Thomas Lloyd Thorkelson

1932 – 2025 • Passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025 • Age 93
Thomas Lloyd Thorkelson, lovingly known as "Batman," passed away peacefully at home on the morning of October 19, 2025, at the age of 93, with his beloved wife, Sheila, by his side. He lived a remarkable life filled with faith, service, courage, humor, and a boundless love for others. Tom faced cancer multiple times with quiet strength and grace, worked until the very end, and spent his final weeks surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Born to goodly parents, Tom's family did not have a particular church community. However, as a young boy, Tom found a Methodist church he could walk to alone. It was there he discovered his love for the Savior, which would guide and shape his life. At sixteen, he earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California to study theology with the goal of becoming a Methodist minister. A self-described "Jesus lover," Tom's deepest desire was always to serve. During his time at USC, he discovered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and later converted, finding a faith that became a guiding light throughout his life. It was also at USC that he met the first love of his life, Patricia Jean Dailey, with whom he would build a family and share nearly five decades of marriage.
Tom proudly served his country as a Marine aviator and instructor during the Korean War. After his military service, he dedicated 67 years to Mass Mutual in Newport Beach as a financial planner, caring for generations of families with honesty and purpose. He believed in service - not only through his profession but in every aspect of his life.
Tom lived life with energy and enthusiasm. For many years, he could be found on the racquetball court several times a week, setting up matches with people half his age - and often winning. Even when cancer eventually reduced his energy levels, he remained committed to staying active, swimming 20 to 30 laps a day to maintain his health. His love of movement and adventure took him to some of the highest peaks in the world. He climbed Kilimanjaro, Fuji, Whitney, Aconcagua, Mauna Loa, and even Everest, and trekked the legendary Inca Trail. His physical vigor reflected the same resilience, determination, and joy with which he approached every part of his life.
Tom and Pat's home was a place of open doors and open hearts. In addition to raising their eight children - Eric, Evy, Janet, Jared, Tina, Gregg, Britt, and Rees - they lovingly welcomed and raised five Native American children from the Navajo and Apache tribes, providing them with a home filled with faith, love, and security. Family was the heartbeat of Tom's world.
Tom's faith inspired decades of service in the LDS Church. For more than 40 years, he served as the Director of Interfaith Relations for Orange County, building lasting relationships of trust and cooperation with leaders of Roman Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and other faith communities. Prior to that, he served as President of the Orange County Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Tom had a rare gift for bringing people together across differences, always focusing on shared values and love for God.
Tom was also known for his sense of humor. He had a way of making people feel at ease right from the start. If you ever met Tom, chances are you heard him grin and say, "Now, have you quit smoking?" It didn't matter who you were - that line always caught people off guard, broke the ice, and left them laughing. And if you were one of his kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids, you may have heard him affectionately call you a "smart ass" - a comment that never failed to raise eyebrows and spark a smile. His humor was mischievous, unforgettable, and pure Tom.
To those who knew him, "Batman" wasn't just a nickname - it was who he was. A quiet protector. A steady light. A hero in everyday ways.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia, and is survived by his wife, Sheila, his devoted companion of 21 years, who loved and cared for him through his final years; his brother Dennis Thorkelson; his children Eric Thorkelson (Rozetta), Evy Disner (Renan), Janet Scott (Rick), Jared Thorkelson (Mary Ann), Tina Taft, Gregg Thorkelson, Britt Craig, and Rees Thorkelson (Markay); stepsons John and Michael Jones; 40 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and the many friends and loved ones whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2150 Bonita Canyon Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Orange County Interfaith Network (OCIN) and LDS Humanitarian Services in Tom's memory.
Thomas Lloyd Thorkelson's life was a remarkable story of faith, service, love, laughter, and adventure. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.