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Thomas Knotts Obituary
Thomas (Tom) Knotts, 56, of Nipomo passed away suddenly Monday, July 2, 2012 while walking on the beach. He was born in 1956 in Lynwood, CA. He attended St. Patrick's School and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1974 where he was voted class clown. He played football and baseball. He also attended Allan Hancock College and Cal Poly, SLO.
Tom worked at his family owned Little Jocko's restaurant in Nipomo before going to work in the oil and gas industry for the next 25 years. He was an electrician at Plains Exploration & Production (PXP) in Pismo Beach at the time of his death.
Tom played softball and was a proud member of the first Nipomo Leppie's softball team. His interests included golf, building model airplanes, reading, cooking, barbecuing, watching old westerns, fixing things, and riding Helga (his Harley-Davidson motorcycle).
Tom is survived by his son Reese Knotts of Arroyo Grande, stepson Rick (Maria) Lavigne of Atascadero, and stepdaughters Guylean Smith of Paso Robles and Denise (Harold) Strahan of Santa Maria. His grandchildren include Marianna and Justin Lavigne, Brad Smith and Brittany Strahan. Tom is also survived by his mother Patricia Knotts of Nipomo and siblings Jerry (Sharon) Knotts of Santa Maria, Kathleen Knotts of Nipomo, Molly (Ernie) Santa Cruz of Arroyo Grande, Danny (Eileen) Knotts of Santa Maria and Teresa (Mark) Pustejovsky of Susanville. Tom leaves behind nieces Leanne and Emily Santa Cruz and nephews Louis and Andy Pustejovsky and Emery Knotts. He was preceded in death by his father Richard Knotts in 2011.
A memorial will be held at 11am, Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at Arroyo Grande Cemetery. A celebration of Tom's life will be at the Edward's Barn in Nipomo immediately following the graveside service.
Donations may be made to a favorite charity.
Tom will be remembered most for being a great guy and his willingness to help anybody out.
Arrangements by Lady Family Mortuary in Arroyo Grande, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Knotts
July 30, 2012
I knew Tom since high school. He was a good man. Godspeed, Tom. Frank Henderson (R.I.P.)
Toni Pelletier
July 17, 2012
Tom was the best guy. Always willing to do anything for anyone. Great sense of humor. I'm so glad he thought enough of me to make me one of his special bells. I'll keep it always. We will miss you more than you would have thought, Tom.
Julio and Olivia Saldivar
July 11, 2012
Our condolences to the Knotts family. Tom and all the family will be in our prayers.
The Saldivar Family
SANDY MCNEIL
July 11, 2012
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH TOMMY'S FAMILY
Lori Hunstad
July 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Knotts family. Such a sad, sudden loss. Tom was such a great guy and I am so glad to have known him.
pamela hunter-gin
July 10, 2012
my deepest sympathy to tom's family he was always a man with with the utmost respect for his family and friends. i went to school with tom and to know him and be his friend was definetly a privilege! tom will never be forgotten!!
Sharon 'Tanner" Harmer
July 10, 2012
Heartfelt Condolences to Tom's Family. Such a sad loss of a longtime friend and classmate. 'Tomale" your smile and wit will live in my memories. Rest in Peace, My Friend. God Speed.
Marilyn LeVeque
July 10, 2012
Condolences to Reese and Tom's family...he was a wonderful man and friend who always had a smile! He will be truly missed. I am thankful that I knew him these past 12 years. I will remember him when I hear his handmade chime. R.I.P.
Joel Mitchell
July 9, 2012
RIP Tom "Thumb"! You were a good man a good friend and a great teammate. There but for the grace of God go I.
Larry & Nikki Dotson
July 8, 2012
My wife and I send our prayers and condolences to the Knotts family and all of Tom's many, many friends. Tom was a great friend and his smile and laugh will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Tomale',, RIP my friend !
David and Leona McDonald
July 8, 2012
Our condolences to the entire family. Tom and his family will be remembered in our prayers.
Rick Gamboa
July 8, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. It breaks my heart to hear about another loss of a treasured member of this wonderful family of whom I have the most fond memories.
Gamboa Family
July 7, 2012
I don't think there was a person around that did not know Tom. He new everyone and like to tease you. I don't think there was ever a time I would see him and he was not smiling. His stepchildren I know adore him and they were so close.
Smiles and warm thought.
Sharon Berryhill Kennedy
July 7, 2012
I have often thought about Tom over the years as we all do with those that had touched our hearts in the past. I remember Tom so full of positive energy, always laughing. He was a genuine person. My prayers to his family in this time of sorrow.
Barbara Zepeda
July 7, 2012
My heart goes out to Tom's family at this very sad time. Tommy was always with a big smile and a joke,what a great guy. May all your fond memories help you thru this ruff time.
Barbara Dutra Zepeda
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