Condolence: Carrie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Thomas- as I knew him, was a wonderful man. I am where I am today because of him. While I never met any of you, I certainly heard about you throughout the time I knew him. I went to Barlow High School and graduated in ’98. I took Mr. Thomas’ science classes and quickly learned to love a subject I had always disliked. He was an amazing teacher, as I know you have heard time and time again. He not only loved teaching but he loved his students and had a way of investing in us that would last us a lifetime. To be honest, his name still comes up in conversation once in a while with my parents. I was so sad to hear of his passing.

While I was his student I had the privilege of feeding his iguanas and other pets in the science lab over holiday breaks. I fell in love with Lemon, his beautiful white parrot. I have a large metal parrot that sits on my desk at home to this day because of my love for Lemon.

Mr. Thomas helped me discover what I wanted to do with my life and helped me choose which college to go to and what classes to take to fulfill my goals. I even met with him for coffee a time or two when I would come home on school breaks. I wanted to let him know how I was following through with my goals and to show my appreciation for his teaching and guidance. The last time I met with Mr. Thomas he asked me what I wanted to do for a living after I graduated. I told him I so badly wanted to own a ranch. But I knew that was not something you simply fall into. So his words to me were, “Well, if you can’t be a rancher, go to work to support and help the ranchers.” And that is exactly what I have done. I graduated from college and immediately got a permanent job with the BLM. I have worked there ever since- just about 15 years now, administering grazing permits and working directly with the ranching community. When they ask me why I chose to do the job that I do, I have always quoted Mr. Thomas- ‘since I don’t have a ranch of my own, I wanted to help those that do’.

One silly story that has stuck with me is about wasting water. I distinctly remember him telling us easy ways we could better our environment, one of which was by simply turning off the water as we brush our teeth. To this day, I am a terribly messy brusher. But if I leave the water on too long as I brush, I remember his words and think to myself, “I better turn this water off like Mr. Thomas said.”

It is sad that so often we don’t express our admiration or appreciation for someone until they are gone. I sincerely mean what I have written. Mr. Thomas himself or his thoughtful lessons, have stuck with me enough to impact me almost daily. If he had that kind of impact on my, I can’t imagine what a loss this has been to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Cari Taylor (maiden name Johnson)

Condolence: The Thomas Family,
I was so saddened to hear that Franke has passed on. It has been an effort to try to put into words how I felt about him. I met him when he was my brothers RA at SOC ('73), not long after we had lost our own little brother. Franke stepped right into the role to fill the hole in our hearts. He became our new brother; a role he continued to play every time we met. He was a great friend with an infectious smile, and always gave great hugs whenever we saw each other, no matter how long we had been apart, like a brother. I met with him many times while he was teaching in the Gresham area. I'm sure his students wondered "who is this guy hugging our teacher?" But, it didn't matter, he was a brother... and, I'm gonna miss him.

Condolence: To Franke’s family –
Please accept my deepest, heart-felt sympathy for the loss of your loved one and a dear, dear friend to so many.
I was truly blessed to get to know and spend time with Franke when he was with the Gresham-Barlow School District and I was with the City of Gresham. He was an environmental champion in the District. We worked together on many projects, and each time he moved to a different school (and took his aquarium with him), I knew I could count on him to spread the message. He cared so deeply about the environment because he cared so deeply about humanity.
Franke always generously took time to meet with me. And when he did, it was with total attention. He had the rare gift of being truly present -- in body, mind and spirit – and focused on a person when he talked with you, which made one feel so very special.
This world has lost one of its best. His life is certainly one to celebrate. I hope that his memory will fill the hole in your hearts with gladness as time allows you to heal.
Sincerely,
Jan Rankin

Condolence: I met Franke and his siblings when I was 14 years old. He was such a positive person to all who was fortunate to meet him and become a part of his vast circle. My sadness extends to his family near and far. You are a true inspiration Franke.

Condolence: I send love and condolences to Carrie and the children, and to all of Franke's family. Although I didn't know Franke, just learning about him through Carrie, Ann Harris, and the writings online about him now, has been inspiring and beautiful.

Condolence: Frankie! Sending you love & light on your next journey. Thanks for all the knowledge you dropped to me in the Sierra's. Gonna keep getting our peeps into the woods!

Condolence: So sad to hear of Franke Thomas's passing. He was my biology instructor at Sam Barlow High School. He always smiled and taught his students with pride and caring. I wish Carrie and his family and friends comfort during this time. Rest in Peace...Mr. Thomas. I was really hoping to see you again in Hood River, Oregon. Peace to you my friend.

Condolence: I first met Franke Thomas when I was about 13 years old on my first Outward Bound Adventures trip. He impressed me with his competence in the wilderness, his hiking skills, his compassion, his humor and his beauty. He inspired me to continue my participation with OBA as a hiker. His OBA legacy keeps me going as a present member of the OBA staff. While OBA has had the benefit of so many exceptional leaders, the organization would not be what it is today without his profound contributions.

My heart goes out to the entire Thomas Family and I share your loss.

Condolence: My name is Sharon Lomax Rhodes and I am a long time friend of Frank Thomas and his family. I knew his mom, Dad, All his brothers including danny, his Sisters..We all grew up together. He will be Greatly missed. Outdoors man was him and his family. It has been such a long time. If any of the family ( sisters or brothers) please email me.
I love you the Thomas family
Sharon Rhodes
Atlanta, Ga

Condolence: My name is Sharon Lomax Rhodes and I am a long time friend of Frank Thomas and his family. I knew his mom, Dad, All his brothers including danny, his Sisters..We all grew up together. He will be Greatly missed. Outdoors man was him and his family. It has been such a long time. If any of the family ( sisters or brothers) please email me.
I love you the Thomas family
Sharon Rhodes
Atlanta, Ga