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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Thomas, Brian

THOMAS, Brian Our beloved Brian passed away on Tuesday, August 14th after a valiant eight month battle with colon cancer.

Cancer took many things from him, but could never affect his sense of humor or his love for his family.

Brian was the well-adjusted fourth of five sons.

He and his brothers had many adventures and mishaps growing up in Texas and they kept their mother hopping.

Brian and his brother Wendell moved to Fort Collins in 1988, and he literally met the girl next door who later became his wife.

Carol and Brian had 22 years of joy and laughter that they shared with their sons Grady and Kyle.

Brian was never much of a classic romantic, but he showed his love by all the things he did around the house to take care of Carol and the boys.

When Brian moved to Fort Collins with his brother Wendell, he wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do with his life.

He opened the course catalog and found Occupational Therapy and thought he’d give it a shot.

It was a great choice and Brian excelled at what he did.

He was a knowledgeable, caring and effective hand therapist and helped his patients through difficult circumstances with his technical skills and sense of humor.

His time at Orthopedic Specialty Clinic was productive yet entertaining—filled with hard work and lots of laughter and practical jokes with co-workers Jason, Arman, Billie, Mike, Rob, and others too numerous to mention.

In the last few years, Brian became a soccer referee so that he could enjoy the game he loved and share time with his boys.

Many dinner time conversations consisted almost entirely of the subtleties of soccer rules and calls they’d had to make.

And there was nothing more special than seeing a three man referee crew made up of the Thomas boys!

Brian is survived by his wife Carol and their two children Grady and Kyle.

Also, his mother Judy (Vince), brothers Will (Julie), Wendell (Terry), Blake (Lisa), and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Brian was also very close to Carol’s parents Nick and Lois, sisters Lynn, Peggy (Stu), Sandy (Jim), and brother Dale.

Brian was preceded in death by his father Bill and his brother Craig.

A memorial service celebrating Brian’s life will be held Monday, August 19 at 3:30 PM at the Salvation Army Chapel, 222 E. Indiana, Spokane.

The family would like to thank all the thoughtful and caring people at Medical Oncology Associates who took such good care of Brian in the last months.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donation be made to the American Cancer Society.