TOM KRUZIC

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.