Eric Dean Thomas

it's been years...I know. but i think about Eric often. I had the privilege of working with him at the Office of the Auditor General and specifically on a project in Oakland. He was such a wonderful person and was always so positive. I remember his/your son speaking at his services/memorial and said that Eric always told him that when he got up in the morning he should look in the mirror and say today is going to be a great day and not to let anyone else give him their bad day ... and I...

I did not know Eric. However, I do believe that I know Leilani. In 1971 I lived with the Ferrari family. Alice, Eric, and Leilani lived upstairs and I lived in the basement. Bill was not in the household at that time, but would visit the kids and Alice often. I was attending SF State at that time. I have fond memories of Alice and the kids and I playing on the beach across from the Great Highway. I am truly sorry for your loss. I would love to hear about the family. You can reach me on...

This past Saturday, April 16th, UCSC honored Eric with a lovely redwood bench made by Shandor, one of his UCSC Alumni Council Members, as well as a bronze placque placed on a granite stone next to the bench with his photo and some text which I wrote. There is also a wall memorial/tribute hanging in the UCSC Oakes College Office above the fireplace which will be seen by the students as they come in to get their mail and snacks or admin papers. Please if you ever get a chance, stop by the UCSC...

Well it is Tiger's 14th Borthday and the !st one with out his dad. We had a party on Sunday 10/10 for him and his buddy, Sidney Jones, born the day after him. Glad they still enjoy their bdays together. Had a Jump/Climb/Slide at the end of the culdesac, BBQ, cupcakes and a pinata. What more could a kid ask for besides all of the presents and his dad. Took 48 cupcakes to school today and then to Chuckee Cheese with grandma, cousin Chyzine, Val, Ian and Imani and had a ball. Sat he gets to go...

Eric was so full of life. In all the years we knew him I don't recall ever seeing him down. He befriended our family very quickly and he and his family became our family. There are so very few people who are truly angels here on earth...Eric was definately one of those people. God is lucky to have him and he will be missed by those of us still here. We look forward to meeting him again someday. We love and miss you Eric!

Lani, Imani and Tiger: We are always here for you...just...

I first met Eric in the Fall of 1980. It was my 3rd year at UC Santa Cruz and Eric had just transferred over. The first thing that struck me about Eric --- outside the fact that he bounced off the ground six inches with each step he took --- was his kind spirit and his generous nature. In fact he was so kind - people had a tendency to take advantage of his good nature. I thought " this boy needs someone to look after him". We were friends from that point on.

Being Eric - soon...

Thanks again to each of you for expressing such kind thoughts and memories of my husband. I will print these and keep them in a memory book for my children to remember how many lives their dad touched in such a short time with us. Remember to live each day like it is your last, try to fulfill your dreams no matter how impossible they may seem and kiss your loved ones each day for you never know if it will be the last kiss that day. Peace and Blessings to you and yours.

Leilani

Dear Lani
I am so sorry about Eric. You, Imani and Tiger are in my thoughts. We were so young back then when we were hanging out in San Francisco, and I only have good memories of our times together. I promise that I'll come out with Gene and we'll laugh and cry together again.
Love, Susan

Dear Leilani,

I was so sorry to hear about Eric's death. You, the children, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. One fond memory that stays in my mind is when you and Eric came to my 19th birthday party. Having the two of you there made the difference. In fact, I have nothing but fond memories of you, Eric, Andre, and "the good ole days." Please feel free to contact me if you need anything or just to say hello. May God bless you today and every day.