Fred "Bob" David Thoman

Fred David (Bob) Thoman, 87, a native and lifelong resident of Oregon, died October 11, 2016 in Tualatin.

Fred was born on December 5, 1928 in Portland, Oregon and was the only child of Fred David Thoman Sr. and Antonette Molinari Thoman.

Fred married Donna Mae Darlene Pearson on August 23, 1950 in Portland. Their love for one another was strong and enduring, and in 2016 they celebrated their 66th year of marriage.

Mr. Thoman's childhood and early youth provided him with many fond memories of family and friends. He worked on his maternal grandparents’ farm and was a child entertainer who sang and played the banjo with his dear double cousin Thomas "Tommy" Thoman. He and Tommy were like brothers and entertained at many venues in the Northwest including events for disabled veterans. Their entertainment opportunities included an appearance on one of Portland's first live television broadcasts. His childhood years were enriched through his relationship with his maternal aunt Josephine with whom he remained close for his entire life.

Fred was a graduate of Portland's Jefferson High School in 1946 and also attended Oregon State University. He served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1952, and his tour of duty included time in Japan. During young adulthood he played organized softball as a second baseman.

Fred's parenting years were in Portland's Parkrose district. He was a loving father who spent a lot of time with his wife, children and grandchildren who loved him dearly. He served as a little league coach and was a vital part of his children's lives. During this period, Fred and Donna were members of Resurrection Lutheran Church and Fred served as a church council member and congregational President for a number of years.

Mr. Thoman went to work for Northwest Marine Iron Works as a young man where he advanced to the role of President under the tutelage of owner George Grebe. He cherished his working relationship with Mr. Grebe and worked very hard to serve the company well in his trusted role as President.

Fred was an avid sports fan and loved baseball and the OSU Beavers. He and Donna were Portland TrailBlazer season ticket holders during the Blazers' early years. He also loved playing golf and spending time at a family cabin on Mt. Hood.

Travel to the Hawaiian island of Kauai was one of Fred’s favorite activities. For almost 28 years, he and Donna spent several weeks a year at Mokihana of Kauai, often with family and friends. In addition, Fred and family traveled yearly to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA for many years during his son Eric and daughter Jeanette’s youth. Some of these trips to Disneyland were with Tommy’s family. Travel provided many treasured memories for Fred, Donna and family.

Fred and Donna moved to Gearhart, Oregon in 1985 and lived in Gearhart and Seaside until 2015. They were members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Seaside where Fred served on the church council. Fred They participated in an ecumenical Bible study group that promoted spiritual growth and strong community connections. He moved to Tualatin in October of 2015 in order to receive skilled nursing care at Marquis Tualatin. He and Donna continued their spiritual life by joining Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lake Oswego.

Community service was an important part of Fred's life in many ways. He served on Providence Seaside Hospital's Board of Directors for over a decade, delivered meals with Donna for Seaside's Meals on Wheels program and volunteered in other service programs as well.

Fred’s life was characterized by his faith in God, love of his family and friends, service to Church and community and loyalty to his employer. He and Donna maintained number of long-term relationships with dear friends that were a vital and integral part of their married life. Fred fought many health battles during his later years, but did so with strength, courage and an amazingly positive outlook.

Fred is survived by his wife Donna, his son, Eric Fred Thoman (Mary) of San Rafael, CA; his daughter Jeanette Ann Davis (Rick) of Warrenton, OR; grandchildren Chad Davis (Karri), Heidi Terese, Todd Davis, Matthew Davis (Hannah) and Emily Thoman; great grandchildren Connor Davis, Carson Davis and Gavin Davis; brother-in-law David Pearson as well as his aunt Josephine Saucerman of Chandler, Arizona.

Private burial was at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Fred’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.