David B. Thomas

David Buchanan Thomas, also known as Plooble and DBT, amongst many other nicknames, passed away on November 30, 2023, at the age of 58. Born in Metuchen, NJ, David led a vibrant and dynamic life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.
Dave's journey began in Metuchen, but it was in Raleigh, NC, that he truly found his home at the age of 10. A graduate of Hale High School, where he forged lifelong friendships, his academic journey took him to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later to Guilford College in Greensboro, NC.
The nomadic spirit in Dave led him to bartend at a pub in London and work as a DJ at an American radio station in Tokyo, where he met his first wife, Frith Barbat. They married in 1989 in Chapel Hill, NC, and although their paths diverged in 1993, they remained good friends for the rest of his life. His circle of friends grew at the Hardback Cafe, a place he held dear, and later at a bar called Hell.
On May 7, 2005, he married Jean Ferguson, a union celebrated with a heartfelt haiku penned by his father.
Marvel at this day
Brilliant dreams are in the air
Make them all come true
Dave embraced fatherhood when Conrad Ferguson Thomas was born in February 2008. Conrad was his favorite person, and their adventures, including two cross-country moves, formed cherished memories.
Professionally, David's talents shone bright, from his days as a photographer and reporter at the Chapel Hill News to his time at Salesforce and Splunk in San Francisco.
His move to Northampton, MA, in 2019, following Jean to a new job, marked a new chapter filled with pursuing his hobbies including sketching, painting, wristwatch making, woodworking and the joy of his English Cocker Spaniels, Tilda and Obie.
In June 2023, Dave was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. Despite the challenges, he approached his diagnosis with a profound realization of the impact he had on others'. The outpouring of love and support from family and friends was a testament to the lives he touched.
Dave’s final months were graced by a parade of visitors and short trips to serene waters, bringing him solace. His legacy lives on through the love he shared with Jean, Conrad, family and his extensive network of friends. David Buchanan Thomas will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and wry wit, generosity of spirit, creativity and the enduring connections he fostered throughout his remarkable journey.
Dave is survived by his wife, Jean Ferguson; son, Conrad Thomas; dogs, Tilda and Obie; cousins Lloyd Snook and Sheila Haughey, Kathy and John Maxted, Carol and Brett Weare, Charlie and Marty Prickitt and Mason and Jill Prickitt; along with their children Chris Snook and Sage Barnum, Michael Snook and Rajita Taneja, Elizabeth Snook and Craig Coriell, Andrew and Liz Maxted, Brian Maxted and Liz Barnett, Robin and Jared Hughes, Krystal and Brian Robbins, Ginger and Darryl Bihm, Lyndee Prickitt and Rahul Shivshankar and Bonnie and Dave Munoz. He is also survived by Jean’s family, Thelma Ferguson; Marc and Mary Ferguson; Ashley and Jordan Bontke; Marcus Ferguson; Dave and Ann Conrad; Diana and Dave Batema; Laura Beyer and Craig Riste; and Scott and Nancy Doherty. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Joyce Thomas, his father-in-law, Donald Ferguson and his cats Wooster and Hastings.
Local family and friends are invited to a drop in reception in honor of Dave’s memory on Saturday, December 9 from 1 to 4pm at their home, 77 Winterberry Lane in Northampton, MA. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held in January 2024 in Chapel Hill, NC. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, consider donating in Dave’s honor to Manna Soup Kitchen in Northampton [ https://mannanorthampton.org/ ] or TableNC in Carrboro, NC [ https://tablenc.org/ ]. Please join Dave’s family in honoring the memory of the man, the myth, the legend, David B. Thomas, a beloved husband, father, friend, and mentor.