Henry David Thomas

Henry “Hank” David Thomas passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his children, on May 31, 2026.

Hank was born on November 28, 1956, in Cody, Wyoming, to Henry and Evelyn Thomas. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Colorado as the oldest of six children. During his high school years, the family moved to Edmond, Oklahoma. Hank attended Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Following graduation, Hank began a long and accomplished career as an aerospace engineer. He worked for General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin before retiring from United Launch Alliance (ULA). He took great pride in his work and contributions to the aerospace industry.

Shortly after graduating from Oklahoma State, Hank moved to San Diego, California, where he and Loretta Pheiff welcomed three children: Sarah Anne, David, and John.

In 1995, Hank returned to Littleton, Colorado, where he embraced the outdoor lifestyle he loved so much. He enjoyed skiing, white-water rafting, biking, rollerblading, running, camping, and rarely passed up an opportunity to spend time in the mountains. He was especially proud to serve as a ski patrolman at Loveland Ski Area for 25 years.

In 2009, Hank was involved in a skiing accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving him wheelchair bound. Despite the immense challenges that followed, Hank remained determined to continue enjoying the outdoors and living life fully. He was especially proud to receive his standing wheelchair in 2018 and treasured being able to stand in photographs at each of his children’s weddings.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Thomas and Evelyn Thomas; his stepmother, Weta Thomas; and his brother, Matt Thomas.

He is survived by his children: Sarah Anne Oare of Edmond, Oklahoma; David (Raya) Thomas of Littleton, Colorado; and John (Ansley) Thomas of Arvada, Colorado. He was a proud and loving Grandad to Olivia and Liam Oare, Connor and Rowan Thomas, and Grace Thomas. He is also survived by his siblings Mary (Mike) Ryan, Paul (Jennifer) Thomas, Randy (Trish) Thomas, and Sam (Tina) Thomas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Hank will be remembered for his intelligence, refreshing honesty, resilience, adventurous spirit, and deep love for his family and the Colorado outdoors.