Robert McG. Thomas: The Legendary Chronicler of Unsung Lives
In the world of daily journalism, the obituary is often viewed as a formal record of a life ended. However, Robert McGill Thomas Jr. transformed this conventional form into an art. Known to his readers as "McGs," Thomas spent years at The New York Times, where he became celebrated for his ability to find the extraordinary in ordinary people, breathing new life into one of the most neglected sections of the newspaper.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Robert McGill Thomas Jr.
- Career: Longtime reporter and obituary writer for The New York Times.
- Notable Works: Featured in The Last Word (1997) and 52 McGs. (2001).
- Legacy: Credited with expanding the possibilities of the obituary format.
- Lifespan: May 9, 1939 – January 6, 2000.
Early Life and Path to Journalism
Born on May 9, 1939, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Robert Thomas had a distant familial connection to Estes Kefauver, the U.S. Senator from Tennessee and the 1956 Democratic vice presidential candidate. While he initially pursued higher education at Yale University, Thomas eventually chose a different path, dropping out to enter the professional world of news.
In 1959, he joined The New York Times as a copyboy—an entry-level position involving the physical movement of copy and general assistance—marking the beginning of a lifelong tenure with the prestigious publication.
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A Career Defined by the "Unsung"
Writing under the byline Robert McG. Thomas, he covered a wide array of subjects as a reporter. However, it was his work in the obituary section that garnered him widespread acclaim. Thomas did not merely list dates and achievements; he captured the essence of his subjects, focusing on the unpretentious, the queer, and the low-rent.
His impact was so significant that by the late 1990s, some readers sought out his specific columns before reading the front-page lead stories. His colleague, Michael T. Kaufman, noted that Thomas "shook the dust" from the obituary form, extending its creative and narrative possibilities.
Literary Recognition and Anthologies
The quality of Thomas's writing led to his inclusion in several posthumous and contemporary collections:
- The Last Word (1997): An anthology featuring more than thirty of his obituaries.
- 52 McGs. (2001): A comprehensive collection titled 52 McGs.: The Best Obituaries from Legendary New York Times Reporter Robert McG. Thomas.
A review by Kirkus Reviews praised these works for celebrating the unsung and the unpretentious, cementing his reputation as a master of the short-form biography.
Personal Life and Passing
Outside of the newsroom, Thomas shared his life with his wife, Joan, and they were the parents of twin sons. The family split their time between the bustling environment of Manhattan and a peaceful vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Robert McG. Thomas passed away on January 6, 2000, at the age of 60, following a battle with abdominal cancer.
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Summary of Robert McG. Thomas's Legacy
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Employer | The New York Times |
| Starting Role | Copyboy (1959) |
| Specialization | Obituaries |
| Major Publication | 52 McGs. (2001) |
| Writing Style | Celebratory of the unpretentious and unsung |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert McG. Thomas?
Robert McGill Thomas Jr. was an American journalist for The New York Times, best known for his innovative and engaging obituaries that focused on ordinary and overlooked individuals.
What is the significance of the book "52 McGs."?
Published in 2001, 52 McGs. is a collection of the best obituaries written by Thomas, showcasing his ability to transform a standard journalistic format into a celebration of unique lives.
How did Thomas change the way obituaries were written?
He moved away from the rigid, conventional style of the obituary, instead focusing on the "unsung" and "unpretentious," thereby expanding the narrative possibilities of the genre.
Where did Robert McG. Thomas spend his time outside of New York?
Thomas and his family maintained a vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he eventually passed away.
What was Thomas's educational background?
Thomas attended Yale University but left the institution to begin his career at The New York Times as a copyboy in 1959.