William Bernard Thomas Jr.

William B. Thomas Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021. Bill was born to parents William B. Thomas Sr. and Esther A. Thomas (Gustafson) of Warren, Minnesota on February 3rd, 1931, the first of five boys. The small family moved to Parma, Idaho and added brothers Eugene C. Thomas (1933), Jay E. Thomas (1938) and Daniel J. Thomas (1942), leaving for Alderwood Manor, WA in 1943 and adding Richard W. Thomas in 1944.

Bill attended primary school in Parma, Idaho (all A grades, excepting for Penmanship) and graduated from Edmonds High school in Edmonds, WA in 1949. During his High School years Bill demonstrated a love of music, playing saxophone in the school band program and performing locally with a Dance Band. His love of music continued throughout his life. He followed his musical dream, learning and playing Cornet into his 80s. After High School he joined the Coast Guard and proudly served his country as an Engine Room Engineer until he was Honorably Discharged in 1954. He later attended Seattle University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. After engineering jobs in Seattle and California, Bill subsequently joined with his father in the small, machine shop located in the family’s front yard in Alderwood Manor. Bill’s talent for all things engineering, his inquisitive, active and precise mind and confidence in the abilities of himself and his brothers combined to add an Aluminum Foundry to the machining operation and in 1968 Thomas Machine & Foundry was incorporated. More than fifty years later, Bill’s influence remains a daily and essential part of the business which has continued to thrive and remains a valuable asset to the Northwest manufacturing community.

In 1955 a friend, George Fagala, introduced Bill to the love of his life and on January 13th, 1956, Bill married Margaret Ellen Poe. Together they built a life in Lake Forest Park, WA having two children, Charles A. Thomas, and Betty D. Thomas. Bill was a devoted father and shared his love of music with his children, supporting them in their own instrumental endeavors and attending every concert performance without fail. Bill was also a tireless caretaker for Margaret for the many years following her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Sadly, Margaret passed away on March 12th,2004 from M.S. related causes. Bill was both devastated and lost for two long years. He married Michael Leonetti in February of 2006.

Bill was a walking encyclopedia and was always willing/excited to share his knowledge with whomever was truly interested in learning. He was also a musical soul. Bill filled the air with music. Whether he was in deep concentration, lightly pondering or just letting his mind wander, he was always whistling or humming (legendary). These were very intricate tunes that never seemed to repeat themselves, and (like many of his projects) were seldom completed. He also became more serious about cooking, initially experimenting with baking cakes, but his true love was achieving perfectly browned meats to use in slow braises, often in friendly competition with his daughter, Betty. We believe both skills spoke to his engineering background and a desire to understand, control and create.

Bill will be greatly missed, and all of our daily lives will be diminished by his absence, he gave us so much.

Bill is survived by his wife, Michael Thomas, his son Charles Thomas (wife Kimberly), daughter B. Darlene Davis (husband Scott), granddaughter Lindsay Thomas, sister-in-law Nina Moore (Clint) and brothers Gene Thomas (Oleta), Jay Thomas (Sue), Dan Thomas (Cindy) and Rick Thomas (Diane).

There will be a graveside service to celebrate Bills life at Floral Hills Cemetery, Lynnwood, WA, on Friday, October 15th at 12 noon. Due to covid concerns the Service is limited to immediate family. A Memorial Service will be scheduled for a later date.