Robert Clark 'Bob' Thomas, 61

Robert Clark “Bob” Thomas, 61, passed away on April 6, 2011, following a brief illness. Bob completed his journey on this earth, leaving behind friends and family who will remember him for his keen sense of humor and willingness to help anyone at anytime, with anything that he was able to provide.

Bob was born on Oct. 24, 1949, in Lawrence, Kan., to Robert and Susan (Byler) Thomas (now Susan Cowan). Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Utah. In 1952, the family moved to Tulsa, Okla., and in 1958, to Boulder, Colo., where Bob lived for the next 35 years.

 Bob’s life was consumed by all things mechanical. While in high school, he worked at a gas station and purchased his first car, a 1960 Ford Starliner, which became the platform for his early automotive education. His curiosity with the internal combustion engine ultimately led him to Weber State College in Ogden, Utah, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in automotive technology and an undeclared minor in pool playing.

 Bob returned to Boulder and worked very briefly in the local Ford and Chrysler dealerships. Quickly realizing that he had mistaken a hobby for a profession, he began looking for a different career. He worked as a heavy-equipment operator in Colorado, a miner in Wyoming, a construction worker and, for a period of time, worked in the mail room of Soldier of Fortune magazine before settling on a career as a metal fabricator and welder.

In 1973, Bob began a lengthy love affair with a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Over the next 25 years, he put more than 100,000 miles on his bike and in the late 1990s reached a major turning point in life ... he sold his 1973 Shovelhead and purchased a newer Harley with an electric starter.   

Bob perfected his skills as a metal fabricator in Boulder and ultimately moved to Northwest Montana, where he enjoyed four-wheeling, hunting, camping, fishing, rafting and, of course, motorcycling. He worked for over a decade in a high-tech metal shop as a quality control inspector, and frequently demonstrated his expertise in stainless steel and aluminum welding.

After being caught up in a company-wide layoff, Bob had the option of retiring or retraining. He became, once again, a student. At the time of his passing, he was a few weeks short of receiving his gunsmithing certificate from Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado, where he excelled at his new craft. The school chose a custom Mauser rifle that Bob built to be displayed at the 2011 SHOT Show in Las Vegas as an example of the skill exhibited by students in the program.

Bob consistently gave more than he received in his life. Known to some as “Pastor Bob,” he performed wedding ceremonies and would travel any distance to perform a ceremony for friends. Also known as “Famous Bob,” he became a poster boy for a local brewery and his posters still hang in finer Northwest Montana drinking establishments. He also volunteered his time instructing vo-tech students in MIG and TIG welding procedures.

Bob is survived by his girlfriend and longtime companion, Karen Osborn, of Marion. He is also survived by and will be especially missed by his brother with whom he spent most Saturdays in their shop, fabricating race cars, drinking a little beer and going over the finer points of mechanics and metal fabrication. Bob will also be missed and remembered by the many friends he made throughout his life, the names of whom are too numerous to mention here. Bob is also survived by his parents, sister-in-law, niece, nephews, uncle, aunt, and cousins in Montana, Nevada, Missouri, Wyoming and Idaho.

His family would like to give special thanks to the angels at Home Options Hospice for the special care they gave Bob and his family.

At Bob’s request, no formal memorial service will be held. However, remembrances may be sent in Bob’s name to the Gunsmithing Program at Trinidad State Junior College, 600 Prospect, Trinidad, CO 81082.

Friends are also encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and crematory is caring for the family.