Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas

Resident of San Jose

The family gathered around the dinner table, laughing, crying, interrupting, laughing some more and one by one his wife, daughters, sons, niece and grandchildren raised their glasses high to the heavens above, toasting to the man of the hour, to the man of every hour: Mark Thomas. Throughout the meal hopeful eyes glanced over at the full glass of merlot resting in front of the empty seat at the head of the table. Empty on Sunday, July 18, 2010, for the first time since January 16, 1930; yet for each person in the room the spirit of Mark Thomas still sat at the head of the table, drinking merlot, eating heartily, laughing in volumes, giving words of wisdom and motivation, and loving those in his life.

Mark, a native of San Jose, passed away peacefully at his home on July 18. Born on January 16, 1930 to Mark and Helen Thomas, he was raised throughout the United States due to his father's service in the army during World War II. Mark graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947 and from Stanford University in 1951 where he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity and the Stanford Band. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a platoon leader in the Korean War. He often spoke of his respect for the Marines he commanded in the field. Upon his return, Mark met his soul mate and true love, Marjolie Foster. They were married for 56 years.

Mark graduated from Santa Clara Law School in 1956 and opened a law practice in Willow Glen: Thomas, James, and Pendleton. In 1975, he was appointed to the Municipal Court in the City of Sunnyvale and, in 1983, to the Superior Court in Santa Clara County. He retired from the Court in 1991. From 1995 to 2010 his work continued with Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services.

Mark was an avid swimmer, runner and had a great enthusiasm for life. He had a passion for music and played the trombone in several jazz bands during his college years. He also enjoyed local legal history, authored dozens of articles in legal newspapers and wrote several books. He was a man of integrity, honesty, kindness, and touched the lives of many. He continues to live through those who know him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Marjolie, four children, Colleen, Eileen, Steve, and Ward, seven grandchildren, Alison, Jennifer, Monica, Scott, Ryan, Benjamin, and Luke, daughter-in-law Anja, son-in-law Steven, sister-in-law Marlene, nieces and nephew Darlene, Caryn, and Andy.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Mark's life will be held on Saturday, July 31, 10:30 a.m. at Saint Francis Episcopal Church in San Jose. The Church is located at 1205 Pine Ave. The family extends their sincere thanks to Stanford Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Santa Clara University Law School, St. Francis Episcopal Church Memorial Fund or History San Jose.

Anyone who wishes to share their memories of Mark may do so at www.imorial. com/markthomasmemories. A permanent tribute site will soon be available at www.markthomasmemories.ws. "Carpe diem-seize the day"