Dr. Thaddeus Dumas

I am still inspired by Dr. Dumas. My memories of working with him are very special, and he is still very much missed. I pray for his beautiful wife (who also warmed my heart and offered comfort to me after his passing!), Tia, and the rest of his family. Thank you all for sharing him with us at UofL.

I think of you often! You had a profound impact on me as an educator and you will live in my heart and mind forever.

I will forever cherish my memories of Thaddeus.
May God bless you, his beautiful family!

The years have passed but the memories are still fresh. I miss you and I miss the connection with your wonderful family. Miss and love them all, an incredible family.

Think of you often; feel the effects of your knowledge and kind spirit every day.

Even though it has been almost 10 years since his passing, Dr. Dumas stays on my mind and in my heart. I am so honored to have spoken with him within a few hours of his unexpected and untimely death, and his legacy lives with the University of Louisville now and for always. Much love to him and his beautiful and talented family.

TD DUMAS was my coach in football and basketball at Main jr high.I think about him often. He will always be the most encouraging and supportive coach I ever had.he taught me how to be a leader,he brought out hidden talents in me I didnt know I had.Qnce he saved me from getting kissed to death from Ida Baily. I wish I could have seen him one more time just so I could have told him how much I loved him.Everyone that knew him-LOVED HIM

Dear Brenda,
You and T.D. made such a positive impression on us right from the start in the University of Alaska housing. He was truly a role model, one everyone should be emulating.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Brenda and family,
It was indeed saddening to hear, even so belatedly, of TD's passing. The obituary was a good chance to see where his path in education led him, and it sounds like you both had a full and rewarding life together. With almost a year gone since his loss, I hope you have found new strength to shape your life.
I believe you were in my Anchorage High class of 61, right? We are having a reunion, June 17-19. Maybe you have received information about it, but if you are interested, there is a website: www.ahs61.com. I apologize if my adding this info to an site memorialzing TD is inappropriate to you.

Doug and Vicki Bruce
9065 W. Hepburn Lane
Boise,ID 83714
[email protected]

Carolyn and I give our deepest condolences to Brenda and family for your oh-so-too-soon/ premature loss of your husband and father, TD.
We are saddened also to learn of his passing so late after the fact, now in April 2011.
We remember TD fondly from both the years of the 1970's in Fairbanks at Ryan JHS and Lathrop HS, and later in the 1980's and 1990's in Sacramento when I would visit him at the California DOE at the Capitol Mall whenever i came to the area to visit family and friends in Woodland.

May the Spirit and Joy of the Message of Easter carry and renew you all to lessen the burden of your loss.

Don and Carolyn Gray,
399 Hillside Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99712
[email protected]
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I am saddened to learn of TD's death. He was a student of mine at the University of Alaska. It was a pleasure for me to follow his professional advancements; however, I was not aware he was in Louisville. Brenda, I am so sorry! What a loss to your family, the community, the University. Rachel Thomas (Fairbanks, Alaska)

Dear Brenda and Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Thaddeus’ death. Our hearts go out to you and the children at this very difficult time. Our memories are many and beautiful of our working relationship with Thaddeus during our years together with the California Department of Education. We were greatly privileged to also come to know you, Brenda, and the children. Thaddeus was always so proud of you and often shared information with us about you and each of your children. We join you now in thanking God for Thaddeus’ life. He contributed so much in so many ways to young people, his colleagues and university students, and to the larger professional community. We will forever cherish our friendship with him and the privilege of knowing and working with a strong, compassionate and devoted educator. He has left an indelible imprint upon our lives and the lives of so many others. Again, we send much love and many prayers to you and the children. We must remain in touch always!

James and Elaine Fenwick
San Diego, CA

I just learned today of the passing of Dr. Dumas. What a devastating loss to the University of Louisville, students, up and coming teachers and school leaders. I had the pleasure of having him for a professor last fall. What a passionate man he was! Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. May his life and legacy live on forever! Thank you Dr. Dumas for your tremendous contribution to the world.
Y. Loni Floyd (Newburg Middle School, Louisville, KY)

There are so many ways to describe TD, dedicated educator, California educational leader, caring/loving person, good friend, fellow member of St. John's Parish in Folsom for years, but most importantly proud and dedicated father. When I was Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools TD and I would discuss educational policy for hours on end but his eyes would light up when we discussed family. He was so proud of his beautiful family. The world needs more educators like TD but more importantly it needs more fathers like him. I am sure God has rewarded him for that.

M parent and I knew Mr. Dumas through friends of ours Jimmy Williams in Fairbanks, He was a great coach and loved the kids. I do know that Keith Miles loved and cared for Mr. Dumas he was like a father to him. He will be missed we have been looking for him for years. Our prayers and love will always be with the family. We are sadden by this know would really know just how much. Love the Miles Family Keith,Minnie and Children

T.D Dumas was a father to me in the 7th grade he was my mentor he kept me in check and taught me all I know he was my father in School all the time and on the basketball, football, track and even in school with my grades he was always with me thru the thick and thin my Dad always from Main Junior High School to Ryan Junior High School to Lathrop High School. Love Always Keith Anthony Miles

July 31, 2010

Dear Brenda (Mrs. Dumas and Family),

Family loss is always difficult, and so it should be. These are the people that make our lives. Dr. Thaddeus Dumas was one such person: a rare professor of education who spoke wisdom of what constitutes effective practice for school leaders. I affirm the statements made by Debbie Daniels, John Sizemore, and Bob Biggin. Dr. Dumas was a special friend and incredible colleague. I will miss Thaddeus enormously. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the Dumas family.

Sincerely,
Tyrone Bynoe

Tia,
I just want to take this time to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was very shocked and deeply sadden to hear that you lost your father and your best friend. However, I thank God that I had the opportunity to meet and work with your dad at the cultural competency training. Although our time together was short, I learned quickly that Dr. Thaddeus Dumas was truly a phenomenal man who had great wisdom and a remarkable sense of humor. I could immediately tell during our conversations that he represented God’s power and strength because he definitely encouraged me when I needed it most. It was an honor and pleasure for me to meet him and be in his presence.

It is not often that you meet a man like your father. Yet it is good to know that many of his traits are instilled in you. I know that you and the members of your family will miss him dearly but will continue to cherish, celebrate, and honor his life and legacy from this day forward. You, most of all, will represent him in everything that you say and do. We (JCPS and U of L) must continue to pay tribute to his life by being committed to continuing his work in diversity, equity, and multicultural education.

Remember that absent from the body is present with the Lord. May God continue to bless, guide, and keep all of you. If you need me, please do not hesitate to call because I am here for you!

Peace and Blessings,

Tia, you and your family are in my prayers. It was always a pleasure to see you and your dad on UofL Campus attending the Black Faculty and Staff meetings. We are so sorry for the great loss. We know you will continue his great legacy by taking the torch and continuing the race. We love you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. UofL Registrar's Office

Thaddeus taught me my first drum beat and I've been drumming every day since then. Talk about an impact on my life. With sincere admiration, TD -- such a great person.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and all relatives of Dr. Thaddeus Dumas.

One who has lived never truly dies, but crosses a bridge into an eternal life as an ancestor. May it ease our sadness a bit to know that the memories of Dr. Dumas will be yet another bridge between our world and the world of our ancestors.

It was truly a pleasure to know and work with a man who had vision and passion for educational equity. We in the U of L and JCPS communities must pull together to continue Dr. Dumas’ work in the area of diversity and multicultural education.

I pray that creator will insure a peaceful and enlightening transition of Dr. Dumas’ spirit during his Homegoing.

Peace and blessing,

I can't believe I never did get a bowl of your famous andouille and chicken gumbo! I had such a wonderful time working with you, talking about the ways we could improve university and district partnerships and most of all, how to make a roux. Your beautiful wife Brenda and your incredibly incredible children were so lucky to have the best of you. We, at the University of Rhode Island were lucky to have a bit of you. I will never forget what you taught me; to be humble, kind, loyal and genuine. Thank you T.D. It was a blast!

Brenda and Family,
Please know that Mike and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Thaddeus. He played a part in my opportunity to be in the APA, and I am forever grateful. We are right around the corner and here for you, if you ever need something. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Brenda and Family
From the moment we met both of you, Brenda, it was obvious how much in love you were and how important you family is to your life. We are sad not to have known Thaddeus better but to have him as a neighbor was a joy. I will miss his laugh and watching him struggling to train the dog! May Our Lord keep you in His loving arms always but especially now as you go forward without Thaddeus by your side.
Our Love,
Mike and Nancy Rainey

Words can't express the loss we are all suffering at Dr. Dumas' passing. I was on the phone with him about an hour or so before his episode, and while I am still in shock I feel a special honor and blessing in being allowed to have that final conversation with him. He was such a dignified, kind, elegant, hearty man, and he meant so much to so many personally and professionally. May God be with his beautiful family as they continue to honor his memory and make him proud.

Brenda and Family:

Thaddeus and I first got to know each other through the Middle School Invitational. Through the years our friendship has grown and deepened, especially with your move to Louisville, Ky. We have especially bonded with the common principal related projects on which we have worked the past few years.

I just am having the hardest time trying to put into perspective how such a young wonderful man could be taken from this physical earth given he had so much to offer. A member of my extended family has gone.

I know educators across this country are equally mourning his loss. He was so valued and respected.

I want to convey to you my sincerest and deepest condolences on your loss. Not only have you lost a dear friend, husband, friend and father, but we have lost someone who dared to make this world a better place for each child.

John Sizemore

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I did not know Thaddeus, but my heart goes out to you and your family. May the grace of God, time and memories bring you comfort during your loss.

To the family of Dr. Dumas:
May Gods Peace and comfort be with you during this time. I am a graduate student at UL in the school counseling program. He has been our constant guide and director to prepare us for the great work in counseling children and adults. He will be missed by so many. Thank you Dumas family for sharing him with all of us and allowing him to be such an influence on our lives. May God's Peace and Comfort be with you now and always. Jeffries Smith, Sr. ECE Teacher, JCPS.

I still remember when I met Mr. Dumas through Urvan Rodriguez at the CA Department of Education. Just about two days ago, Thaddeus crossed my mind as I road down Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA. I remember him trying to sell me his house. I am saddened of this loss, but joyous that he has a new home in heaven. My prayers go out to the family. God Bless!

I am deeply saddened by the death of Thaddeus. I'm proud to have known such a kind, warm and brilliant man. My prayers and thoughts are with you Brenda and family. I am praying for you my sweet cousins I love you all very much.

Brenda and family,

May God bless you at this time in the loss of your beloved "TD". Our prayers are with you all.

Janessa Oubre and family

I had the great pleasure and opportunity to work with TD in the Middle Grades Office shortly after my arrival to the Department of Education in 1999. Not only was I immediately impressed with the productivity of my new office, but I was also immediately impressed with the warmth, intelligence, commitment, and overall style of my new leader, TD. I am so sorry to hear this news and so thankful for the little bit of time he and I shared together. My heart goes out to his wonderful family and I hope that through the tears and sorrow you hold on to the sound of his laughter and an image of his smile. He lives on in each and every person he ever met; he lives on in me.

Brenda and family, My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. I met Brenda and Thaddeus a little over a year ago. As I have worked with both of them regarding taxes and retirement planning, I was so impressed with the true love and respect that they shared. They were a true team, each with strengths that supported the other. There was a true glow that surrounded them as a couple, and I am a better person for having been able to witness their interaction. I so enjoyed the stories that they shared of their children, their marriage, values, dreams and careers. I especially enjoyed the boating stories, Thaddeus so enjoyed the water. I will truly miss Thaddeus, but his memory will live on thru Brenda and his family.

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

T.D.your family is blessed to have your memoirs, I'm proud as a colleague and friend from the CA Department of Education to have known you as a leader,advocate, proud catholic,friend,and "humanitarian". I will miss you. God Bless!

I was "in school" with Mr Dumas from 7th-12th grade in Fairbanks. I experienced his discipline more times than I'd care to admit. He was always tough, fair and just, but, at the same time, he made a point to call us by first name and greet us when passing in the hall. A powerful force in my and many other kids lives. He made the world a better place.

Dear Brenda and Family:

We had the honor and pleasure of knowing T.D. We had the greatest respect for him and will miss his dedication to family, generous nature and sharing his remarkable sense of humor. We will also remember how you all opened your home to us. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers and that our home is opened to you if you need us.

Dear Dumas family,
TD was was such a great man, person, friend and I know father - as he was always talking about his children. He gave me my promotion at Education. I am proud to call TD a friend who I have missed since he left and will never forget. He will always be in my heart. His integrity, character and honesty are traits I value and have instilled in my own children. He was truly a man of character. I will always remember his laugh. He didn't always have to use his words to know his heart. I was blessed to know him. TD was the finest example of a husband and father. May your love for him remain with you forever. God bless you all, Beckie Robinson

I had the honor of working for Thaddeus as his executive secretary at the California Department of Education for several years. His leadership and friendship are greatly missed. He has been the best boss ever. My heartfelt condolences to the Dumas family.

7th & 8th grade basketball coach, PE teacher, High School Principal, one of the biggest men I had ever met. Good friend, mentor, disciplinarian when needed. The "Big Man" made a big impact on me and has NEVER been forgotten, never shall. God Bless your family and know he was well loved in Fairbanks.

To the Dumas Family,
My life was greatly enriched in the short time I worked with Dr. Thaddeus on the principal leadership group. He was one great leader and I know that your family will miss him. However, just know that he has left a great legacy to our future leaders.

Dear Brenda,
I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting you and wrking with Thaddeus at various statewide leadership work groups. He and I were often on the same subcommittees. I enjoyed his company. He was considerate, kind, compassionate, and passionate about improving education for young people. I miss him and will remember him fondly. Please accept my condolences.

Tia, we are thinking about you as you go throught this time of great loss. Remember we love you! We will continue to wish you and your family the best at this difficult time.

Love you,

Quintin, Delia and Denise

Our world suddenly becomes much smaller. Mr. Dumas, from the schools of the great state of Alaska, to an educator and scholar in California and finally, a person making a difference in the nation. In the words of Greg Mortenson, one school at a time. You made a difference Mr. Dumas, may your memory be honored for a long time.

Deepest sympathies and prayers of comfort, healing and strength to your family.

He always had a warm smile and I know he will never be forgotten for the encouragement he gave to students.
Katherine Siebert-Carson Lathrop High School Class of 75, Fairbanks, Alaska

Dr. Dumas was a friend, leader and mentor. His teaching inspired me to become a teacher. T.D. will be missed...

TD was a very special man in my life, first as my 7th grade pe teacher and then as my principal at A.E. Lathrop HS in Fairbanks. He inspired me to do things others thought were silly or even hare-brained. He'd shake his head sometimes but always told me to go and do it. I pursued my collegiate soccer coaching career in large part to his support. I cannot thank you enough TD for all you gave me. To your family my most heart felt condolences and prayers in your time of loss. May G-d bless you and keep you in comfort.

I had great honor of meeting Thaddeus and his girlfriend, Brenda Cherry, in 1964. Little did I know how our friendship would grow. And grow it did. Thaddeus had a wonderful sense of honor and family. Few will forget his sense of humor. My love and prayers go out to each of his children and their families. A special love goes to Brenda. Through Thaddeus and Brenda I learned that special people and special love do exist. His accomplishments were many, as people all over the country will attest to, but his greatest accomplishment, I believe, is his beautiful family.

Theo, I know that you are going through a tough time right now, but you have to be strong and hold it together for your family. If there is anything that i can do just call.
Stay Strong,
Gary "Baboy" Davis

Dear Family, Letting you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. Take comfort in the many memories that ya'll shared. He is now your guardian angel watching over all of you. Be blessed n stay strong.
WE LOVE YOU
Simone, Gary, Mariyah n Baboy

His reputation, leadership and legacy in the California Department of Education will be long remembered. His leadership in Middle Grades Education is chronicled in key reform documents. A friend, colleague and mentor who will be missed. His life was truly and inspiration.

The words don't exist to desceibe what Thaddeus meant to middle grades educators in California and then through the rest of the nation. His vision, wise words and outstanding leadership made working for him a joy and an honor...and FUN. He truly was one of a kind, and I was so blessed to call him "friend". As a husband and father, he set the bar high. He is already sorely missed.

May you find tranquility in knowing that
friends and loved ones share in the loss of your dearly departed.
Rest in Peace Dr. Thaddeus Dumas

July 24, 2010



Dear Brenda, Tosca, Tara, Theo, Tia, Troy, and Family,


When my family and I were building our house next to the grand cream and brick Victorian house next door, in 1989, little did I realize that the man who lived inside was even grander still.

Over the years, I came to know T.D. as a man of character, integrity, and for his love of God, and his family. I often teased T.D. I was going to send my own two younger children over to "the Dumas Boot Camp" for a week, because I so greatly admired the way he raised his own children and taught them the meaning of hard work, and appreciation for even the small things in life. He taught his children the meaning of loving others even in the face of adversity.

Our development was just getting started and our neighbors wanted to leave our backyards open without fences. But, T.D. decided to build his own fence. I will never forget a neighbor asking him,"Why are you building a fence around your backyard, you don't have a dog?" T.D. replied, "It's not to keep a dog in, it's to keep the kids in!"
His sense of humor was so quick, he always made you laugh.

One day my husband wanted to go over to the high school and watch Theo play in a freshman football game. But, not realizing that you had to pay to get in, and with no money in his pocket, John, found himself on the outside of the fence looking in. T.D. spotted John, quickly went over to him and slipped him the $2.00 between the wire fences so he could buy a ticket. This was the kind of man T.D. was; caring, compassionate, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

There were many hot sunny days in which I would see T.D. and John swapping beers over the fence he built, (the only fence in the neighborhood I might add), talking about the kids, or his love of sports, especially football. He was a great guest to have on Super Bowl Sunday, always full of insight and wisdom.

Yes, the grand man, in the grand creme and brick Victorian house will always be in our hearts. When I look out my backyard, I see a thick branch of a majestic oak tree that embraces our yards, over T.D.s fence, and it will forever remind me of how lucky we were to have known this great man!

With All Our Love,

John, Melanie, Cole and Taylor Reibin
El Dorado Hills, CA

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

We would like to express our condolences to the Dumas family. We will keep your family in our prayers. May the love of friends and family carry you through this time of greif.

On behalf of the KyCLS Leadership Continuum Group, our condolences go out to the family. Thaddeus was one of the original members of this group and for the past 10 years has been a friend and colleague to all of us who have worked on the Wallace Foundation initiatives in Kentucky. Thaddeus was so supportive of our work and a great collaborator. He was greatly respected and we will all miss him. His wise words, deep voice, and friendly smile will stay with us forever.

In deepest sympathy,

Dr. Dumas was Mr. Dumas to me and my classmates - first as a PE teacher and soon as a high school principal in Fairbanks Alaska in the late 60s and early 1970s. He was a first class man who earned our respect, and I know those who knew him will never forget him. Though I lost touch long ago, I can't help but be impressed by his accomplishments in life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.