Thomas J. Rubidoux

Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Thomas Joseph Rubidoux, 82, of Las Vegas, passed away May 24, 2011, due to complications of lung disease, with his wife, of 60 years, children and grandchildren by his side. He was born Feb. 27, 1929, in Chicago, and moved to Las Vegas with his parents in 1930. He graduated from Las Vegas High School and joined the U.S. Navy. Upon the death of his father, he took over the responsibilities of the family business, Rubidoux Plastering. In 1950, he married Peggy Allen and remained an extremely devoted husband until his death. Together they raised four children, Elizabeth Freedman, Peggie Groom, Monica Laman and Thomas Rubidoux Jr. He founded NV Irrigation in 1954 and designed and installed sprinkler systems in parks, schools, churches, golf courses and residences in Nevada, Arizona, and California for the next 40 years. In 1984, he joined MGM as grounds manager until his retirement. He was very dedicated and active in the Catholic church serving the OLLVS Church Council, HFRA and Knights of Columbus. He was a eucharistic minister at OLLVS and St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Churches, where he made himself available to the church, his fellow parishioners and citizens. He was very active in the community of Las Vegas, serving on the Planning Commission, Zoning, Plumbing and Parks and Recreation Boards, Beautification Committee, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. He loved sports and children and was a founding member of Las Vegas Little League and Pop Warner Football, where he coached and served as board member. Thomas will be missed by his family, friends and the community of Las Vegas. Thomas is survived by his wife, of 60 years, Peggy; daughters, Elizabeth Freedman, Peggie Groom and Monica Laman; son, Thomas Rubidoux Jr.; grandchildren, Stephen, Gregory, William and Michael Freedman, Barbara Bell and Jolyn Heny, Christopher and Kathleen Laman, and Jessica, Daniel and Madeline Rubidoux; great-grandchildren, Briauna and Brennan Laman and Grace Bell. Viewing will be 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, with Vigil service following, both at Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave. Funeral and graveside services will be private. Donations can be made to the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville, Las Vegas, NV 89106.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.