Thomas Ron Thomas

With deep sadness the family of Thomas “Tom” Ron Thomas announces his passing on February 26, 2022 after a traumatic bicycle accident. Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ann; daughters Katie and her husband Mike Vernoy; Elizabeth, her husband Guillermo Peralta, and their children Skyler and Lluvia; Maggie, her husband Ryan Murphy, and their children Alia and Kira; and his 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.

Tom was born June 13, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. The youngest of four children, he grew up in Culver City and was a star athlete for the Culver City High School football team. He graduated in 1971, went to West LA City College and was recruited by Tom Osborne to play center for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team where he met his wife Ann and completed his BA in Business Administration.

Ann and Tom married in 1974 and have been inseparable since. They have been Upland residents for nearly 40 years. The entire Thomas family have been very close, celebrating holidays and special occasions together. He and Ann hosted not only family gatherings, but fundraisers and events for the many organizations he supported. Tom was an avid cyclist. He was also a gardener, creating bonsais and a gorgeous outdoor space where he recently finished 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 the state of California. He always worked very hard for his clients and was a wonderful mentor to his employees. His leadership will be dearly missed.

Tom was active in his community in many ways. He served as a City of Upland Council member from 1990 through 2010, and on the Upland Planning Commission from 1987 to 1990. He was instrumental in getting bike lanes throughout the city, building a skate park, and saving the Carnegie library among other things. He was also one of the founders of the Tour de Foothills annual bicycle event. He was President of the Board for the Upland Community Foundation, Treasurer for the Foothill Family Shelter, and a member of the Upland Sister City Association, Upland Police Foundation, Friends of the Upland Library, and Cooper Museum.

With an especially strong interest in water, Tom was also very involved in many water boards and initiatives. He was elected to the board of directors for San Antonio Water Company in April 1997 and was president for the past 20 years. Tom also served as a board member of the Agua De Lejos Water Facilities Authority, President of the Board for the West End Consolidated Water Company, President of the Board for Six Basins Watermaster, President of the Board for Pomona Valley Protective Association, as alternate and past regular Board member for the Chino Basin Watermaster and as a member of the Regional Wastewater Policy Committee under IEUA.

Tom was not only a long-time Director for these organizations but President of several because he was highly trusted and regarded by his colleagues, particularly because of his extensive knowledge, leadership and people skills, and ability to develop consensus in the legally and technically complex water resources arena. He was typically way ahead of the lawyers and engineers.

He was a gentle man with a loving and giving nature. His greatest joy in life was his children and his grandchildren and he will be missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers please donate 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

Please donate blood as some trauma centers are closing temporarily due to a shortage.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 23rd at the Thomas home from 1-4.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonefuneralhomeupland.com for the Thomas family.