THOMAS, ROLLIN WARD, April 4, 1927 – May 24, 2004
SODA SPRINGS – Rollin Ward Thomas, 77, of Soda Springs, passed away May 24, 2004 after an eight year struggle with cancer. He was born April 4, 1927 in Malad, Idaho, the fourth child of Henry Evans and Pearl Ward Thomas. He graduated from Malad High School and served in the U.S. Navy in 1945-46. Later he entered Utah State University where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science.
He married Helen Mason of Heading, Utah on March 16, 1950. Rollin and Helen moved to Soda Springs in 1953 where they have lived since.
Rollin worked for 35 years in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. But Rollin’s life and work were not defined solely by his employment with the USDA. He was a humble and selfless neighbor who served his friends and neighbors in ways not often recognized by anything more than the gratitude of those who received his help. He served 18 years as a stake clerk in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, eight years as a ward clerk and ten years as a membership clerk in the Soda Springs LDS Third Ward. After his retirement in 1987, Helen and he worked for three years in the Logan Temple.
Rollin suffered a heart attack in 1991 and in 1995 was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Undaunted by these health problems, Rollin showed great discipline by enduring the many treatments involved to remedying his health problems. His inspiration for such strength was his family, a desire to continue to provide for his wife, support his sons, and watch the growth of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Helen of Soda Springs; three sons, Ross and Kathleen Thomas, Reed Thomas all of Salt lake City, UT; and Chris Thomas, Logan, UT; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother, Dr. B.L. and Kathryn Thomas, Salt Lake City, UT and one sister, Janice and Robert Colson, St. George, UT.
Rollin lived to be a counselor, reader and example of hard work and patience for his family.
Funeral services will be conducted on May 18 at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center. Burial will be in the Malad, Idaho Cemetery