Lonnie S. Thomas

Lonnie Samuel Thomas, Tlingit name Sagooha, a loving father, grandfather, partner and friend passed away on Friday, November 14th at age 75, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 31, 1933 to Samuel and Bessie Thomas, Lonnie was of the Raven Moiety from the Sukteeneid'i Dog Salmon Clan. Lonnie was born in Klawock, Alaska where he spent his childhood with fond memories of fishing and gathering subsistence foods with family and friends. At the age of thirteen, Lonnie moved to Seattle, Washington to attend Columbia Academy and began a long and diverse career that mirrored his commitment to improve his life and that of his family and friends. From used car sales, to the Alaska Pipeline, to ironworker, to a lifelong commercial fisherman, Lonnie was revered for his success, work ethic and integrity. One of his greatest joys was spending his retirement years on his F/V Mark Christopher fishing the same waters as his childhood. But his greatest joy was spending loving time with his dear partner Bertha and his grandchildren, daughters, family and friends. Lonnie will be remembered for his genuine smile of joy to see you, his sincere generosity and concern for others, his extraordinary integrity, and his brilliant, silent wit and sense of humor. Lonnie is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Elwood, Richard, and Bill; and sisters Helen Olsen and Millie Bergeron and his first wife, Juanita "Nita" Stone. He is survived by his beloved partner Bertha Franulovich; brothers Ralph, Jim, and Edward Thomas; daughters Lisa Thomas Eric Johnson, Lorrie Thomas-Dossett Kevin Dossett, Cindy Thomas Pete Petersen, Cheri Thomas; step-daughter Tina Franulovich-Martin Steve Martin; grandchildren Garrett Dossett, Eli Thomas Browne, Samuel Thomas Johnson, Clare Marie Martin, Ava Katherine Martin, Ashley Dossett; greatgranddaughter Keely Myers; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A celebration of Lonnie's life will be held Tuesday, November 18th, 4:00 PM at Evergreen-Washelli. A full celebration of Lonnie's life will be held in Craig, Alaska on November 23rd at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Gospel Mission PO Box 202 Seattle, Wa. 98133,, the Margaret Hamilton Demmert Scholarship Fund, or Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation, 425 Pontius Ave. N., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109.