Thomas A. Thinnes

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Thomas Thinnes Obituary

Thomas A. Thinnes, December 29, 1939 - September 14, 2004. Thomas Arthur Thinnes a loving husband, father of eight and preeminent criminal defense attorney, died from a stroke on September 14, 2004 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Tom was born in Selma, Indiana on December 29, 1939 to the late Arthur and Helen Thinnes and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended University of Miami of Ohio where he studied Political Science and Russian. He later moved to Phoenix with his family and attended Arizona State university. After Tom received a law degree from The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona in 1966 he worked in the first office of the Public Defender of Maricopa County under Vern Croaff for two years then started the firm of Flynn, Kimmerer, Thinnes & Derrick. After several years, Tom started his own practice where he remained a solo practitioner until his death. Throughout his legal career spanning almost four decades, Tom successfully defended many high profile cases, one of which became a made-for-television movie (Tom served as a consultant and made a cameo appearance). Tom was a member of Maricopa County and American Bar Associations, State Bar of Arizona, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Tom was recognized for his excellence in trial defense work in The Best Lawyers in America and Martindale Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He served as Chairman of the Criminal Law Advisory Commission, and as Chairman of the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization (Certified Specialist, Criminal Law, Arizona Board of Legal Specialization). He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara and son Thomas. He is survived by his wife Donna, sons Michael, Benjamin and Nathan; daughters Mindy, Mary, Helen and Katie; sons-in-law Steve Bergquist, Scott SiIverman, and Robert Milligan; daughter-in-law-to-be Jodie Hughes; grandchildren Nicholas, Christina, Kolby, Henry, and Madeline (and Helen and Scott's baby girl due February of 2005). Tom loved spending time with his family, friends and two golden retrievers, writing fiction novels and relaxing on the balcony in his Lincoln City, Oregon summer home overlooking the Siletz River and Pacific Ocean. Tom, a devout Catholic, had a passion for life, touched so many and put everything and everyone before him. The family requests contributions, in lieu of flowers, to Barrows Neurological Foundation, 3110 North Central Ave., Suite 135, Phoenix, Arizona 85013. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85012.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 17, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Thinnes

8 Entries

Pat and Sandra Boyle

October 3, 2004

Donna and Family, We were soooo pleased that Tom was able to join us this past June for the Price Hill Reunion here in Reno. It was like it was meant to be --- providence. Our visit was especially interesting catching up on everyone's life and naturally lots of trips down memory lane. Saturday night and Sunday was definitely a highlight for Pat and I. There were only a few of us left and we were lucky enough to spend really quality fun one on one time with him in Tahoe. He was having such a pleasant time and couldn't wait to plan another reunion with me for the crowd in your beloved Oregon. You have our deepest sympathy , Donna. Sincerely, Pat and Sandra xo xo

Mike

September 24, 2004

I am a step son of Toms, and wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful things you have said about my step father. He will be missed. Our grief is deep and it will take a very long time to come to terms with his passing. Thank you all.

Melissa Skinner

September 22, 2004

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Thinnes. But, as counsel representing one of my dearest friends who admired him greatly and saw him not only as his representation but a friend. Thank you Mr. Thinnes for watching over my friend and I pray that the Lord watches over you and your family.

Bonnie Russell

September 17, 2004

My first legal job was with John Flynn's office, and the daily hard work, combined with integrity I observed, became the bar set; and sadly, not the standard met, by those who were simply unable to meet the standard set by John Flynn and Tom Thinnes. Whip-smart, with a lion's heart, Tom's skill, humor and Ethics will be missed.

John Beaver

September 17, 2004

Tom was a problem solver who met high professional standards with humor and intelligence. I observed and admired these qualities during our law school days and at the public defender's office.

Alonzo Lopez

September 17, 2004

To The Memory Of Mr. Thinnes,

A great man I had the honor of meeting. I write to offer my gratitude for the help and peace of mind Mr. Thinnes offered my family. I thank you Mr. Thinnes for having helped my father, and perhaps because of you I have had my father in my life.

Jan Smith

September 17, 2004

Donna and family,

Tom was a beautiful person, loving husband and devoted father and family man. His quick wit, smile and generosity to everyone will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences at a sad time to all in your family.

With our deepest sympathy,

Jan and Clay Smith

David, Ofa, Dream & Bobby Weaver

September 17, 2004

To Nathan and the family,

We are sorry for your loss and hope that you will find comfort in the large and loving family that you have. You all have great things to look forward to in the near future with the upcoming wedding and arrival of the baby, may you always feel his presence. We pray that you do.

Love,

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