Rudolph "Rudy" Delphin Thomas

passed away on Friday, April 9, 2010 at his home in Poulsbo, Washington. He was born on June 17, 1932 in Louisville, Kentucky to Clarence Stanislaus Thomas and Mary Ada Norris Thomas. Rudy attended Bishop Flaget High School and The University of Louisville, BSEE. He later worked for Westinghouse Electric as the Engineering Director for 38 years. He was a part of the development of the world's first light water breeder reactor. His final assignment was at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard overhauling ship reactor cores. He retired in 1992. He served in the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant. Rudy was a member of the Sons of Norway and was a founding Parishioner of St. Olaf Catholic Church in Poulsbo, Washington. He served as a chairman for the North Kitsap School Board and was a strong supporter of the NK schools. He was also a member of the athletic booster club, while his children were in school. Rudy was a disciplined jogger and took great joy in participating every year in the Viking Fest 5 mile run. He was a gentleman farmer who loved working on his 10 acre property on Scandia and tending to his garden, cows and horses. He is survived by his wife Rose Marie Thomas of Poulsbo, WA, children; Rudolph Delphin Thomas Jr. (Catriona) of Charlottesville, VA, Joseph Hayden Thomas (Shannon) of Portland, OR, John Quincy Thomas (Paula) of San Diego, CA, Matthew Hummel Thomas (Cristina) of Tacoma, WA, Bridget Mary Brewer (Kevin) of Lynnwood, WA, Marie Julia Thomas of Martigues, France. He also leaves behind his brother Clarence "Nick" Stanislaus Thomas Jr. (Ruth) of Louisville, KY. There are 18 grandchildren. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents and his daughters, Mary Pat and Margaret Ann. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 7 - 8 PM at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 18943 Caldart Avenue, Poulsbo WA 98370. The Rosary will follow at 8 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 16th at 11 :00 AM at the church, followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment will follow after the reception at Mountainview Cemetery on Mountainview Road in Poulsbo.Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Olaf Catholic Church or The Alzheimer's Association - alz.org The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the dedicated caregivers and friends who's compassionate care and loving presence provided great comfort to Rudy during his final years of life.