Robert Keith Thomas Sr.

Robert Keith Thomas Sr., 64, of Nespelem, Washington, passed on to his elders Tuesday morning, March 1, 2016, from Spokane's Holy Family Hospital. Born September 19, 1951, in Nespelem, to Richard D and Rosalia Broncheau-Thomas, Robert was a proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes who enjoyed drumming and stick games. May 13, 1971, Robert's life forever changed when he married Yvonne "Lovey" Lezard at "The Hitching Post Wedding Chapel" in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. A Wildlands Firefighter for many years, Robert had training as a diesel mechanic and seemed to always be working on one truck or another.

While Robert was a more-than-infrequent visitor to the tribal casinos and was "completely hooked" on the game "Candy Crush," his greatest joys occurred in the out-of-doors, hunting, fishing and especially camping at Owhi Lake with his family, whom he loved and who very much loved him in return.

Pre-deceased by both of his parents; sister, Ranae Thomas; and brothers: Rodrick Thomas Sr. and Renford Thomas; Robert's legacy lives on through his beloved bride and life's partner for 44 years: Lovey Thomas; children: Michele McCraigie of Omak, Washington; Nikki Florence (Glenn) of Puyallup, Washington; Robert Thomas Jr. of Coulee Dam, Washington; and Jason Thomas of Coulee Dam, Washington; grandchildren: Brittany Boyd, Derek Boyd, Tevin McCraigie, Jayden McCraigie, Latesha Florence, Garrett Florence, Malerie Thomas, Robbie Thomas and Skyla Thomas; brother: Richard Thomas; sisters: Rhea Adolph and RaeAnn Chuweah and numerous nephews and nieces.

Robert's dressing took place Thursday, March 3, 2016, at 10 a.m., in Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington, with his wake and Seven Drums ceremony that evening beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the Nespelem Catholic Long House.

Burial took place at 8 a.m., on Friday, March 4, 2016, in Owhi Lake Cemetery, Nespelem.

Please sign Robert's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com.

Strate Funeral Home is honored to be serving his family.