Stan Thacker

Stanley Hobart Thacker (aka Rocky, Old Man River, Timberbeast, Papa, Sasquatch, Stan the Man, Thackalaria), of Skamokawa, Washington, passed away March 18, 2017 on the lower Columbia River, at the age of 62. He went out in his skiff in the afternoon to salvage logs, a life long passion of his, and failed to return home in the evening. After a long night of searching by numerous friends, fishermen, and the Coast Guard, he was found peacefully at rest on a nearby beach.

Stan was born May 8, 1954, in Longview, Washington to Hoby and Clara Thacker of Skamokawa. He met his lifelong love, Becky at the Skamokawa Fair dance in 1971, they were highschool sweethearts and married in 1974; they shared nearly 46 years of happiness and adventures together.

Stan attended Skamokawa Grade School and graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1973. Some of his favorite memories were lived out on the football field at Wa-Ki-Hi. The day after high school graduation, Stan began working for Durrah Martin Logging. After thirteen years setting chokers and working the landing, he achieved his goal of becoming a timber faller. Don Kelly and his crew of Knappa, Oregon initiated Stan into the timber falling brotherhood. He later worked for Cliff Kilponen until his retirement in 2006. Falling timber was Stan’s passion; his work ethic and enthusiasm are respected by many. When not giving it his all in the woods, he would be found camping with his family, water skiing in tournaments, and exploring the river. He thrived on making memories and sharing laughs with those around him.

Stan is survived by his father and stepmother, Hoby and Pat Thacker; his wife Becky Thacker, daughter and son-in-law, Lacey and Chris Johnson, daughter, Kylie Thacker; and three grandchildren, Keely, Ava, and Elliott. Additionally, he is survived by sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Leon Gollersrud; brother, Mike Thacker; and brother and sister-in-law Pat and Carol Thacker. Stan will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, his dogs, Lily and Brody and a loving community. He was most admired and worshipped by Dean Seaberg, who adored Stan in every way and will miss him dearly.

Stan was preceded in death by his son, Wes Thacker, in 1995. He missed him every day, and the loss reinforced the “don’t wait to share your feelings” manner he embraced. His mother, Clara, passed in 2002; from the time he was a child she always told him what a good boy he was, and he did his best to live up to her encouragements.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 1, at 3 p.m., in the Skamokawa Grange Hall at 18 Fairgrounds Rd, Skamokawa, WA 98647. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

- Paid Obituary -