ForeverMissed
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His Life

Peter Edward Thomas, PhD.

October 19, 2015

Peter Edward Thomas, or Eddie to his sisters, died peacefully on Monday, October 12th, 2015. He was born in Sandoval, Illinois on September 6, 1934 to Peter Thomas and Catherine (Sitton) Thomas.

 

Pete spent his boyhood in the woods of southern Illinois hunting squirrels, fishing, and camping on the banks of the East Fork Koskaskia River.  He worked on the family farm and in the family-owned general store where he honed his skills as a butcher alongside his grandpa and dad.  He carried the value of hard work and enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life.

 

Although he didn’t learn to read until the sixth grade, he was one of the first of ten siblings to graduate from college, earning a teaching degree from the University of Illinois. He taught high school until an opportunity presented itself to gain a post-graduate education. He went on to earn degrees in plant pathology and virology from the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin. This led to moving his family from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest in 1966 and the beginning of a 30 plus year stint with the United States Department of Agriculture in Prosser, Washington.

 

During his years with the USDA, Peter worked on many projects and was a key leader in the development of genetically modified crops, specifically tomatoes and a strain of potato resistant to potato leaf roll virus. His many friends and coworkers held Peter in high esteem.  He traveled the world sharing his research with fellow scientists in South America, Egypt, Pakistan, and Europe.  His efforts ultimately allowed farmers to produce more disease resistant crops with higher yields.  He saw his research as a way to help other countries produce more and decrease hunger.

 

As the saying goes; “Once a farmer, always a farmer.” Pete worked his own 20 acres over the years growing asparagus, strawberries, and ultimately wine grapes.  This farm is where his children had built their own characters and work ethic.

 

Pete’s passions included the outdoors, politics, playing bridge, and meeting with friends at the Horse Heaven Brewery for good beer and better conversation.

 

He is survived by his wife, his four children, thirteen grandchildren, and three sisters.

 

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of the Western Reserve for providing such kind and compassionate care.

 

A funeral Mass will be held on October 24th at 11:00am at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grandview, WA.  A reception will follow from 1- 3pm at the Horse Heaven Brewery, 1118 Meade Ave., Prosser, WA 99350.

 

Dad prided himself in being a “minimalist” and truly lived the life.  In lieu of flowers, open a bottle of wine, enjoy your loved ones, and toast his memory. 

 

Dad always enjoyed a great story, a good laugh, and sharing his family’s history. He’d never think of letting someone else pay for dinner and delighted in giving the grandkids silver dollars for Christmas. We love you, Dad. You will be missed.