Robert “Bob” Thomas

Robert “Bob” Thomas, longtime resident and former superintendent/principal of Fallbrook Union High School District for 27 years, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017, in Vista, California.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 25, at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church, 222 Stage Coach, Fallbrook.

Bob was born to Paul and Alma Thomas in Albany, California on June 22, 1937, and raised in Crockett, California. Bob graduated from John Swett High School and continued on to obtain a bachelor’s of arts degree in social studies at San Francisco State, Class of 1959. While teaching and coaching football at his alma mater, Bob pursued a master’s degree in education from Cal State University Hayward.

In 1967, he and his young family moved to Fallbrook where he began his storied career at FUHSD. During that time, Bob attained a doctorate in professional negotiations from Northern Arizona University, conferred in 1980. His professional career continued long after his retirement in 1994. He was a graduate adjunct professor at several universities in San Diego and was a consultant in the credit union industry and served on the Board of Directors at USA Federal Credit Union for many years (now known as Navy Federal Credit Union).

Bob was an avid golfer and dedicated member of Vista Valley Country Club for over 30 years. While a member, he served as president and was actively involved in The Wounded Warrior Foundation Charity Golf Tournament.

He is survived by his long time companion, Barbara Plante; brother Don (Pam) Thomas; sister Paula Copeland; daughter Rhonda (Ken) McCaffrey; the late Janet Louise Thomas; son Robert (Lori) Thomas; son Mark (Sue) Thomas; grandchildren, Jacob, Ashley, and Christine Brinkley; Jordan and Chase Thomas; Christian, Caleb and Cara Thomas; great grandson Taj, as well as Barbara’s children, Kaley (Aaron) Brown, Kristen (Daniel) Genung and David Plante. Bob also had many loving nephews, nieces and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Wounded Warrior Foundation -- Camp Pendleton may be made in his memory.