Obituary: Theodore (Chip) Thoma

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." —Albert Camus

Theodore (Chip) Thoma, 77, passed away Sept. 29, 2025, at Wildflower Court after a long illness and an extraordinary, joyfully mischievous life of rebellion.

Theodore (Chip) Thoma

Chip grew up in Ohio and Washington, D.C., immersed in the politics of the 1960s. His father worked for U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy in an organized crime task force, inspiring Chip to become a lifelong activist and political organizer. While Chip pursued the lofty values of the original Kennedys, he relentlessly employed the tactics of his ‘60s youth cohort.

Chip had an eclectic career: the U.S. Marines boot camp, as a Teamster, a political appointee in the administrations of two Alaskan governors, citizen lobbyist at the Alaska Legislature, and cartoonist, journalist and writer. He never planned out his professional pathway, but opportunistically took advantage of events and opportunities.

Chip’s had a Zelig-like quality of always being in the scene when something historic was happening. For example, he talked his way into Woodstock by convincing the staff that he had electrical experience, securing a position as a stagehand, a free pass for the concert, and even a fleeting cameo in the movie that he relied on prove his story and win countless bets. And when the historic Trans-Alaska Pipeline was launched, Chip showed up working as a laborer and organizer pitted against big oil, leading him down a path that became a major part of his life’s work. 

Having seen the overwhelming power of industries exploiting Alaska’s resources, Chip volunteered as a citizen lobbyist in the state legislature for over 30 years. Woefully outmanned by the dozens of oil, mining and timber industry representatives, Chip was never outgunned. He was loved by many – not all – legislators and staff (some anonymously) for his willingness to speak the truth that many others were not willing or able to do. Though he was often dealing with deadly serious business Chip managed to keep everyone laughing with his language, tactics and irreverence.

Chip had an endless series of epic adventures. One of his most memorable was the purchase and operation of the M/V Grizzly Bear, a 58-foot wooden boat he used for transporting freight and people around Southeast Alaska. He used it to support youth in the Adventure Bound program, but his nautical career was particularly focused on helping construct a lodge in remote Windham Bay, shanghaiing various friends and others into helping with the work. Tongue in cheek, he sometimes referred to himself as the Mayor of Windham Bay, lobbying on behalf of the Windham Bay Homeowners Association. Everyone knew he was the only resident and member, but nobody disputed his authority.

Part of Chip’s interest in Windham Bay was to provide a platform for his long, tireless advocacy on behalf of the Tongass National. As a tireless opponent of wasting its magnificent old-growth timber, Chip took special delight in being the very first person to inform the leading timber lobbyist that his company’s logging contract had been revoked by the Clinton administration.

Chip was a particular thorn in the side of the cruise ship industry, both in the legislature and at the ballot box. As president of Responsible Cruising in Alaska and working with a handful of other volunteers, Chip helped organize a successful statewide ballot initiative that placed a $50 head tax on Alaska-bound cruise ship passengers, providing millions of dollars for harbor and passenger improvements throughout Alaska. Outspent by over $2 million industry dollars against barely $30,000, Chip’s campaign may have set a record for the most improbable victory ever in an Alaskan public referendum.

For this work and many other things, in 2010 Chip received the Celia Hunter Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions from the Alaska Conservation Foundation. Never was an award more deserved. Chip was, by acclaim, the “people’s choice” a standout even among Alaska’s exceptional environmental and social justice community. 

What most of us will never forget was how Chip employed humor and ridicule against hypocrisy and injustice, more effectively than Han Solo’s lightsaber. His jokes and pranks, too numerous to recount, were the stuff of legend. Any time his friends, admirers, and even opponents got together, they would share stories about Chip’s hilarious exploits. We still do.

Accordingly, Chip’s signature laugh was a force by itself, thunderous, piercing, and utterly disarming. But make no mistake, everywhere Chip would go, people sought his wisdom and advice. Wherever he was, whatever the need, Chip was always on the job.

Chip’s family and friends will miss his many funny and mostly true stories and his spontaneous approach to life. Alaska and the world will miss his good deeds and kind, generous spirit.

Chip is survived by his brother Greg Thoma of Vermont, sisters Jan Kerr (Patrick) of Maryland, Geri Thoma (Charles Lemert) of Connecticut, and Meg Luby (Clay) of Rhode Island, eight nieces and nephews, Sean Greenough, his surrogate son, and his many friends In Juneau and around the country.

A memorial celebration of Chip’s life will be held in Juneau the afternoon of June 27, 2026, at the Sandy Beach Picnic Shelter.