Gary Jim Thomas, 58, of Oak Harbor, died suddenly at his home on March 4, 2009.

Mr. Thomas was born in Boise, Idaho, on Aug. 3, 1950, preceding his biological father Leo Thomas. Survived by his mother Frances (Westerberg) Swagart and step-father Gerald Swagart. He was raised in Cooks, Mich., where he graduated from Big Bay de Noc High School. He married Frances Carley, a relationship which lasted 22 years. Gary is a retired Mid-West 120 Operating Engineer for 20 years.

Gary attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, graduating with honors and a BA degree in Criminal Justice. He moved to Oak Harbor in 1992. His passion in life was the rescue and care of rare and exotic birds.

Gary is survived by his three loving daughters, Rochelle Shirkanbaigi (Steve) of Fountain Valley, Calif., Dr. Melinda Thomas of Palmdale, Calif., and Kymberlee Bateni (Reza) of Danville, Calif.; five grandchildren, Greggary, Kayla, Kaitlyn, Kamron and Austin; his parents, Gerald and Francis Swagart of Cooks, Mich.; four brothers, Dock, Glenn, David and Clay Swagart; also, numerous other relatives.

Gary was remarried on May 16, 1997, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to Mary Schaaff and is survived by his step-daughter Vickey Fenner, and her three sons Trenton, Lane, Xzavanin Fenner. The family would like to put in a special “thank you” to Ken and Dianna McClure for their many years of friendship, love and dedication to their dad.

A Memorial Celebration will be held Friday, March 13, at 1 p.m. at Deception Pass. Guests are asked to assemble at the parking lot just south of the bridge at that hour. Family and friends may sign the online guest register at www.whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., Oak Harbor.