[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 174 (Thursday, November 10, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT SCOTT THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 10, 2022

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life of Robert Scott Thomas, who passed away on October 23, 2022.
  Descending from a storied line of Marin pioneers and California 
cowboys, Robert spent his childhood learning about the value of hard 
work and business ethic. This was evident from the age of 12, when he 
managed the ranch and family business while his adult family members 
were away fighting in the Second World War. Following their legacy of 
service, he would go on to join the United States Army in 1951, serving 
at Fort Ord, California.
  Robert returned to Marin County after serving in the military and 
went on to play an instrumental role at John Oglesby Engineering, 
designing Marinwood, Sausalito, Tiburon, Mill Valley, and other 
subdivisions across Marin County. Robert would eventually become 
President of McNear Block Company, the historic firm that was crucial 
in rebuilding San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake.
  Throughout his life, Robert carried on the legacy of a family steeped 
in California history. In 1868, his great-great-grandfather, Captain 
John August McNear, purchased 2,500 acres of land at Point San Pedro in 
San Rafael, where he ran successful dairy and brick manufacturing 
operations. After seeing the poor treatment of Chinese workers in San 
Francisco, Captain McNear offered the Chinese community employment and 
safe refuge on his land. Robert upheld these family values in his 
professional career, notably as Senior Advisor for Roots of Peace, a 
humanitarian organization dedicated to removing landmines and reviving 
sustainable agriculture in war-torn regions.
  Robert exemplified humility, positivity, resilience, and love for 
family. He met the love of his life, Barbara, while at San Rafael High 
School; they would go on to spend over half a century together until 
she passed in 2006. He leaves behind his daughter Heidi, son Robert, 
Jr., 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. While he will be 
greatly missed, Robert's legacy will live on through the positive 
impact he had on his family, Marin County, and beyond.
  Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Robert Scott Thomas was a 
community figure who will be missed and whose many contributions to the 
region and nation are worthy of commendation. Therefore, it is fitting 
and proper that we honor his many contributions and express our deep 
condolences to his family and friends.

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