Obituary of Pete Thomason
Clarence “Pete” O. Thomason (95) resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at home on June 18, 2022. He was born to Milton and Dolly (Dahlquist) Thomason on September 6, 1926, in Gannett, ID. Growing up during the Great Depression, near Gooding, ID, without electricity and running water, and riding horseback four miles to school. As a young man, Pete enjoyed herding cattle and spending many nights sleeping under the stars with nothing but a saddle for his pillow, all resulting in stories that Pete enjoyed sharing with family and friends.
In 1944, Pete was drafted into the U.S. Army in WWII, training in Camp Roberts, CA. He was sent to the Philippines, where he proudly served until the war ended. After an honorable discharge, he returned home and worked for cattlemen near Glenn’s Ferry, ID. He then moved to Chico, CA where he worked in the rice fields, then to Palouse, WA where he farmed and raised his family, along with 23 foster children. After 19 years in Palouse, Pete moved to St. Maries where he worked for Potlatch Corp. He and his wife then ventured to Alaska for work in the logging industry. After nine years, he returned to St. Maries to enjoy retirement.
Pete also enjoyed hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling, and working heavy duty equipment. He left a legacy of guitar playing and performing throughout his lifetime. Pete loved his neighbors, who were always treated as family. It was tradition to have Paul Bunyan Days family reunions every year, with family traveling from near and far to spend time at "Pete's" place. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and spending time with them.
Pete is survived by his children LeRoy (Debbie) Hall of St. Maries, Chris Thomason of St. Maries, Rena (Gary Coats) Thomason of St. Maries, and James (Judi) Hall of Boise, ID; siblings Edith Sams of Fernwood, ID and Floyd “Tommy” Thomason of Lewiston, ID; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild that is on the way; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Beverly Thomason, both of his parents, siblings Ethel Rodden, Kenneth Thomason, Leland Thomason, Violet Novis, and Duane “Cody” Thomason.
At Pete’s request there will be no services as he felt his annual family reunions, and visiting friends and family over his 95 years, were his true 'Celebrations of Life'.
