Memorial page -|- Sierra Nevada Unit home page

In Memory of Spencer Thomas





Spencer at the Petersen Ranch rally in 2009.

The cabin on the Petersen Ranch where Spencer spent his summers

Spencer Thomas passed away on July 12, 2019. He and his wife Jill lived in Adin, CA. They joined the SNU in 2005. Spencer was a primary motivator for the SNU to hold a rally at Eagle Lake as it was closer to where he lived. Since he was still working, it would make it easier for him to attend, which he did in 2005. Since then we have held several rallies at Eagle Lake. It was also Spencer’s suggestion that we might consider holding a rally at his families homestead at Petersen Ranch near Pittville, CA. Anita checked out the ranch. Spencer came to the 2009 SNU rally at Eagle Lake with maps and directions to show us how to get there. The SNU held a rally at the ranch in July 2009. Although logging nearby made a mess out of the roads, the location was absolutely gorgeous with a great view of Mt Shasta. Check out Randy’s write-up of the rally. Although work, family and distance made it difficult for him to attend many rallies, Spencer was a strong supporter of the SNU. His participation, suggestions and ideas were an asset to the Unit. Because of Spencer, we discovered some great rally locations in a beautiful part of the country.

Here are some comments about Spencer from Anita. She visited him and his wife Jill in 2008

From Anita Leipper #1183 - I enjoyed my time with Spencer. Exploring several of his ranches, looking for areas that would be good rally sites for SNU. One was near Pittsville, CA and another near Canby, CA. He was not only showing me the ranches, but had so much to say about that part of the country. It would have been really neat to have recorded him! He really deserved an oral history video. I also enjoyed Airstream courtesy parking at his home in Adin and checking out his fascinating vintage collections of Airstreams, vehicles, RVs and much more. He had the same truck as me. It amazed me that he could drive it so much with no mechanical issues. I felt completely comfortable with his driving skills! He drove me many miles to visit some of his ranches. I learned quite a few things from Spencer. He was the one who introduced me to invasive Junipers. ,

Spencer had at least 2 Airstreams. He also had several vintage SOB's

Links

Spencer Thomas Obituary

2009 SNU newsletter write-up on the rally at Petersen Ranch

Photo Galleries related to Spencer

Spencer’s RV Collection
1950’s Flying Cloud
1964 Overlander
Canby area ranch
Petersen Ranch near Pittville
2009 SNU rally at Petersen Ranch


2009 July – SNU rally at the Petersen Ranch near Pittville, CA






























SierraNevadaAirstreams.org

Enjoyment of the whispering winds, the zephyrs, the airstreams of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin areas of the United States in a recreational vehicle.