Bradley “Brad” Bob Thomas, 70, passed away on July 14, 2026. Brad was born August 7, 1955, in Omaha, Nebraska, and was adopted in January 1956 by Robert and Evelyn Thomas in Crawford, Nebraska. He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his grandparents, Walter and Florence Reeves. He is survived by his sister Sandra (Stephen) Cooper and nephew Ryan Cooper of Greeley, Colorado; niece Christina (Erik) Maki and grand-nephews Elijah and Jackson Maki of Laramie, Wyoming.
Brad attended schools in Crawford, Nebraska; Austin, Texas; and Cheyenne, Wyoming. While in high school, he was in ROTC and graduated from Cheyenne Central High School in 1974 with a fascination for computers. He then attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
Brad’s connection to the University of Wyoming spanned more than five decades. He first joined UW in 1975, and later worked for Control Data Corporation before returning to UW Computer Services (now Information Technology), where he dedicated the last 44 years of his career.
Throughout his remarkable tenure, Brad played a pivotal role in shaping UW’s technology infrastructure. He helped design UW’s first campus network, led multiple major redesigns over the years, and was instrumental in bringing Internet connectivity to the University of Wyoming. His impact extended beyond campus as well: he helped design the Front Range networks that support connectivity throughout Wyoming, and coined the name BISON (Bi-State Optical Network) for the fiber ring that carries data across the Front Range.
Brad also played a significant role in the planning and design of the Information Technology Center (ITC) and contributed his expertise to numerous other building and infrastructure projects across campus. His vision, technical expertise, and dedication helped lay the foundation for the modern technology environment that serves UW and the state today.
Brad was an avid reader, devouring fiction, science fiction, history, science, and technical topics. Air and space travel was another interest of Brad’s; he visited museums and read extensively on the topics.
He enjoyed the theater and spent many years working at the Cheyenne Civic Center, volunteered at The Old-Fashioned Melodrama at the Atlas Theater in Cheyenne, and on the night show crew for Cheyenne Frontier Days, including the 100th anniversary year.
Brad loved to travel, whether on trips to Africa, Scotland, Australia, or just a drive through the mountains here in Wyoming. He enjoyed numerous trips with friends to visit historical railroad museums and historic train rides across the western US.
He was an amateur radio operator and was involved with the local radio club. He participated in many of the club events and exercises and was the club president for several years.
There will be a celebration of life on September 26th from 1:30 until 5 pm to share stories and memories at the Laramie Depot (1st and Kearney, 600 S. 1st Street, Laramie, Wyoming). If you wish, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to support the Laramie Historic Railroad Depot Association at www.laramiedepot.org in Brad’s name.