David Linwood Thomas, lifelong Jefferson County resident, passed away on May 9, 2021 at Saint Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington, after a short illness.
Dave was born March 4, 1934 at Lake Leland. His family moved to Port Townsend when he was 10, where he attended school. After working various jobs in the area, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, and later went on to serve in Korea, returning to Port Townsend in 1956.
After returning home, Dave worked jobs around the area until his began his career at Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill in 1958.
In 1959 he met his future wife Linda Hatch, and they wed Nov. 12, 1959. Linda brought three children into the marriage who Dave loved and raised as his own. In 1961, they welcomed a daughter, completing their family.
As his children grew up, Dave enjoyed camping trips, motorcycle riding, bicycling, and various family activities.
In 1999, Dave retired from the mill after 41 years as a crane operator. In his retirement years, he and Linda enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and spending time together. During this time he also volunteered at the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum at Fort Worden, something he was very passionate about. Dave had an in-depth knowledge of the history of Fort Worden and surrounding areas. It was said he could often be heard telling one of his stories to a guest of the museum, and Dave had a lot of stories, all true!
After Linda’s passing in 2013, he continued his volunteer work, and could be seen taking walks around his neighborhood with his Yorkie, Rosie.
Our family would like to thank the countless friends Dad made over the years. You all gave him much happiness, and he cared for each of you deeply.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife Linda; parents Linwood and Edith (Gruver) Thomas; and brothers Will Thomas and Richard (Debbie) Thomas.
He is survived by brothers George (Tassie) Thomas, Donald (Martha) Thomas, Bruce (Connie) Thomas, Marcella (Terry) Williams, and Lynette Thomas; children George “Rocke” Blake (Joann), Linda Coddington (Bud), Richard Stahl (Dolly), and Joy Wiles (Shawn); 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. There will be a small family gathering in Dave’s honor.
