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TOM KRUZIC Obituary

The sun set on Thomas Wayne Kruzic on October 17, 2016, in his home in Clovis, CA, at the age of 76. Tom was born to John and Verna Davis Kruzic on October 14, 1940, in Fresno, CA. Raised in Clovis, he attended Clovis High School where he built wonderful relationships and excelled in sports. Tom served in the United States Army and Reserves before stumbling into his career with California's Department of Forestry. His first assignment was in Madera, CA, in 1965, where he moved with his first wife and started his family. Some favorite memories originated at his little house on the river and the fire station in Ripperdan. He moved to Mendocino County in 1988, where he would finish out his career. He spent his spare time diving; woodworking; gardening; antique collecting; and stuffing dead things (taxidermy). Tom was an avid duck hunter. Tiro Alto Duck Club was his home away from home. Tom and I married in 2001, in Fort Bragg, and moved to Clovis shortly after. Papa Tom loved his family. Our children lit up his life and he was adored. Tom had a great sense of humor. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Verna Kruzic. Tom leaves behind his wife Linda (Skipper) Kruzic; his brothers, Robert Kruzic, Mike Kruzic and wife Pat, and Jack Kruzic; daughters, Kristi Parker, Kari Gangbin, and their mother, Bonnie Kindred Wright; step-children, Marco Santeufemia, Angela Smith and Mia Grant; sons-in-law, Josh Parker, Derick Gangbin, Donny Smith, and Chad Grant; grandchildren, Kyle, Bailie, Eli, Kira, Dustin, Braden, Brooke, Hailey, Kloey, Clayton, Taylor and Connor; in-laws, out-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and loyal friends; and last but not least his best friend and hunting partner Koda. We'd like to express our appreciation to the wonderful people of Hinds Hospice; and responding firefighters and EMT's for outstanding care and support. Tom was treated with dignity and respect to the end. "Tom lives in our hearts and will forever be our hero." Lovingly Linda. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall in the Veterans Room, 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 93612, on Saturday, December 3, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donations may be made to Hinds Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Nov. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Chris Dau

November 28, 2016

Dear Kruzic Family,

I wish you regards and peace on the passing of my "old" friend Tom. Tom and I were/are founding members of his "duck club" near Los Banos. I visited there last in the mid-1980's and I hope Tom was able to enjoy visits in his later years. I always enjoyed visits with him. We both went to Clovis High but Tom was about a decade ahead of me. I will remember him a good friend of old. I worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska for 43 years and will be 70 in a couple of months. I would appreciate your address and a copy of Tom's obituary and wish best regards to you all.

Take care,
Chris Dau
P.O. Box 870406
Wasilla, Alaska 99687

Steve Brueggemann

November 27, 2016

Did not know Tom, wish I had. I was moved to send condolences with my fathers obit appearing next to his. My dad was also an avid waterfowler. I am owned by a chocolate lab shorthair cross that looks very similar to Koda - what a great photo. Wishing you all peaceful minds.
pura vida

Tarah Poirot

November 20, 2016

What great man with a heart for helping others & the great outdoors! Tom always had a way of making people laugh & feel welcome- his light will shine down! Hugs to you Linda~ so hard to say goodbye...until you meet again~

Robert Thomas

November 20, 2016

Will miss his tri tip barbecue. A good man and great brother-in-law. Robert

November 20, 2016

Thanks for your service to our country. RIP.

Sharon Real

November 20, 2016

I'm so sorry for your loss, my thought and prayers are with you and the family.

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