Richard Allen Thomas was one of Whidbey Island’s heroes. He was a school volunteer with the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at South Whidbey Elementary School. He worked for 17 years (3 days a week) volunteering with Whidbey’s youngsters — helping them understand and enjoy reading and math.

Richard was born in Richmond, Calif., and has lived on Whidbey since retiring in 1993. Richard served in the United States Army. Richard was 79 years of age and passed away while in Providence Hospital in Everett. He passed peacefully at 6:30 p.m. on July 12 with his wife, Linda, at his side.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Thomas; daughter, Andrea Chisum DeLany; and three grandsons, Julian, Joshua and Jacob DeLany, all of Clinton. Richard has donated his body to medical research and there will be no service. Donations may be made in his name/memory to WAIF Animal Shelter in Coupeville.

Poem by Richard Allen Thomas, written about 40 years ago for his sweetheart:

Days come and go

And a mountain grows

Its of love and caring

With each other we’re sharing

A mountain for when we’re old

It will be our mountain of gold.