Dave Thomas (no relation to the Wendy’s guy) was my 7th and 8th grade science and algebra teacher. He taught me a lot. He was smart, funny and really just a nice guy. He had flaming red hair in a long ponytail and a beard to match. He was in his late twenties or early thirties when I went to Cascade or as he said since he was born on leap day he was looking forward to his 8th birthday. He loved Mr. Natural (an R Crumb character) and if you did really well he had a stamp he would use on your paper.
He was already suffering pretty badly from Parkinson’s (I believe) and the deterioration was noticeable even during the two years I was there. He played basketball everday at lunch, but moved very slowly. He had a smooth shot though and could beat just about anybody at H-O-R-S-E.
So Happy Birthday and “Stop that Crap!” (inside joke).
Tags: Cascade Middle School, Dave Thomas, Mr. Natural, Sedro-Woolley, washington
I had Mr. Thomas for 8th grade science too! I think he was a great guy and an equally great teacher. I remember I saw him when I was in high school. For some reason I came back to the Cascade and happened to be there during conferences (probably for my younger brother). Mr. Thomas had recently had brain surgery and wasn’t shaking at all from Parkinson’s. It was like he was a new man. I’m sure it came back sometime after that. I haven’t seen him since. I was reading a research article on Parkinson’s today and thought of him. I did a search and found your blog. Do you know what ever happened to Mr. Thomas? I’d kind of like to find out.
Lewis
Hi I’m Davids daughter. He passed away yesterday and someone shared this blog with me. If you’d like to hear more of his story please contact me any time
Hi Raya, I was a good friend of your dads when he and I taught in Srdro-Woolley. I am so sorry for your loss, he was a special person. We became friends when he needed a female teacher to chaperone his science trip
To California, and I went along for a few years. I hadn’t seen him in a few years. I’d like to know more of his story.
Stephanie, I went on one of these trips to California. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for your comment. –Joshua