The family of Thomas "Tom" Ron Thomas sadly announces his passing on February 26 after a traumatic bicycle accident. Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ann; daughters: Katie, husband Mike Vernoy; Elizabeth, husband Guillermo Peralta, their children Skyler and Lluvia; Maggie, husband Ryan Murphy, their children Alia and Kira; sisters Patricia McMorrow and Tina Miranda, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Ron Thomas, and his brother Dave. The youngest of four children, he was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Culver City. A star athlete for the Culver City High School football team, he graduated in 1971 then went to West LA City College. Tom Osborne recruited him to play center for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers where he completed his BA in Business Administration and met his wife, Ann. Ann and Tom have been inseparable since marrying in 1974 and have kept their family close, celebrating so many special occasions together. Upland residents for nearly 40 years, they have hosted many fundraisers and events for organizations they supported. Tom was an avid cyclist and gardener, creating bonsais, growing fruit and vegetables and recently finishing his dream outdoor kitchen. Tom started at Insurance Incorporated in 1983 as a Commercial Producer, worked his way up to President and helped lead the company from a single office in the City of Industry to 7 offices throughout California. As an Upland City Council Member (1990 2010) and Planning Commissioner (1987 1990), Tom was instrumental in getting bike lanes throughout the city, building a skate park, developing the Gibson Senior Center and Estes Senior Apartments, and saving the Carnegie Library. He was a Tour de Foothills annual bicycle event co-founder, Upland Community Foundation president, Foothill Family Shelter treasurer, and member of Upland Sister City Association, Upland Police Foundation, Friends of the Upland Library, and Cooper Museum. Tom was also very involved in many water boards and initiatives. He was president of San Antonio Water Company (for the past 20 years), West End Consolidated Water Company, Six Basins Watermaster, and Pomona Valley Protective Association. He was a board member for Chino Basin Watermaster, Regional Wastewater Policy Committee, and Agua De Lejos Water Facilities Authority. Tom was highly trusted and regarded in the community due to his dedication, extensive knowledge, ability to develop consensus, mentorship, and leadership. He was a gentle man with a loving and giving nature whose greatest joy in life was his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by so many. In lieu of flowers please donate blood to keep trauma centers open or to one of Tom's favorite charities: California Botanic Garden Foothill Family Shelter Friends of Upland Animal Shelter Inland Valley Repertory Theatre Ophelia's Jump Theatre the Samaritan Counseling Center A Celebration of Life will be held on April 23rd at the Thomas home from 1-4pm. Stone Funeral Home 355 E 9th St, Upland, CA 91786 (909) 982-1369
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