SAMUEL FINLEY THOMAS, M.D.

1913-1989

Samuel Finley Thomas was born in Paris, France on October 2, 1913. He died in Salt Lake City on May 31, 1989. He received his A.B. from Princeton University in 1935 and his M.D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in 1940. During World War II, he served as a major in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army Air Force. Dr. Thomas practiced medicine in New York City, specializing in neurology and psychiatry. He was on the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital in New York from 1946 to 1975, when he retired as Director of the Neurology Division. He was a staff member of the Neurology Institute of New York City from 1975 to 1980. He was also a Professor of Neurology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.

Dr. Thomas was an avid climber. He climbed extensively in the Alps and the Dolomites, where he made first ascents of the east face of the Campanile Adele and the west face of the Campanile Bettega. He also climbed in Washington and Oregon. But it was particularly in his beloved Wasach Mountains of Utah that he roamed to find spiritual strength. He joined the American Alpine Club in 1939.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, a daughter and a stepson.