Robert Clayne Thomson

Robert "Bob" Thomson, 72, of Caldwell, died August 18, 2010, at home, following a long illness. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 27, 2010, at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell. A potluck reception will follow at his home, 1404 Rochester, in Caldwell. Bob was born December 2, 1937, in Caldwell, ID, to Olive M. (Lanfear) and Paul G. Thomson. As a child, Bob moved with his family to the NuAcres community near Nyssa, OR, where he helped his father and uncle clear sagebrush for the family farms. Bob participated in the Methodist Youth Fellowship group and the Do-More 4-H Club and graduated from Fruitland High School in 1956. Following graduation, Bob joined the International Guard of Idaho and was honorably discharged when his father became ill. After returning home, he worked for Curtis Breeding and hauled canned milk at Dairyman's Cooperative Creamery in Caldwell. In 1963, he purchased a freight company from his grandfather and delivered to many local businesses. Bob married Lela Mathias on December 27, 1964, in Weiser, ID. They welcomed two sons into their family--Rod on July 13, 1968 and Randy on September 23, 1974. While living in Caldwell, Bob worked for Sears and Roebuck, Miller Transfer and Storage, and Gene Cottier. In the summer of 1978, Bob and his family moved to an acreage in the Notus area. He worked for many nearby farmers and enjoyed returning to agriculture. He took great pride in The Notus Volunteer Fire Department and was especially proud to serve there alongside his sons. In November of 1995, an agricultural accident claimed Bob's left arm and forced him into retirement. The next summer, Bob and his family moved back to Caldwell and Bob began collecting coffee mugs as a hobby. In 2006, his collection of 6,352 mugs was verified by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world. Bob is survived by two sons, Rod and Randy, both of Caldwell; a sister, Barbara Davidson of Nampa; two aunts, Verda Ames of Caldwell, and Mary Jones of Milton-Freewater, OR as well as many extended family members and very dear friends. His parents and his wife preceded him in death. The family would like to thank AAA Homecare of Nampa and Paul Fredericks of Harrison's Hope Hospice of Meridian for assisting us with Bob's care during this time. Service Information