Patti of almost 28 years; sons, Brian David Thomas and wife Rosa of Mercer Island, WA, Bruce Howard Thomas and wife Jody of Omaha, NE; stepson Todd Bradley Stevens and wife Jane of Redmond, WA; and stepdaughter Shawnell Renee Tucker and husband Jeff of Renton, WA. He is survived by his sister Alta May Cloutier of Phoenix, AZ. David's legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren who will dearly miss their "Poppa". They are, Adriana Souza Oliveira and Christopher Ivan De Souza Oliveira Voncina, Michaela Marie and Jonathan David Thomas, Nicole Elizabeth, Ariel Marie and Karissa Lynn Stevens, Megan Renee and Justin Noell Tucker. David was preceded in death by his brother Albion Clarence Thomas, Jr.; and his parents, Albion Clarence Thomas, Sr. and Lucille Catherine Thomas. David was sustained by his life long deep Christian faith and has lived his life to serve God and His church. Always quick to volunteer, mentor, or fill a need for family, friends and strangers, he has accomplished his goal of "Being the best that I can be for the benefit of others." We have no doubt that he will continue his praise, worship and song in Heaven perhaps on God's welcoming committee. He united us in life, gave unselfishly of his time and talents, genuinely loved unconditionally and was always there to give guidance and love. Until we are together again. Forever, Always, and Then some! A memorial service is planned for Sunday, March 28th at 2:00pm at Edmonds United Methodist Church with a reception following immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to any of the following three organizations: Edmonds United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 828 Caspers Street, Edmonds, WA 98026, or CSI Educational Fund, 603 Stewart Street, Suite 610, Seattle, WA 98101, or Hospice of South Snohomish at the following address - Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish, 2731 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201. Mar 26, 2004 Everett Herald