Please join Rob’s family in celebrating his life
at a funeral service to be held in the
Church of the Epiphany, Epiphany Place, Crafers
on WEDNESDAY, September 3, 2025.
An opportunity for viewing will commence at 1:00 p.m.
The service will commence at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will follow.
Rob always said he wanted people to wear bright colours at his funeral.
Please wear something bright and joyful.
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: Limited parking available at the Church.
Please use the car park at the Adelaide Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara –
entering from James Street, Crafers. Thank you.
The service will be broadcast by livestream.
Please use the link provided above.
Fill out the form below to leave a message. Once approved, your message will appear on the message board.
Rob made an effort to include me a number of times in community rides or get togethers when I was going through a difficult time. He had a big heart, gentle and thoughtful.
Rob I'm devastated that you are gone. Thanks for all the IT help over many years and general life coaching. I will never forget you and those colourful shirts. You made hi-vis gear redundant. RIP mate
Rest in peace, Mr Rob Thomas. Thank you for guiding me through my passion for technology during my high school years. Your enthusiasm and eccentric drive inspired me to continue my journey into the world of electronics and computing. Your wisdom and kindness helped shape me into the man I am today. Your energy will continue to resonate within our hearts. I'm so sorry to your family and loved ones for our tragic loss. The world has truly become smaller without you, Mr T. With love. ❤️ Lachlan
Rob was such a positive, fun, friend and work colleague. Always so kind and helpful. It is so difficult to accept that we can’t chat and visit any more. Love to Abi and condolences to all the family, Rob will always stay in our hearts, always remembered and sadly missed.
When we moved into our home in Crafers, we were greeted by this pleasant fellow — shorts in winter, a walking cane in one hand and a clipboard in the other. Our first thought was, “The Adelaide Hills Council rangers are quick!” Little did I know it was the beginning of a valued and meaningful friendship. Rob was very much a community man. When anyone moved into the Crafers area, there was Rob — clipboard in hand — welcoming them to the neighbourhood. He was always friendly, always respectful, and always ready to help. He hosted and organised Crafers community gatherings, CFS awareness sessions, and seasonal events for Christmas and the winter solstice. He managed a vibrant community Facebook page, and he was involved in numerous local groups, always seeking to build fellowship and make a difference. He was also involved in ROMAC, and was considering joining our Rotary Club. He would have made a fine Rotarian. His efforts were deeply valued. Upon the news of his untimely passing, tributes flooded the Crafers Community page. Rob will be sorely missed, not just because he was a good man, but because he made a deliberate effort to step up, lead, and build fellowship. He wanted to make a lasting impact — and he did. Thank you, Rob, for welcoming us to the neighbourhood. Thank you for the catchups, and for the fish that still swim in the pond out the front of our house. Your friendship was a gift. With Love, Andrew and Nicky Bradley 31 Vantage Way, Crafers
Rob & Abbi have always been special people in our lives. Including them and Xavier into our family have made us happy and whole. We have lost two pieces of that whole but are glad we still have Abbi. We are here when you need us Abbi. So sorry about the grief and sadness. We will miss our dear Rob. Thinking of you. ❤️❤️❤️ All our love Anita, Evan, Monique and Claire
I knew Rob in the Solomon Islands. He brought warmth, kindness, and humor to every situation. His vibrancy always elevated the good energy in the room. Sending all my condolences to his family and friends.
I met Rob when I was 15 (1984!) and we have been friends ever since….we were birthday buddies and usually had a chat on 10th March! He was a great friend and a very kind man. RIP Rob. Xxx
We felt so lucky to see you briefly and your beautiful daughter at the Memorial Weekend for Johnny. We remember you from years ago being so life-enhancing and full of joy. Our hearts go out to your family and friends at this very sad time. Keith & Nina, Cornwall, UK.
Rob was a one off. I worked with him at Carmarthen Leisure Centre, in Wales, back in the early 1980’s when he was employed as lifeguard. His unique, quirky character made him a favourite with all the staff and was good fun, both in and out of work. He was probably on the verge of being a genius and it’s no wonder he started working on computers, his logical brain just got it! He always had time for people and was kind enough to organise Leisure Centre reunions on his visits back home, despite living so far away. I will miss his friendship his unorthodox discussions and his sometimes outspoken controversial views on life. My condolences go out to all his friends and family. He certainly was a one off. Rest in peace Rob.
Dearest Robbie, so fondly remembered as a lovely cousin who was a true individual! We will wear bright colours back here for you in England. Sending so much love & sorry we can’t be there in person but thinking of you all, much love from, Kate, Terry, Oliver & Sophie xxx
Chris inning condoles on the death of your brother. I wish you a lot of strength in this difficult period. Lots of love to everyone. Kathy
To lose a genuine friend so soon is heartbreaking. Rob was full of enthusiasm, kind, considerate, seriously knowledgable and also very funny, but never at the expense of others. He made learning and life enjoyable and was beyond professional with his students and work colleagues, always giving and making time for us under any circumstance. Rob’s infectious, quirky sense of being will live on in the many people who have had the pleasure of knowing him. It is an honour to have such a decent individual as a friend, and I will miss his presence dearly. Love to Abi and my deepest condolences to Rob’s family.
Heartfelt condolences to dear Abi, Chris and all the family. Rob’s beautiful soul will be sorely missed and remembered for his kind and free spirited nature.
Our little Tuesday Treadlers group won't be the same without you Rob. I'll miss your entertaining stories, your music on your hip, your willingness to go out in all kinds of weather and your enthusiasm to ride an extra 10, 20, 30 km. I'll also always remember our surprise meetings on some dusty outback South Australian road late in the afternoon as you were going out for a quick ride after spending the day volunteering putting up tents for Bike SA in ground so hard it needed a drill to get the pegs in. You had so much life and enthusiasm and so much more to do. We'll miss you very much and the times we still had to share with you.
Rob was a lovely part of my Solomon Islands experience and it was with great shock to learn of his sudden passing. His calm, knowledgeable and friendly manner made all my interactions with him interesting and a learning opportunity. I know that he really loved the Solomons and its people - and they will miss him greatly. Wishing all the colour and brightness on a such a sad occasion - his memory will shine bright.
First impressions live on! Rob was the first person to go out of his way to show kindness and a warm welcome when I moved to Solomon’s. I later had the honour of giving a speech at his wedding. Amongst other things, I remember demanding a “new” car from his boss.. Rob must have driven the most dilapidated company car in the world! He didn’t mind though. My lasting memory of Rob is someone who strived to see the positive side of things. Sending love and condolences
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Rob. He was such a warm hearted and truly lovely human - always there with a cheery hello and welcoming smile to everyone in our little community and ready to listen or help. Such a huge loss. The world is a better place for having had him in it. Heart aches for you Abi.
Dear Abi and family, Our deepest and loving condolences for the loss of your Dad, a brother and friend to so many! Rob gave our family many happy and good memories over shared meals and we will miss his loving interchanges with Abi, now very much a part of our family, and cheeriness with us. We will miss you Rob! Thank you for all your love, care and interest for all of us! Stace, Henry, Annabelle and Glenn ❤️
I had only just met Rob recently. There are some people that instantly leave a warm impression and Rob was definitely someone who did so. We are all taught to strive to achieve and be recognized for our merit, but in the end we are most remembered by how we make others feel. While Rob's assessment of topographical details such as "20 metres of 30% grade" and "all downhill from here" might not have had a firm basis in reality, he had a way of making us all feel welcome on the journey. We will miss him.
Mr T made such a huge difference to my time at school as homegroup teacher. Always a friendly face, met everyone where they were at, and treated all of us like we were important. A true legend with the world's biggest personality. All my love to your friends and family.
Mr Thomas. You were the best teachers any student could ever ask for. You taught with understanding, fun and passion because you genuinely cared about your work and your students. I had you every year from 2011 to 2015 at Glenunga. You taught be how to build my first computer, you helped me get my tafe qualifications and you helped me graduate. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if you didn’t have such a huge impact. I’ll miss you Mr T. ❤️
Sending lots of love and support at this very tragic time. Robbie has been a life long friend to all our family and we are all deeply saddened. We will remember him for his happy and ever optimistic outlook on life!
Deepest condolences to all the family. I knew Rob all too little and met him just a few times in VCC circles but always enjoyed his delightfully sly humour and observations. Sending love to all the family I know and also all those I have never met but I feel certain with whom we would have enjoyed some fun time. Love.
RIP Mr Thomas. What a beautiful soul and such a loss for us all. Thank you for handing out smiles and happiness on the daily like the absolute champion you were. Much love to Mr Thomas and family
Rob, it always brightened my day when I saw you arriving for a Thursday ride in the hills. You were a kind, compassionate, intelligent, entertaining and gentle man. I knew you all too briefly and it saddens me greatly knowing we've shared our last ride, last funny conversation and last glass of stout together. Farewell my friend.
Thank you so much for being the most wonderful teacher a kid could have. Your presence on this beautiful planet will be forever missed, but you will always be remembered fondly ❤️
Hey Boyscout. An amazing person taken too soon. Hope to see you someday in heaven and share a pot of tea and great conversation. Condolences to Abi, family and friends. Jo
Rob was extraordinarily kind and considerate. When Jo-Ann [another Tuesday Treadler] died, it was Rob who REALLY cared. Despite only having met me one or twice, having recognised my despair, it was Rob who would ring me up and encourage me to go to live music events or on rides with him. He treated me as a long lost friend in trouble, with his uncommon kindness. I will miss his generosity of spirit and his support in my own grief. My heartfelt condolences to Abi and family. Rob certainly was rare,... a unique, generous and caring human being.
A life cut too short, I know cycling was a passion we both enjoyed , you always were non conventional that’s why it was always fun. Fond memories . Unfortunately too many people I know have died on their bikes but your memory makes us stronger and safer because it makes us think , respect and look after each other. RIP
I knew Rob for over 30 years. He was a work colleague and friend in the Solomon Islands last century. I now live in Canberra. I could relate many great stories about Rob and myself. I was hoping that now we were both retired, we could spend more time together. I find it hard to comprehend he is no longer with us.
Rob and Abi have been key figures for most of my time coaching and organising volleyball at Norwood Bears. While Rob didn't initially know much about the game, he had boundless enthusiasm and was a fantastic assistant coach and cheerleader. His teaching skills combined with natural curiosity and desire to support Abi in her passion for the game saw him quickly become a valued coach and committee member at the club for many years. We became close friends and his love of loud shirts rubbed off on me. He will be sorely missed.
A great work colleague always helpful with a joie de vivre Often prepared to stand up against the establishment in the best possible way. I give my condolences to his lovely daughter Abbie and always liked their surprise visits to my local atelier. So sorry for you to leave this world so unexpectedly.!
I first met Rob in 1995 on the Solomon Islands and caught up with him again in 2018 at his lovely Adelaide Hills home. He loved teaching, cared for countless young people—and even the koalas in his garden (probably easier than teenagers!). A kind and generous man. Goodbye, Rob—you’ll be missed.
Rob and Abi. No words to express the loss and suffering, and yet, ironically, words are needed at this time......so here I go. For one loss, a thousand shattered hearts, but this jigsaw paints a picture of infinite love - a love we all have for Rob and for you too. To me, Rob was colour, optimism, life at its best. And what of his death. "Death is nothing but a horizon; and a horizon is nothing but the limit of our sight." Rob lives on, over the horizon and in our hearts. And you, Abi, need to love and take care if yourself in this time of sadness. You are like a daughter to me, and will always have a place in our home and our hearts.
Rob was such a genuine and kind-hearted man. We miss his friendly smile and neighbourly chats. His generosity, passion for community and caring nature will not be forgotten. Sending our deepest condolences to Abi and all family and friends. Rest peacefully Rob.
So sad that my dear cousin Robi is no longer with us. You were always such fun and we had many childhood adventures together. I will miss our regular WhatsApp chats and the amazing photos you sent of Australian wildlife from your garden and your many travels. Thinking especially of Abi, Christo, Eirios, Morgan, Elsbeth and Aurora tomorrow Much love dear cousin - you will never be forgotten . Vicky, Lorna, William & family xxx
Rob was a wonderfully kind and thoughtful man. He always had time for everyone and he and I struck up a close friendship immediately. I knew Rob for over 20 years and we could pick up where we left off despite living on opposite sides of the world. He will be so sadly missed and I still cannot believe we will not have another conversation. My condolences to all the family as he will be so greatly missed.
I remember the first day Mr T took over our homegroup, he wrote his number on the board and told us to call him if we ever needed help, a ride, or just for a chat. That's just the kind of person he was - kind, helpful, and generous. You were always so full of love and life, and were unapologetic about sharing it with everyone. There wasn't a soul at school, student or teacher, that didn't grin after a chat with you. My heart aches to hear of your passing, but I know you're still spreading love and smiles wherever you are. Rest easy Mr T.
Sending our love and heartfelt condolences to Abi, Chris and all the family. A friend since childhood, it was always a joy to see Robbie and to meet Abi on family visits to Wales. He will be remembered with great fondness
I remember when I was little (maybe 8) and I had come to stay, you put me on the back of your motorbike and rode me across the fields. I was petrified! It is a moment I have never forgotten. You will also not be forgotten. Lots of love Robbie xx Alexandra, John, Cuthbert and Persephone xxxx
Really sad that your not still around mush really good loyal friend you will be very much missed by a lot of people nobody more so than Abi bye pal
Our dear and lovely Robbie as he was known to us, has gone and we cannot believe it. So unexpectedly, so young and so tragically. Robbie was our longest standing friend as a couple. He and my husband worked together at Carmarthen Leisure Centre in Wales, UK over 40 years ago and have been close friends ever since. We knew him even before we were a couple and married and loved him so very much ….. and he loved us so very much too and consistently showed that over the decades by being such a loyal, faithful, thoughtful, loving friend, keeping in touch and visiting us despite the huge distance since emigrating to Australia. We are so shocked at his passing and I Kerri am praying for you dearest Abi. May the Lord draw close to you at this time. We cannot imagine the pain of the loss of such a wonderful and devoted father to you. Robbie loved you so very, very much. Your dad was not just so happy being a dad ……but being your dad Abi and you were a wonderful daughter to him too. You are a credit to him in who you are, like your dad in so many ways - loving, caring, gentle, easy to talk to, well mannered and down to earth. The legacy of who Robbie was will live on through you. He raised you well and modelled so many good things to you in who he was. You will keep his memory alive through just being the lovely young lady you are. We were so blessed to have our dear Robbie as a close friend, we really were. He was so accepting of us, so accepting of people no matter who they were. He was the same to everyone, a rare kind and the most wonderful find. Kind, always upbeat, had the sunniest of smiles, such a wonderful disposition and so very down to earth despite sounding so posh I would joke! He always made time for us no matter what and was one of those people who always was able to make time for everyone. He made everyone feel special. We miss Robbie already and our lives will never be the same without such a friend. We will never forget him and I thank God for the gift He gave us all over all these years. What a blessing he was. Our sincere condolences to you Abi, Chris and the family. With all our love Steve (Gus) and Kerri Hopkins xxx
Mr T, When I was in highschool I used to think that I liked you as a homegroup teacher because you didn't take your job seriously, and let us pull all kinds of shenanigans. Now I realise that that WAS you taking it seriously. That it was important to have someone who you could trust to be good to you every single day. You gave us a chance to let off some steam, make good friendships, and be happy when we were otherwise super stressed out with the business of being teenagers. You were genuinely kind, community-minded, gave advice from the heart, and let us get away with as much as you could - I think it was good for us. I hope we were good to you. So sad to hear you're gone, Helen
He is one of the greatest humans I ever had the honor of having come across. Greatest thing I ever learnt from him wasnt to do with coding but it was what it meant to be truly curious about the world and to approach everything with a degree of kindness and understanding. A soul as colorful as his sweaters. Godspeed Mr Thomas
Mr T always took an interest in his students. I think he brought out the best in people, and I count myself very lucky to have had him as a homegroup teacher. He always encouraged curiosity in technology and art. I think he was a lot of people's favourite teacher, he was my favourite teacher.
Rob was an amazing man, he will be sadly missed by all that knew him, colourful and larger than life. He was an incredible teacher and mentor to his students including my son James. My husband and Rob loved watching Abi and Cat play netball. Rest in peace dear Rob xx
Rob we the Habru family will miss your smiles and friendship. You have always been helpful in supporting our wantoks association in Adelaide. You always had time to chat. The Solomon Islands Independence celebration in July was the last time we saw you and it was supposed to be 'see you later Rob'. We are so sad that we will never see you again. But we will always cherish the memories we have of you. We will miss you. Our thoughts are with Abi, Rob's family, the Koraua family, relatives and his close friends. RIP wantok!
RIEP my friend. You are one of a kind. Always positive and happy.
Mr T, I will always be forever grateful for the way you held and guided me and everyone through school and teenagerhood. You were the best teacher every day - you taught us how fun life should be (I'll never forget how often you would let me bring my chocolate fountain into school on random Fridays), how caring we should be of one another (I still have the napkin you wrote on to get me out of class one morning because I couldn't pull myself together for school that day! "Beth is crazy today" you wrote) and how gently you let the adult life unfold around us. How lucky were we to have you as our teacher and mentor. Vale Mr T. Sending all my love forever, and watching your service with tears (happy and sad) from Naarm. Beth x
Goodbye my bonkers friend! I watched the service this morning with tears in my eyes. - I still can’t believe you’ve gone. Just to think that I won’t see or hear from you again is heartbreaking. I’m just so glad that I got to spend so much time with you in the summer of 2023 - I will treasure those memories forever. As they say, God broke the mold after he made you… Truly unique with a heart of gold! Say hello to the gang up there… Until we meet again ❤️
Farewell to a true gentlemen. We all loved your energy, spirit and kind heart, Rob. The times we had together over the past 10 years were genuine and meaningful. You showed so much interest in our lives, especially the girls (Aurora 10 & Alinta 8), and we will always cherish the memory of the hours you spent with us on August 10, teaching the girls so gently, in your way, how to sharpen the chainsaw and use it safely... Abi, we are just down the road, just a call away, and there if you need anything at all - please don't hesitate to ask. All of our love xxxx Tim, Tanya, Aurora, Alinta & Harper
Hard to sum up all the great times we have had over the past 30 years. You will always be in our hearts.
Martin Muusse -
I always loved your zest for life and love for your family and friends, rest in peace my dear friend