Peter Thomas Obituary

Thomas, Peter Age 80, died at home in Chicago, Illinois on September 12, 2016. Born on November 18, 1935 in Harvey, Illinois to Peter and Marion Thomas, he was orphaned at age 4 and raised by his Uncle Ray and Aunt "Cookie" in LaGrange, Illinois and then Lebanon, Missouri. He graduated from Stoutland High School near Lebanon and later attended Drury University where he studied piano. Served in the U.S. Army as a SPE-4 in Korea where he was a member of the Bayonet Chorale. In November 2015 he celebrated both his 80th birthday and his retirement from Labelmaster of Chicago, Illinois. Peter, a private person, was still outgoing and dedicated to his friends. He was an early member of the L/L social club, Rodeo Riders of Chicago; serving as Foreman for 33 years. He was deeply involved with the Mid-America Conference of Clubs serving as President 1986 through 2002. As their official history states: "Peter Thomas was responsible for the preservation of the MACC as a viable organization and its survival." Today Pete's overlay with club colors is on display in the uniform exhibit at the Leather Archives and Museum "as it should be" according to Rob Ridinger, MACC historian Above all Pete was a gentle man and a gentleman. Always offering his assistance to other L/L clubs he had a way with people and took the MACC motto to heart: "Brotherhood is not just a word. It's a way of life." He will be deeply missed; as will the ubiquitous CUBS baseball cap and that touch of playfulness that endeared him to so many. A memorial will be held at Touche, 6412 N. Clark, Chicago, Illinois on October 23, 2016 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.