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BORN
1942
DIED
2016
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Kenneth Thomas Obituary
June 14, 1942 - October 28, 2016
50 Year Resident of Santa Cruz County
Friends and family will sadly gather on November 16th and 17th, to say farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, Ken Thomas, who passed away unexpectedly at his Aptos home this past week. Born in Alameda, California, he was 74 years old.
As a much loved long time educator, coach, and community advocate, Ken was instrumental in the forming of organizations throughout Santa Cruz County. The community was indeed the benefactor of Ken's authenticity, generosity, and compassion for people. He was affectionately known as "Santa" to generations of children and as Papa KT to his grandchildren and family.
In 1973, as track and cross country coach and teacher at Soquel High School, Ken was approached by Jim Reding and his committee from the City of Capitola who were celebrating Capitola's 100th birthday. The idea of a foot race to kick off the celebration and to possibly raise funds for local schools needed a race director. This seemingly minor event turned into what is now known as the Wharf to Wharf Race, which has raised millions of dollars for local schools. Ken continued to serve as the president of the Board of Directors for every one of the 44 Wharf to Wharf races from that day forward. He leaves countless friends, colleagues, and former students, who will deeply miss his devotion and guidance.
Ken and his wife, Sandy were married in 1970, in Santa Cruz at Holy Cross Church. They have made their home in Aptos ever since. The majority of Ken's teaching and coaching took place at Soquel high in the 70's and early 80's, and most of his administrative experience was as the Harbor High Principal in the late 80's and through the 90's. Ken was happiest when he could be with his family, be on the golf course or help those who needed kind words, motivation, or a solution to a problem.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, his mother, Ethel Donna Thomas; his daughter and son-in-law, Arin and Arthur Spalding; his son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Joni Thomas; and his son Brodie Thomas.
Ken is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Heather Polich, Jackson, Isabella, and Oliver Spalding; Mia and Max Thomas; his siblings Bonnie Koojoolian (Harold), Thomas Spear, Mary Spear, Donna Lopez (Jeff), Nancy Rogers (Mark), and Julie Thomas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and loving extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father Glenn Joseph Thomas, his sister in law Johanna Spear, his father in law Nathan W. Hamm and his nephew, Christopher Rogers.
Any kind acts of charity can be directed to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) PO BOX 360 Santa Cruz Ca 95061, Or to the Wharf to Wharf Race (4510 Capitola Rd. Capitola, CA. 95010)
Friends may pay their respects at a viewing on Wednesday November 16, 2016 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. A vigil ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday November 17th, at Resurrection Catholic Church (7600 Soquel Drive Aptos CA. 95003), beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial services will be private.
View the online memorial for Kenneth John Thomas
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Thomas
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Rayona Staniec
November 17, 2016
Ken was one of the rare people we are lucky enough to know in life who treats everyone with dignity and respect. He made you feel as if you really mattered and he valued all people by showing compassion and understanding. These are the qualities that make the world a better place and he certainly made the world better for anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Dave Brockmann
November 17, 2016
One of the finest dad, educator, administrator, coaching mentor and community leader I was fortunate to know and work with for many years. Ken was truly an inspiration to all. He will be missed.
Joe Hall
November 16, 2016
Ken's energy and empathy made life for thousands of Harbor High students a much richer educational experience. Our son graduated from Harbor High and Mr. Thomas was a constant positive presence in our lives for those years.
As a member of the Santa Cruz School Board Ken's leadership at Harbor High made my term on the school board one where I could point to Ken's accomplishments as an example for others. I am sure most do not remember but Ken was a key member of the team of residents who helped pass the first school bond in 1996. Each school in the Santa Cruz School District benefited from the improvements funded by this bond, thank you Ken.
Ken you will always be a person I remember for your positive energy.
Joe Hall
Jim Nielsen
November 15, 2016
Mr. Thomas as I called him was my HS History teacher at Soquel HS in 1966, He was a "cool guy" and treated everyone with respect. He was one of my favorite teachers of all-time.
Emily Chapman
November 15, 2016
Ken - you have been an inspiration to so many and it has been an honor to know you. You will be greatly missed. Blessings to you and your family.
Sheryl Lee
November 13, 2016
I still can't believe that we won't be able to get some coffee and make plans. I've only known Ken for a few years but he made a huge impact. He helped kids who were isolating come out into the community and run. Even if that meant just going to the store to get some water until they felt safe to make it to the track. So gentle and patient. He was an awesome Speaker with NAMI on our stigma reduction presentation to the high schools. He was a great friend, an amazing person and I'm glad I had the honor to know him. My heart goes out to his family and to this community. Ken will always be in my heart.
November 11, 2016
He,
WS my Hero, my mentor and confidante , there is not not was is a more gracious, kind human being on this or any other planet
Pancho Rodriguez- founding Principal PVHS
November 11, 2016
For two year's he was my cross country coach. I went into the marines at 17 and it was coach in me that allowed me to run so very well. So well that the D.I.'s thought I cheated somehow. He taught me how to over come the runners wall, and that lessen I have used when life hits like a sledgehammer. He will never be forgotten by this man (58) and I am sure he will impact many generations to come. All of my love and a prayer to the family. "God bless you all."
William Wagner
November 10, 2016
Sorry for the loss to the Thomas family. Ken always welcomed us into his house. Wonderful man.
Sandy Lansdale
November 10, 2016
Ken was a JOY! He made a huge impression on me as we worked together at Pacific Collegiate School when he was the interim principal there. And then we crossed paths at the Red Cross, at the Wharf to Wharf and around town, and with each encounter, I always came away feeling better about my day. He will be deeply missed. Much love to all those he left behind.
Dave, Ann, Diana Fitts
November 9, 2016
We have no words to express how sad we are at Ken's sudden passing. We first met Ken when he was interim principal at Pacific Collegiate when our daughter was a student there. And then, over many years we enjoyed sharing the back pew at 8:15am mass at Resurrection Church, followed by great conversations and always a joke or two. He always sought out Dave and Diana at the Wharf to Wharf races and just this year coached Diana for her Boston Marathon race. And then there was the year, Santa Ken visited our home! He was a truly remarkable person in so many ways and we miss him so much.
Karin Babbitt
November 5, 2016
Thank you, Mr. Thomas
Maryann Barry
November 5, 2016
Griselda Wall
November 4, 2016
Losing Ken is like losing my friend, my grandfather, my father. We will miss you 'uncle Ken'. <3
You will be greatly missed uncle Ken <3
griselda wall
November 4, 2016
You will be greatly missed uncle Ken <3
griselda wall
November 4, 2016
Mark and Francine Van Meter
November 4, 2016
We mourn the passing of "Good Ken Thomas" and will forever remember him as one of the greatest educators/administrators in Santa Cruz County. May God have a great set of clubs waiting for you in the heavens, Ken.
Maryann Barry
November 3, 2016
To sum it up, Ken was a wonderful guy. He loved serving his community in so many ways. Think about all the lives he's touched, from being a good leader in our local schools, to his contributions to the sports community, to his charitable fundraising abilities, right down to being the best Santa Claus ever when he dressed in his jolly reds at Christmas. We could all benefit by taking some of his good will and incorporating it into our daily lives. Thanks to the family for sharing him with us all.
November 3, 2016
Thoughts of sympathy are with the Thomas family today.
Numbers 6:24-26
Felicia Ortiz
November 2, 2016
Thinking fondly of Ken Thomas today. All the Harbor High Kids loved him, but he made my life much easier as a yearbook editor and as the student on the school board. Whenever I needed extra money or help for the yearbook he made it happen immediately -- I could run into his office in a rush and he treated me like and adult. He would say that my work was going to be very important since it would capture the memories for the year. He was a wonderful person, and I was lucky to have his ear. Thank you to his family for sharing him with the community. I am sorry for your loss.
Susan Thomas
November 2, 2016
Ken was principal at two of my daughters school. He had a wonderful reputation, and he lived up to it. Being that my husband's name is also Ken Thomas, we used to refer to KT, the principal, as "the nice Ken Thomas". Not to dis my husband, who is also wonderful, but in our community that's how we distinguished the two. Kind of a joke, but he was so very nice, among his many other fine qualities! We are sad and we will miss him.
Heather Hutchison
November 2, 2016
Ken will be greatly missed!! He was such a kind soul who always had a nice word for everyone!! He was a mainstay at the County Office and I will miss him!! My condolences to the family!!
Linda Rugg
November 2, 2016
Ken was a stellar human being, an amazing educator and our world is diminished without him. May all the wonderful times give you respite in this most difficult time.
Rob Sanders
November 2, 2016
This man changed who I am as a man, father, and husband. Losing him is like losing a father, uncle or grandfather of some sorts. I'm so thankful for his friendship and mentorship he provided for me throughout the years. He will be sorely missed.
April (Patton) Walls
November 2, 2016
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I am so sad to hear this. I had the privilege of having Mr. Thomas as a Vice Principal at SLV my freshman year and as a principal my sophmore through senior years at Harbor. He was at Soquel in prior years when my husband, Jeff Walls was there as well. It was always a pleasure running into him around town and catching up with him after I graduated. He truly had a heart for the students. He will truly be missed.
Les Forster & Mary Gaukel
November 2, 2016
Ken was the gold standard for school administrators, having supported legions of colleagues, teachers, and--most significantly--students. A stellar human being who confirmed our faith in humanity time and again, most recently through his dedication and advocacy for those affected by mental health issues. We were all made better simply for knowing him.
Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
It was a Blessing to have known Ken. I wanted to share this picture taken a couple of years ago.
Laurie Stewart
November 2, 2016
November 2, 2016
He was one of the most kind, nice, helpful and many other positive adjectives, person you could ever know. RIP. Brian H
Tiffany Oldham
November 2, 2016
Mr. Thomas was a mentor to me from my teen years through my adult years. The compassion, kindness, patience and knowledge he had were endless. He will be missed greatly.
Cheryl Shapiro
November 2, 2016
Ken made Santa Cruz a far better place through his life's work with generations of students and parents. The kindness, fairness and strength he exhibited in every thing he did changed lives and inspired many. He certainly touched me and my daughters lives. We will miss you Ken. God bless you
Kim Johnson
November 2, 2016
My deepest condolences to all of those who were blessed to know and love such a special man He took time away from his position at Harbor High to be our interim principal at Soquel High at the worst possible time, when our school was full of unrest and violence. He had an immediate calming affect on a previously tumultuous scenario, soothing all parties involved with his light hearted, bright and respectful demeanor. I think he was only there about 5 months, but he was pivotal in helping us feel safe, reassured and capable of putting our school back together. My love goes out to his family and friends
Mick Routh
November 1, 2016
Rest in peace my dear friend. You leave a legacy that will last forever.
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Nov
16
Viewing
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Nov
16
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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