THOMEN, Robert (Bob) Wadhams

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Robert Wadhams Thomen passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 2013, at the age of 89. His parents were Paul and Margery (Walters) Thomen. Although born in Rawlins, Wyo., Bob grew up in Cranford, N.J. He was a spina bifida baby whose long life was often characterized by both physical and psychological pain, but by many good things, too. Bob was a mechanical engineer who graduated from Cornell University (as did both his parents), and usually was employed in plastics manufacturing, work he found rewarding. But the big passion in Bob's life was bird-watching. He was first introduced to it by his Grandma Thomen when he was a small boy struggling with leg braces. He lived and worked many years in the central eastern coastal states, prime areas for birding. He was a founding member and one-time president of the Del Mar Va Ornithological Society, which later honored him by naming him a Fellow of the organization. His decision to retire in Prescott 29 years ago was made after careful research was done which indicated that Yavapai County was the best area for birding in all of Arizona. Bob and his wife Nancy moved to Prescott in 1984, and never regretted it. He was very proud that he had seen and identified more than 280 different species of birds from his home across the road from Willow Lake. In 2011, he was honored by the local Audubon Club for his contributions to area birding activity. Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy; daughters Anne Thomen Cain of Santa Fe, N.M., and Mary Thomen Redway (Jake) of Providence, R.I.; grandsons Sean Cain (Fay) of Hong Kong and Sam Redway of New York City; and granddaughter Bettina Redway of Rhode Island. At his request, Bob's body has been gifted to medical research, through Science Care. No services are planned. Walk straight and tall, my beloved Robert, and Good Birding, wherever you are. Your Nancy. Information provided by survivors.