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Thomas McGinn Obituary
Thomas J. McGinn passed away peacefully at home with his wife at his side on Sept. 2, 2008. Tom, a resident of Ventura County for over 30 years, was 67 years young.
Tom was born in Harrisburg, Pa., on July 7, 1941. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1959. Before moving to Chillicothe, Tom attended Charleston Catholic High School in West Virginia. Tom received his bachelor's degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1963, and earned his master's degree in 1966 from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Prior to Tom's long career with the City of Los Angeles, he owned a bookstore in Simi Valley and taught school in Texas.
Tom loved the outdoors. He was an Eagle Scout and worked at the Philmont Scout Ranch during the summers of 1957 through 1961. Tom was an avid reader and enjoyed meeting his favorite authors. With his generous spirit, one of his greatest passions was playing Santa Claus for friends and underprivileged children. With his full white beard, Tom enjoyed being Santa all year long. He always had a story to tell and a joke to share. Tom was on a first-name basis with people everywhere he went.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Susan. He leaves behind two sons, Hugh McGinn (wife Terri), Rob Schaper (wife Brandi); and two daughters, Margaret Reid, and Kristine Spadt (husband David). Tom will be missed by his nine grandchildren, Sara, Katlyn, Valkryie, Abigail, Ashley, Emily, Rachel, Robby, and Jasmine.
Tom is survived by his five sisters, Delia MacDougall (husband Jim), Mary Pat Holewinski (husband David), Kathy Hayes (husband John), Molly Thimons (husband Jim), Kelly Bolte; and one brother, Michael McGinn (wife Michaela).
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Betty McGinn of Chillicothe, Ohio.
Please join us in celebrating Tom's life at 2 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Grand Vista Hotel, located at 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Tom's name to the Museum Fund at the Philmont Scout Ranch. Donations can be mailed to Philmont Scout Ranch, BSA, 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714, and to the attention of John Clark.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McGinn
Sponsored by the McGinn family.
Timothy & Scott Arnett & Staff
October 8, 2008
We will miss Tom alot. He always brought a smile to our office and alot of laughter. He will be greatly missed.
Ron Harano
October 7, 2008
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. I was at Philmont with Tom at Indian Writings. I did have such a short time to work and play with him. Unfortunately, we were not able to get together again. Tom was a very hard worker who was very thorough in what he did. It was such a pleasure to have worked with him and to know him.
Ron "Bud" Harano
Dorothy Tate
October 6, 2008
I worked with Tom since 1998 and enjoyed his stories and jokes. He will be missed.
Daria Simolke
October 6, 2008
I never called him "Tom."
Being a Caltrans coworker of Sue's for many years, I always gleefully addressed Tom as "Sue's Husband."
Usually shouted at the top of my lungs, when I spied him walking across the plaza at work. Or even in crowded elevators.
His response to my "HI SUE'S HUSBAND!!!!!!!!" greeting was always the same.
Tom would smile with that genuine Santa twinkle in his eye, square his shoulders, puff out his chest and say,
"You know, the women in Sue's quilting group call me
MISTER Sue."
I know it was a title that he was very proud of.
Rest in peace, Sue's Husband. You will forever be the Santa of our hearts,
Mary Freeman
October 2, 2008
Sue: You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May you find strength in the love of your family and friends.
Love, Mary Freeman
October 1, 2008
Allyn Rifkin
October 1, 2008
Dear Sue and Family, I regret having missed your memorial service for Tom this Sunday -- I bet there were fantastic memories expressed -- I sure have some great memories of Tom as a fellow DOT employee and as a friend. We have another friend who is a professional Santa Claus in Dallas and Tom enjoyed my sharing his letters and pictures -- my kindess regards and sympathies
J. C. WILLIAMS
September 28, 2008
I will miss my co-worker & friend Tom. He would always greet me by saying "CONGRATULATIONS" & I readily adopted his saying whenever I greeted him. What a great spirit...I will miss him. LA DOT Investigator J. C. Wililams... PEACE
Patricia Peltz
September 28, 2008
I will be keeping Sue and family close in thought and prayer and wishing you comfort at this sad time.
Tom loved to share his jokes with everyone at DOT, always giving us miles of smiles and an abundance of laughter. He truly brightened our day, especially when Santa made his appearance.
Besides his friendship, he gave me a wonderful gift. Last year, while attending a mystery convention in Vegas, he had Wlm. Kent Krueger, an author from MN, sign his latest book welcoming me back to MN. Tom took the time to think of me in such a kind and thoughtful way... and that says something about the special kind of person he was.
He will be greatly missed.
Patricia and Tom Hoff
September 24, 2008
We were so saddened to hear of Tom's passing and have many wonderful memories of our
friendship over the years after having met him at Philmont Scout Ranch in the 1950's. He had such a kind spirit and soul and has left a void in our hearts.
Mary (Cookie) Gorman (Taschler)
September 24, 2008
I have such fond memories of Tom at Charleston Catholic High School, and although I have not seen in him years, he was always such a nice gentle person. I know you will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you his family.
Jan Reliford
September 22, 2008
My heart aches for your loss...Tom always had a way of brightening up everyone's day! Always had a smile and a joke to tell. "They" say...that if you have left a little part of you with all you come in contact with...then you have led a good life. Tom did just that. And I treasure the friendship. My love and Prayers go out to wonderful Sue and to Tom's wonderful Family. I am so sorry for your loss...hold tight to the memories and they will bring a warm smile to your hearts. God Bless You...With Love and Hugs...
Melanie Sewards Kennedy
September 20, 2008
Dehlia, MaryPat, Kathy, Molly, Mike and family
The loss of a brother is very hard and when they have been a very special part of your life for so long it is even harder. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tom is bringing smile and joy to the heavens now and probably telling a few jokes too but he will always be at your side, in your thoughts and in your heart. Cling to that and know that when you need a little extra help from a secret source, Hugh, Betty, and Tom will be there for you. Trust in God because he blessed you with a lovely family. Your friends are thinking of you at this time. Mary Murray and I have you in our prayers. Our sincerest condolences but remember the Irish walk with God and use humor to bug the devil. Much love to you all.
Sam Kanu
September 18, 2008
Tom was a friend in heart. I met him in 1980. I was impressed by his genuine warmed to me. I have always exchanged jokes with him. We were going to swap novels at one time but I did not follow up. I deeply feel a sense of loss. I send my deepest sympathy to his entire family. As an african, he never gave me the feeling of being different. I do understand now. We were both Catholics, we were avid readers, we loved the outdoors, we loved scouting, we loved humanity. May his soul rest in everlasting peace.
Linda Taira
September 18, 2008
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for your loss - - - the wonderful memories of Tom will live on forever with all of us touched by his kindness, generous laughter, and good heart.
Blanche Godel
September 17, 2008
I am sadden to hear of Tom's passing. My husband and I always talked about Tom when we had talked of our time at LADOT. The best person with the kindest heart ever.
Melvin Dickey
September 17, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Susan Bok
September 16, 2008
I was very saddened to learn that Tom had passed. He was a wonderful person, bringing light, warmth and joy to everyone he came in contact with. I very much enjoyed working with him at LADOT, where he always strove to make our little world a better place. I will miss seeing him. My deepest condolences to Susan and the family.
Lowry Simpson
September 16, 2008
Sue, Lowry and I were so glad to see Tom again, and meet you, after such a long time at the 45 th CCHS reunion. We often talked of him and and wondered over the years what had happened to him. We are both sad that we will not see him again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dody & Lowry Simpson
Ayubur Rahman
September 15, 2008
Our thgoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss him a lot - he was a very nice man.
Janice and Larry Spadt
September 15, 2008
Truly, Tom had the spirit of Santa on him. He was jolly and kind and generous. We love him and we shall miss him.
Patrick Pendleton
September 15, 2008
Tom was a bright spot of a day when you saw him. Good humor flowed from him like water over a fall and it improved each day when you luckily had a chance to share a moment. It was a day of grief when someone told me that Santa had died. My heart reaches out to all his family and friends that suffer his passing. May his humor continue in the after-life.
laleh modrek
September 15, 2008
Dearest Sue,
So sorry to hear about your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayer.
Love,
Laleh
jeanne bonfilio
September 15, 2008
Dear Sue -- Everyone at Caltrans was blessed to know Tom. Your dedication to him was always so evident. We love you and Tom and will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Jeanne Bonfilio
Dee Gordon
September 15, 2008
I worked with Tom for many years at L.A.D.O.T. He always had his joke for the day plus a quick wit. One holiday he appeared at the restaurant where I was having lunch with friends so he could play Santa Claus during lunch. I was fortunate to be invited to his wedding to Sue. We cruised along the banks of Long Beach Harbor. I was delighted to meet his mom and knew right away where Tom inherited his sense of humor. God bless you Tom. You will be missed.
Tom and Barbara (Bobbie) Baldy
September 14, 2008
Dear Sue and Family: Tom and I were so saddened by the news of Tom's passing. He was a good friend and we were so happy to finally find him again so he could join us (the CCHS Class of 59) at our 45th reunion. We enjoyed being with you both and had really looked forward to our next visit. Santa was a very special person who will always have a place in our hearts and our prayers. Our prayers are also with you and the family. Just wish we could be with you all for the celebration of his life. Know that we are there in spirit for you all. Tom and Barbara(Bobbie)Baldy
Gary Hoppe
September 14, 2008
My condolences to the family, Tom was great to know.
Robert S. Levinson
September 14, 2008
Sue,
Sandra and I are saddened by the news of Tom's passing and feeling the loss of a true gentleman, whose friendship we treasured. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob
Lyn Sylva
September 14, 2008
Katlyn and family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my prayers.
Zoë Sharp
September 14, 2008
Tom was the highlight of many a convention for me and his comments on Murderati were always erudite and to the point. Ever courteous and charming - a true gentleman - he will be much missed.
Geri Allen
September 13, 2008
Sue,
Thinking of you at this sad time and keeping you and your family in prayer.
David Holewinski
September 13, 2008
Sue and Family (all of you),
Tom was special, a loving man, one who truly cared about others. He had his faults, as we all do, but in a world filled with hate Tom brought love to all those he touched. He was a great brother-in-law, one who would always have a "joke of the day", a word of wisdom and a thought to share. I loved to talk with him and enjoyed my last vist with Tom more than one would expect. He is now in a better place and he is rejoined with family already gone. He will be missed by many and the loss of him is great. God love ya Tom.
Mary Pat Holewinski
September 13, 2008
I miss you, Bro, so much that it hurts. It's a comfort to know that you're with Mom and Dad. I love reading all the wonderful things that people have written.
Love you always,
Mary Pat
September 13, 2008
My condolences to the family,
Diana (Pinterpe) Bianco and family
Sara Broadt and family
September 13, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. May the comfort of friends and family help you all through this difficult time.
Heidi Sobel
September 13, 2008
Our deepest sympathies, Sue. We will never forget Tom and his presence will always be felt at MTDF
Judy ( Brenner) Creede
September 13, 2008
The time spent with Tom and Sue at the CCHS reunion was so special, and please know that our hearts are with you at this sad time. God bless you and your family.
Anita & Craig Sulzer
September 13, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss. Although I did not know Tom personally, I come to know what a great man he was from the rest of his family,(who have become our extended family through the years) and our niece and nephew, Richard and Stacey. God bless you all and may your wonderful memories give you great comfort.
The Kadoguchi and Kolodziej Family
September 12, 2008
To my very dear friend and her family: Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you all.
Robert Gregory Browne
September 12, 2008
Tom, your comments on Murderati were always welcome and it was a pleasure to see and talk to you at signings. You will be missed.
Erin Lutz
September 12, 2008
Hugh and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only offer my sincerest condolences in this difficult time.
Marie Martin
September 12, 2008
So sorry, Sue.
Wilbur Takashima
September 12, 2008
Tom was a bright light amongst the employees at LADOT. He treated people with warmth, respect, gentleness, a quick wit and a good dose of humor. Who could ask more of a fellow employee? Work place encounters with Tom were always pleasant, making the day go a little better. We were quite fortunate to have him in our midst.
Richard Sulzer
September 12, 2008
Uncle Tom always made me smile. I enjoyed our visits immensely and I wish we could have gotten together more often. His passing is a terrible loss for all of us. I believe his "Santa" persona was not just an act, because his spirit was truly kind, generous and giving. And there *was* a twinkle in his eye. God Bless you Tom! You will be missed.
Larry & Myrl Anne Burdett
September 12, 2008
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Laura Bowles
September 12, 2008
It was so good to renew old friendships at our 45th class reunion. Tom truly lived a full life and so often cared for the needs of others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Sue.
Tom Barclay
September 12, 2008
Susan, I always looked forward to seeing Tom's posts at Murderati. He shared a gentle and generous spirit.
Al frerotte
September 12, 2008
My wife and I fondly remember Tom from the 45th high school reunion. Al & Kris Frerotte. Harrisburg PA
Terri Freese
September 12, 2008
The greatest legacy someone can leave behind is the impact they left on the lives of those who remember. I never had the chance to meet Tom, only speak with Sue; however those who have shared their memories of him with me confirm that I missed out on a very special man and a loving couple that inspired those that knew them. Godspeed, Tom. You live on in the joy you gave to others - young and old.
Pari Noskin Taichert
September 12, 2008
I am so glad to have met Tom and to have spent (all too little) time with the both of you at the Tony Hillerman Mystery Writers Conference last year.
It was a joy.
Deborah Baldy Hassig
September 12, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Tom. He will be missed by me and all those he touched in WV. He was a joy to talk to when he came in for my parent's high school reunion (Charleston Catholic). I am so glad I was able to meet him as well as you during that visit! I loved e-mailing him back and forth through those months following that visit and I still have his Santa pictures and look forward to showing them to my daughters when they are older. I wish they could have met him! He had such a way with children, it was fun to see him with my neice and nephew!
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
May peace and serenity be your guide to eternal life
Linda Richardson
September 12, 2008
Tom,
Your loving smile, funny jokes, eagerness to assist was always welcome. The ten years we work together, thru all the Santa parties passing out gifts to our children, March of Dime fundraisers, Aides Walk fund raisers, I will cherrish in my heart. May the family find peace in knowing that he was not only a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather but also a good friend to know. RIP
Jay Carsman
September 12, 2008
Please receive my most heart-felt condolences and sympathy. Tom will always be my friend, fellow DOT worker, and buddy to share funny stories and jokes with. I will try to keep his memory alive always.
Your Pal, Jay Carsman
Linda Richardson
September 12, 2008
Tom,
Your loving smile, funny jokes, eagerness to assist was always welcome. The ten years we work together, thru all the Santa parties passing out gifts to our children, March of Dime fundraisers, Aides Walk fund raisers, I will cherrish in my heart. May the family find peace in knowing that he was not only a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather but also a good friend to know. RIP
Ruth Bond
September 12, 2008
Fond memories abound for Tom. May he rest in peace. I hope the family can remember the good times and keep those memories alive with each other. My sympathy to the family. Ruth Barratt Bond CCHS class of 1959
PETER HILTON
September 12, 2008
I first met Mr. McGinn at the Caltrans building. I was a newly promoted sergeant for DOT, I always found Mr. McGinn to be helpful and a wonderful person, I always addressed him a Sir,and he joked with me that I could call him Tom.
I felt that he was a Sir, and being from England treated him as a Knight and he deserved the title.
He will. be missed, a true gentleman.
Lt. Peter G. Hilton.
Department of Transportation.
Jim Williams
September 12, 2008
Having worked with Tom, at the City of Los Angeles, I can say he always had a smile and a positive thought for us all, "always". We'll miss him dearly, but he'll always be with us in spirit.
JT Ellison
September 12, 2008
Santa Tom, you brightened my day with every comment. You will be sorely missed. My prayers are with your family.
<:>)
Lesa Holstine
September 12, 2008
Susan, I was so fortunate to meet you and Tom at the first Thrillerfest here in Phoenix. I'll never forget meeting him, when Louise Ure told me he bought more copies of her first book, Forcing Amaryllis, than I did. I enjoyed meeting another person who loved and supported the authors. He will be missed in the mystery community.
Lesa Holstine, Glendale, AZ
Lan Nguyen
September 12, 2008
He will be dearly missed.
Diane Cunningham
September 12, 2008
I enjoyed the years that Tom and I worked together at LADOT. He was always a bright spot when we were in the middle of a rush project. And, of course, I will always remember him as Santa Claus at our annual LADOT holiday party. He will be missed. May you take comfort in the many years of memories the two of you created.
Tom & Shari Spring
September 12, 2008
Hugh, Terri & kids,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Kersey
September 12, 2008
I only knew Tom a brief time. He was a delight at our 45th reunion. I was looking forward to our next. I'm so sorry for your loss, Sue. You are added to my prayer list and for the ROS of Tom.
Ralph Thunstrom
September 12, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the love of family and friends carry and comfort you through your time of grief. Sue, know that Tom will always watch over you. My late wife Gail is still watching over me after all of the years since her passing and Tom will always be with you. Everyone loved Tom, he just made the world a little better place. Stay close to family and friends, be good to yourself and do familiar things, the grieving process is difficult but necessary to achieve peace and closure.
Louise Ure
September 12, 2008
Tom is also survived by the hundreds of crime fiction writers who came to know and love him. I count myself lucky to be one of them.
Nancy and Larry Thomas
September 12, 2008
Tom,
Wishing you peace at last. You can look down on us and wonder what the heck we are doing. We'll meet you at Eggs n' Things.
Isabelle M. Autry
September 12, 2008
May you find comfort in family and friends and the fond memories of your time spent with Tom. My prayers are with you.
Isabelle Hale Autry
Bob & Mary Condry
September 12, 2008
With fond memories and much sympathy to Tom's family. CCHS class 1959
Jay Kaplan
September 12, 2008
Meeting Tom briefly last month for the first time was a heartwarming and beautiful experience. He embraced me into his life completely, without any reservations and spoke to me as if we had been lifelong friends. It doesn't get any better than that!
Tom will be missed and I will remember him always.
Zenaida Villamor
September 12, 2008
He Will Always Be Remembered. Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and the rest of your family.
Bobbi Agor
September 12, 2008
I will always remember Tom's gift of 2 American flags for
each car and walky talkies so the Minnesota Mommas
would not loose each other as we toured Iowa and
Minn. on a quick Quilt trip. He was a generous guy and a
loving husband to Sue. Bobbi Agor
Sabrina Farrar
September 12, 2008
Big Bear Hugs - Love Sabrina
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