Richard Thomas

VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTERichard Gareth (R.G.) Thomas 57 lifelong area resident and landscape architect passed away on Friday September 4 after a prolonged illness leaving behind his family many friends and a lifetime of projects which beautify the Akron area. Rick is the son of Mary Jane Thomas and the late Gareth Thomas of Akron. He leaves behind Pam (Logan) his devoted wife of 36 years; children Matthew (Misty) Justin (Kim) and Devon (Jason Yeager and daughter Cameran); grandchildren Logan Kaitlyn and Gavin; brother Dave (Karen); a large extended family; and many friends including best pal Jim Chatfield. A well-known landscape designer builder and educator Rick traces his love of plants and trees to his childhood playing on the lawns of Stan Hywet and later working in landscaping while a college student. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge of plants and landscape design with others; and gave talks and taught classes over many years. He and Pam started R.G. Thomas Landscape and Design in 1974 and Pam's Perennial Plant Farm. Most of his family joined the family businesses and continue his legacy sharing his love of plants garden design and landscaping. He is a graduate of Firestone High School attended The University of Akron and Ohio State University and was a State of Ohio Registered Landscape Architect and Certified Landscape Technician. He designed the gardens for the restoration of historic Alexander Park in Akron and designed and built projects for the Akron Zoo. He served as a design consultant and volunteer for Keep Akron Beautiful; served on the Park Board of the City of Norton and helped create Frashure Park; and was a volunteer for many community beautification projects. He was a driving force in the creation of the Akron Regional Landscape and Nursery Association a Trustee of the Summit County Farm Bureau and a member of the Crown Point Advisory Board the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association the International Society of Ornamental Crabapples and the American Society of Landscape Architects. In 2005 he received the Distinguished Service Award of the Summit County Farm Bureau Federation. A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday September 10 2009 at Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange St Akron. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 4-8 PM. Rick's family expresses special thanks to the EMS of the City of Norton and the staff at Windsong. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to OSU - Secrest Arboretum in Wooster; Keep Akron Beautiful; and the City of Norton Fire Department.