Robert L. Thomsen
September 16, 1933 – July 19, 2014
Sequim resident, Robert L. Thomsen, age 80, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 19, at home, surrounded by many of his immediate family. He died from a very rare cancer called Burkitt’s Lymphoma.
Bob was born September 16, 1933 in Viborg, South Dakota. He was the second of four boys born to Aage and Ida (Christensen) Thomsen. His grandparents were immigrants from Denmark. When he was seven years old, Bob and
his family moved to Clallam County where he attended Dungeness and Sequim schools, graduating June 1953. In August he married the love of his life, Janis Lee Schmuck. They were married 60 years.
After their first child was born, in 1954, they moved to Empire, Nevada. He worked at the US Gypsum Plant. In September of the same year, they came back to Sequim and moved to the Graysmarsh farm where he milked cows.
Over the years, Bob also worked for The Clallam Co-op, Pearson’s Grocery, Lehman’s Grocery, Butcher’s Pole Yard, and finally retiring from the Sequim School District. He was involved in Sequim Prairie Grange, bowling, Little League Football coaching and refereeing, and church activities.
As his family grew, they eventually moved into the “Maple Street House,” the beginning of a home with many years of wonderful memories, laughter, hugs and kisses, and an abundance of love.
The house was always full of family, friends, missionaries, traveling music groups, and Bible study groups. If someone needed a meal or a place to sleep, he never said “no.” Some even stayed for months if needed. Many called him “dad.”
Music was always a big part of Bob’s family. With the furniture pushed backed and someone playing the piano, accordion, ukulele, tambourine, or any number of other instruments, he taught his kids to dance the schottische, polka, and waltz – a true Dane. Music led Bob to produce his own Gospel CD a few years ago, leaving family and friends with his musical legacy.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Janis; brothers, Jim (Marci) and Larry Thomsen; sister-in-law Delores (McLane); children, John (Debbie) Thomsen, Cindy (Steve) Bacon, Gary (Renee) Thomsen, David Thomsen, Bonnie Bacon, Tracy (Dave) Spencer; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Thomsen; grandchildren, Nathan (Whitney) Thomsen, Heidi (Corey) Long, Sadie (Josh) Arnold, Angela (Larry) Loucks, Amanda Bacon, Carlee (Chris) Avery, Audrey (Brandon) Brown, Janae (Riley) Bender, Michael (Krista) Thomsen; great-grandchildren, Haley, Kaleb, Tanner, Braydon, Carter, Emily, Hunter, Levi, Brooklyn, Zefina, Greyson, Chloe Anne, Taylor, Olivia, Chloe Kaylynn, M.J., and Bryant.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Einer.
Friends and family gathered for a celebration of life at Eastern Hills Community Church in Carlsborg, Washington, on July 25th. Burial was at Mount Angeles Memorial Park in Port Angeles.
