Rick Thomas

Rick Thomas of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2012, at his home. Rick was born August 15, 1959, in Fort Ord, California, to Grace and Walt Thomas. Growing up the son of a Navy Captain, he and his brother Bob were fortunate to travel and live throughout the United States. He lived in Carmel, California; Arlington, Virginia; Sunnyvale, California; Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Chula Vista, California; Patuxent River, Maryland; Springfield, Virginia; and Lincoln, Nebraska. Rick graduated from Lincoln East High School. He holds a B.A. in Advertising from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating college, Rick moved to Boulder and settled in Fort Collins in 1985. Here, he met and married the love of his life, Susan, and together they created a loving home and raised a family. Rick and Susan were married in 1989, and he committed himself not only to his one and only love, but also to her children Dustin and Dana. Rick and Susan were later blessed by the birth of their son Sean. With over 20 years of experience in the food and beverages industry, Rick was a natural with people and a beloved member of the Fort Collins community. In the early 1990s his first lead role came as Food and Beverage Director of Fort Collins' Hammons Holiday Inn. He then served as General Manager of Pitchers Sports Restaurant in Fort Collins from 1993 until 2002. From 2002 until 2011 he and his wife Susan were co-owners of The Vault Tavern, where Rick also worked as General Manager. He served hundreds of loyal and enthusiastic customers weekly and maintained a stellar and dedicated staff. Rick was an avid supporter of the local community. He scheduled weekly musical events and monthly art shows showcasing talented local artists. Rick was a keenly intelligent, compassionate, and gregarious man. He loved to laugh and never took himself too seriously. He was a caring and loyal friend who made everyone around him feel singularly valued. His light went out too soon, but everyone will remember forever the light he shed on his family's life and everyone he touched. And he was a huge sports fan – Rick was absolutely elated when his beloved Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. Rick is survived by his loving and ever-devoted wife of 23 years, Susan Thomas; his children Sean Thomas, Dustin Tschirley, and Dana Dailey; his son-in-law Andy Dailey and grandson Jackson Dailey; his brother Bob Thomas; and his mother Grace Thomas. He is preceded in death by his father Captain Walter R. Thomas, USN. A time to mourn his passing and celebrate his life will be held beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. A meal and fellowship at Timberline Church will follow. A "Rick-a-palooza" wake will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, at Hodi's Half Note (a Hawaiian shirt is suggested). Please come and share your memories and love of Rick Thomas, who has left us much too soon.