Sidney Dale Thomas

Sidney Dale Thomas
June 30, 1939 – May 26, 2016
Dale Thomas died peacefully in his home on May 26, 2016. Born and raised in San Dimas, CA, the son of Loa and Myrtle Thomas. He graduated from Bonita High School in 1957 where he met his future wife, Linda. In addition to working in sales for 12 years, he also volunteered for the La Verne Fire Department. In 1974, Dale found his calling and was hired full-time as a fire fighter. After 5 years of dedicated service, he was promoted to Captain where he completed a 32 year career with the La Verne Fire Department while having an electrician business and an alfalfa farm on the side.
What Dale enjoyed most in life was his family, golfing, jeeping and traveling. He spent the early years of retirement traveling the United States with Linda in their RV. On one of their trips in 2003, they fell in love with North Idaho where they built a home and lived 10 years on Lake Pend Oreille, before most recently relocating to Palm Desert, CA.
Dale loved to work on anything mechanical and was a "jack of all trades," never hesitating to offer his assistance. He was a great husband, father and friend to many. His big heart and kind nature will be truly missed by all of his family and friends.
Dale leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Linda; his daughter Penny Gillette and her husband Mark; son Jeff and his wife Traci; four grandchildren; one great grandson, and sister Marietta Simonson.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11th at 10:30 am at Todd Memorial Chapel, 570 N. Garey Ave. in Pomona. In lieu of flowers, donation checks can be made payable to the La Verne Fire Department with "Christmas Program Donation" listed in the memo and mailed to LVFD, c/o Lauren Burtz, 2061 Third St, La Verne, CA 91750.