Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Christopher Holcomb

Thomas Christopher Holcomb obituary, Riverside, CA

Thomas Holcomb Obituary

THOMAS CHRISTOPHER HOLCOMB Age 44, passed away quietly at home on October 28, 2011. Where do you begin when one of the brightest lights in your life is gone? God must have truly needed the best Nail Tech Champion in the world for His competitions. To say that Tom will be missed worldwide is putting it lightly as he touched so many lives with his wisdom, brilliance, creativity, kindness and humor. There is now a void in this world that can never be filled. Tom is preceded in death by sister Elaine, and leaves behind his parents Richard and Pamela; brothers Jeff and Jim; nephews, a niece; two daughters; and his two trustworthy companions, dogs Jack and Thelma. We have two words for you, "Missing You."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Nov. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Holcomb

Not sure what to say?





Izayah

April 23, 2025

Thinking of you dearest man! Now and forever

Lisa Boone

October 31, 2024

I miss you every day, all the time! I am forever grateful that God brought you into my life. I keep your memories alive in all the stories we had traveling together, and causing shenanigans wherever we went! You are always a part of my heart. I feel you with me in every breeze, every ray of sunshine, and every nail I create! Love you my brother from another mother! XO

Alisha Rimando

October 31, 2024

Always thinking of you, remembering you, talking about you, laughing about times we had... I am me, because of you. I miss the witness to my life, now there is no one who will remember or know me the way you did. I pray to you still, I tell you my stories, I hope you hear them... I will always love you....

Diane and Mombo

October 31, 2024

Still miss you like it was yesterday. The pain is still there, the grief, and the love. Nothing has been the same since you left. Love always and forever. Diane and Mombo

Diane

October 31, 2022

My God how we miss you. Nothing has been the same since you left us. Everything has changed. We love you so much. Come and visit us some time. We welcome you with open arms. Diane

Andrea

October 31, 2022

11 years on, you are being remembered, always.
Hugs to wherever you are xxx

Trudy Holcomb

October 31, 2021

We love miss you every single day. We think about you everyday; laughing and crying. Nothing has been sane since you left us. Love you and miss you always. Diane (Trudy), Jim (Mombo), Tim (Wilson), and Loretta (BT).

Andrea

October 31, 2021

10 years on .... Still my watermelon-moment-man in my nailtech-life.
So good to see worldwide you left so much knowledge and good spirit in our hearts , thank you, Tom xxx

Anna Blasco

October 31, 2019

Always the best!!!

Trudy Holcomb

December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas Tom. We know how much you loved Christmas, with your decorating and generosity. Especially when everyone would fight over being yours and Jim's designated driver when you guys wanted to go Christmas shopping. That was always the funniest tradition ever. I know Heaven must be decorated to the nines with you being there. We love and miss you very much. From, Your Loving Family

Toni Stenmark

December 20, 2011

Tom, You will be missed by me as well. Although I had not seen you recently, You were my idol from the first magazine cover I saw you on in 1992 sitting in your living room floor, long hair, with over 300 trophies and ribbons around you. The first time I met you we had an instant connection and became fast friends, even working with you and Tom Bacchick throughout the years. Always in my heart, Toni Stenmark CND Master, Jacksonville, FL

La Bell Luna Miramontes

December 13, 2011

My Sweet Tommie, I still can't believe you are not here.Yesterday at the Mission Inn for your Birthday and celebration of life, it was as if you were there. And all the people that came from around the World...all I can say is wow!! You are sooo Loved Tomatoe, you are a legacy and you are Sir Prince Thomas...you will forever live in our hearts, in every single nail done by your students. I am so blessed to have known you and Janice has been doing my nails for 18 yrs. You taught her well. I love you Tomatoe my sweet friend...you will always be like a candle in the wind and the orange blossoms in the spring in Riverside<3

Trudy H.

December 12, 2011

Happy Birthday Tom. We love you and will miss you forever and always. Our hearts are so broken that words cannot explain. From you loving family.

Francheska DeLaney

December 12, 2011

One word...Legendary. You left us too soon. ;~(

I.magine

December 12, 2011

I want to give my condolence to all the family and friends.

deedee smith

December 11, 2011

I always had a great time @ the competitions with you. I also had a blast on the nail cruise. Rest in peace my friend you are dearly missed!

Syndi Daulton

December 11, 2011

Tom was one of the first people I met in the industry. Competing with Tom was always exciting, I remember one competition we went to the malls looking for models, I never laughed so hard, he was an all around awesome guy and one of the most talented person I every met. Rest in Peace my friend....

Naomi Mead

December 11, 2011

Tom I miss you but I will always have our golden memories. I loved you like a bother. we loved we laughed and we cried but more than everything we loved my good friend. Protege and Mentore... Naomi

Tom and I in Japan

Lisa Boone

November 29, 2011

My brother, my best friend. Thank you for all your love and inspiration you gave me and the rest of the world.You will live on through all of us everyday!

To Pam, Dick, Jim, Jeff and the rest of the family, My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing Tom with all of us! Love you all, Lisa, Lawton, Marshall and Grant

Donna Killian

November 26, 2011

Tommy...I just found out that you have moved on, as you often did. I have many fond memories of our years together. You will be missed, but remembered with great love and affection. Rest peacefully.

janice james

November 24, 2011

I miss you tommy!!! Im so thankful for all the memories you left with me.........rest in peace my dear friend....<3

Lisa Schwebs

November 22, 2011

I will forever have sadness and and heart ache for you Tom.... so glad we lived so close to eachother, and that i was able to come by and visit you.... i will forever miss your laughter...!!!! I LOVE you xoxo Lisa Knight/Schwebs Riverside Calif.

Lori Day

November 22, 2011

Thank You<3 I loved the early years and all I learned! We had so much FUN! Love always

Claudete Shitara

November 20, 2011

wherever you are,that God enlightem you, you will be missed , rest in peace. kiss.
-Claudete Shitara. Japan.

Marinda Clouthier

November 17, 2011

I only met Tom once. He was amazing and had a wonderful sense of humor. He made that day a better day with his humor and smile. I hope him and Cecil Harbour my Opa are having a good laugh together.

Gina Wallace

November 15, 2011

The day I met Tom in 1996 had a big ball of sunshine behind it BECAUSE of his unbelievable inner warmness. God bless the man

loes appels

November 11, 2011

Saying goodbye
is wrapping up with soft fingers
all thoughts and memories
of the beautyness that has passed
to be remembered forever...

Dear Tom, you were a light in many peoples lifes, including mine. I am so glad to have had the chance to tell you how thankfull I am for being inspired by your work. Just a few weeks before your passing. You inspired me to become a better nailtech. Last year I won a third place at the dutch chiampionship. Next year i will try to do even better, with you in my mind.
My thoughts go out to Tom's family

Nickie & Dean Brothers

November 9, 2011

Dearest Pam,Dick,Jeff & Jim,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.I love you all so much!! Not a day goes by that I dont think of you Tom, you will be greatly missed forever, my heart still cries with sadness and disbelief.

ANNA BLASCO

November 9, 2011

Thank you for your art. RIP my friend.

Jody Holcomb-Vanderpool

November 9, 2011

You are in my heart forever. I love and miss you more than words can express. Rest well my love until we see each other again.

Joxy Holcomb-Vanderpool

November 9, 2011

You are forever in my heart I love and miss you so much

Danielle Buckey-Schuman

November 8, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the Holcomb family.

Hospitality Dental

November 8, 2011

Pam & Dick our hearts go out to both of you and all of your extended family members. The loss of a child is an unbearable thought and for you to have to go through it twice is unimaginable. We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. Hospitality Dental Group Staff

Julie Kellos

November 8, 2011

I am shocked. I just learned of your passing. You will be so missed. I will never forget your kindness, your talent, and your never ending infectious laugh. RIP my dear friend. May God hold you in his arms for a while.

James Holmes

November 8, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Tom Wilson

November 8, 2011

I never had the fortune of meeting Tom, but I feel as though I knew him because of the close ties I have with his family. Everyone that spoke of him loved him and always talked fondly of his generosity and of his talent. God in his infinite wisdom took him at an early age. I would have loved to have met him while he was here, but I hope his family is comforted in knowing that he is now in heaven, and is painting beautiful works of art there.

November 8, 2011

R.I.P.

His work - allways cherished!

Terri Malon

November 8, 2011

sabrina gaillez

November 8, 2011

I never had the chance to meet Tom but that doesn't mean i didn't know who he was
he made fantastic nails and when i hear all the wonderful stories about him he must have been one out of a million
i realy hope he has found peace and i hope all his friends, family and loved ones can find a place for their sorrow and remember all the great times they shared

At 23 years old and already best in the world

Frank Zappala

November 8, 2011

Lisa Curl

November 8, 2011

I know by knowing his brother, I would have loved him! You can see the great soul in Tom's eyes.. sad that I never got a chance to meet him. I'm sure there are angels up there needing Tom's talent!

Terri Malon

November 8, 2011

Tom Holcomb, like no other educator, has left his mark in the european nail industry.
Thank You, Tom, for all your enthusiasm, for your dedication, for your kind words and for sharing your talent

November 8, 2011

There are no words powerful enough to express sorrow for your loss. May you take solace in the great memories you have. May God grant you peace and comfort while the memories you cherish bring solace when you need it. May you always remember, "God is healing the brokenhearted ones and binding up their painful spots" -Psalms 147:3 With heartfelt sympathy and prayers

Merel

November 7, 2011

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.Thanks for all your inspiring Artwork Tom!

Mardie Rodriguez

November 7, 2011

Tom Holcomb, The World will never be the same without you.... but your light your spirit your teachings your talent your compassion and most of all your SMILE will live forever like the Orange Blossoms in the Spring In Riverside, like a Candle In The Wind ....RIP SIR THOMAS HOLCOMB.....It was a pleasure and a privalage to have known you ...I love you....Mardie

Tina Ciesla

November 7, 2011

Although I never actually met Tom, I had crossed his path numerous times during the last 20+ years. When I wanted to change product lines, I looked to see what Tom was using. It was because of him I found Entity Beauty. Were it not for his name and skill, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you for sharing him with our little nail world. In our world, he was THE one to set your goals upon. I cherish the DVD's I have of his. Each time I pick up a bead of Nudite Warm Pink, I think of him. I pray your family can find peace that passes all understanding during this time and forever more. God bless y'all.

Myself on left Tom and Toni at the launch of Enttity Beauty into NZ in 2007

Debbie Taylor

November 7, 2011

I was so devasted when I heard the news, thank you so much for what you have done for me here in New Zealand, it has been an honour to have known you and I will always remember the fun times and laughs we had, we have had a few of those. I remember that photo that was taken of you and me if front of my car and my number plate 1NAILU lol, I could not stop laughing. You are a true inspiration and you will be sadly missed by everyone. Love you lots Debbie xx

November 7, 2011

Rest in Peace Tom, I will forever remeber your smile.

Lorraine G.

Kim Ensign

November 7, 2011

You graced the world with your talent, and selflessness. May your family find peace in the knowledge of the number Iives you touched. God Bless.

Beth Oney

November 7, 2011

Words are not enough to express the Love had for Tommy. I want to thank you, his family for sharing him!! So many personal memories and love we" shared. Such an honor to have been a part of his life. Tommy your always in my heart, we will carry on your Legacy!! See you my sweet friend on the other side

Yukari

November 7, 2011

I don't know what to say.Please accept my sincere condolences.

Diana Mommers

November 7, 2011

I was in shock when i got the news, our nail guru, isn't there to stimulate, teach and make us laugh anymore...!
We will miss you,...but never forget you !!!

Rest in peace dear TOM !!!

Zappala

November 7, 2011

R.I.P Tom Holcomb You were an inspiration to many, loved by all and gave all your love. You will be greatly missed. We loved you with all of our hearts and as you watch over us from heaven hope you still shower us with good times. As we always had while in your presents. We will love you always! The Zappala's

Frank Zappala

November 7, 2011

Uncle Tom, You have given me so many fond memories and experiences in my life. When I was 8 years old and moved to California, you really helped make me a member of the Holcomb family. From going to the beach, making crazy mohawks with my hair, and sharing your room with me. You accepted me with open arms and loved me unconditionaly. I will miss you so much. Your glowing personality, infectious sense of humor, and your love for people, especially, your family..... I love you very much and will see you again someday, and when you see me just yell " We're Partners"...
Love Always,
Frankie

carmen günter

November 7, 2011

Thats true we will miss you, your laughin, your talent ... so sorry...

Kayo

November 7, 2011

We will miss you.... Rest in Peace...

Betty Plantaz

November 7, 2011

No words is not true, i have so many words.......... to say. In my mind there are so so many beautifull memories that I have. I am very thankfull that we spoke a few weeks ago and those last words were very meaningfull to me. When I think of you a smile comes to my face. You knew excatly what you meant to so many people.Your beautifull smile gave people warmth.People wanted to be around you cause off your great personality. If there was just a litlle bit of crazyness inside a person you were the one to get it out.Goodbye eggplant shoe shine machine man, I will miss you there's no one like you........... not even close!

Claudia Espinoza

November 6, 2011

I will miss you forever my dear friend...you will always be in my heart. I love you.

Erin Eng

November 6, 2011

Those we love will not go away,
You will always walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and love you forever.

Mizue Matsushita

November 6, 2011

With Deepest Sympasy
I was grieved to hear of your loss.
I will never forget my great teacher Tom.
Love and sympathy to you.

Felicia Kelter

November 6, 2011

Words can't even describe how I feel. A huge space in my heart feels so empty. I can't even believe it. He was the most amazing person I have ever met. He was a great person and loved helping people and making people laugh. He was also very, very talented. He always had the BEST things to say. Ohhh my, every moment I was around him I was in tears from laughing so hard. ill never forget the moments I have shared with him...Family get togethers, Christmas's, or just hanging out in his brother Jim's garage talking for hours and hours. Those are the moments ill remember all my life. I love you Tom and you will be forever missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace.

Rich Pun

November 6, 2011

The Man... The Myth... The Legend...

Love you forever! Love you for Life!

RIP my brother...

Mizue Matsushita

November 6, 2011

With Deepest Sympathy
I was drieved to hear of your loss.
I will never forget my great teacher Tom.
Love and sympathy to you.

Christine

November 6, 2011

What can I say, but rest in peace my dearest friend. You are sorely missed and a large empty space now occupies our hearts. Your wonderful humor and your generous nature made an everlasting impression with everyone you met. You will never be forgotten by any of the people who were lucky enough to know you, even if only for a brief passing in time. Thank you for so many wonderful memories.

November 6, 2011

Dear Uncle Tommy,
You were the best man i ever had and the best uncle i ever had. i cant believe i lost him because I love him and im gonna miss him..
Love, Jannel Butler

Jerri Ferguson

November 6, 2011

I had the honor and privilege of learning from Tom at one of his many Academies. That 2 days was amazing learning from "The Master". His humor was infectious. I will miss seeing his smiling face in Orlando. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.

Brenda Skermont

November 6, 2011

To know Tom was be be his friend. I am happy to have known him. He is gone too soon!

Kelley Killop-Marble

November 6, 2011

It will NEVER be the same...since the class last October, I prayed for you. Your leaving has left such a void...I look at my class certificate daily with gratitiude, I tell my clients about you-THEY remembered my excitement about the class and were sad to hear...I am such a little, green fish in the nail ocean you swam in, but you took the time and met me RIGHT where I needed it...my work is SO much better because of that class! Now I pray for your family and close friends...I can't imagine the void you left with them Tom...you were bigger than life in so many ways...gosh, you made me laugh and you mesmerized me with your talent in the very few times we spent time together...Thank you for being you!

Jennie Moreno

November 6, 2011

My prayers go out to the Holcomb family. I went to school with Tom since Sierra Middle School but was introduced to Tom from his brother Jim. I am saddened to hear of this sad news and my heart and prayers are with the Holcomb family. Tom had the best smile ever!!!!

paula andrea suarez ceballos

November 6, 2011

Una persona que nunca sera olvidada el maestro de maestros, Dios lo tenga en su gloria.

Carola Quint

November 6, 2011

I have onely met you a few times in the past. And you were a really warm and friendly guy. My deepest sympathy and condolances go to your loved ones. You will be missed so much, I am sure.

Hannah Parkin

November 6, 2011

You were my soulmate and you called me your British queen. Words cannot describe the void you have left. Love always Hannah

Peggy B.

November 6, 2011

Death is nothing at all

I have only slipped away into the next room

I am I and you are you

Whatever we were to each other

That we are still

Call me by my old familiar name

Speak to me in the easy way you always used

Put no difference into your tone

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow

Laugh as we always laughed

At the little jokes we always enjoyed together

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was

Let it be spoken without effort

Without the ghost of a shadow in it

Life means all that it ever meant

It is the same as it ever was

There is absolute unbroken continuity

What is death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind

Because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you for an interval

Somewhere very near

Just around the corner

All is well.

Nothing is past; nothing is lost

One brief moment and all will be as it was before

How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Henry Scott Holland, Canon of St Paul's Cathedral (1847 - 1918)


ThanX 4 being a great teacher

Sandra groenendijk

November 6, 2011

Dear Holcomb family,

I am so sorry for your lost of a wonderful person. I just know Tom a few years and we had a wonderful time with him in the Netherlands. I know him as a sweet, warm person and especially his enormous humor. Our children will remember his as the man with his jokes and the japanese words that he learned them. Always in our hearts, rest in peace Tom. Sandra Groenendijk - the Netherlands

Rina M. Shinohara

November 6, 2011

Thank you for everything.I will not forget you. Miss you a lot.

Anna Onopa

November 6, 2011

Having heard the sad news of the death of Tom, I am writing to express my sincere condolences to all the members of his family and to his friends.
My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Tom......

Mare Horak

November 6, 2011

My deepest condolences for your loss! The nail industry has lost not only an icon, but an amazing man with a heart of gold and a fabulous sense of humor! I pray you find peace!

Mary Gonzales

November 6, 2011

When my daughter took me to a mission they had a little prayer room. as we entered i wanted to say a prayer for Tom. Which i did on a nightly basis. Love you now its your turn to watch over me. Forever touched seeing you on my couch like you were home. If your spirit ever gets resless my pourch light will be on to guide you back. Lv Mary

Aimee

November 6, 2011

What can I say about you, my friend, found found memories. Not one of them without a smile on my face. When we hung out in Jim's garage I would leave with my side aching because you would make me laugh for hours. I will cherish those times and memories always. It is hard for me to believe that I will not stop by and find you with your gorgeous smile and laugh that would instantly put a smile on my face. You'll never be far from my thoughts!!

Monika Ch.

November 6, 2011

Always in our hearts. Rest in Peace...

November 6, 2011

C'est avec une immense tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de Tom.
Nous prenons part à votre douleur et vous adressons nos plus sincères condoléances
Isabelle et René Framery

tom holmes

November 6, 2011

my thoughts and prayers go out to the holcomb family.like they say only the good die young,he was taken way to soon.he made the world a better place and he was so generous and kind to everyone around him,he made a difference in so many ways it cannot be described or explained.i only wish i got to know him more.

Camby Tang

November 6, 2011

Dearest Tom,

A student from Hong Kong and met you in Taiwan, thank you for your teach, and thank you for everything you did for the industry, you made everything amazing, your spirit will never die.. I miss you and never forget!!

May you R.I.P.

November 6, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting Tom at a two day training event in Orlando,Fl several years ago. Of course his smile and laugh made me like him instantly but what made that meeting a lasting impression was that in a room of easily 250 people he sat with me and worked one on one until I got it. He wanted me to succeed and I did!
I will remember Tom fondly.....

Teresa Carter
Young Nails Educator/Mentor

Debbie Milam

November 6, 2011

You were truly a gift!! wishing your family lots of peace and comfort!!

Andrea Baron-Janßen

November 6, 2011

Thanks for all you've done for all the nailtechs worldwide. Rest in peace, Tom.

brenda GIBSON

November 6, 2011

Sorry for your loss...Brenda Gibson, nail tech
Holland ohio

Kinga Micaci

November 6, 2011

I am a fan of Tom's even though, unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet him in person, his photos around the World were inspiring me greatly ! We've lost the best :( I am still shocked...
He will live in many many tech's hearts FOREVER ! RIP Tom, you are very missed :(

Jennifer Holt

November 6, 2011

Dear Holcomb Family, Tom is one of the reason's I LOVE what I do. I have known Tom for 11 years and every single one of those years I kept going because of him. I had the pleasure of becoming a friend. I travelled along side him and learned many great things in my profession. He will be truly missed.

Lynnette Madden

November 6, 2011

The passion Tom showed will live on in many of us. What better tribute to him to try to emanate just one of his nails. It was my pleasure to have met him. He was my inspiration.
My condolences to all his family and friends.

Tokyo- Temple steps*

Izayah Jeffrey

November 6, 2011

In loving memory of an amazing and loving man with a true heart of gold. We will love you and miss you always. Thank You Tommy for being- Y O U and touching so many lives as you did.
sincerely - izayah

November 6, 2011

Dear Holcomb Family, prayers and love to all of you. Your friends, Paul and Chris Brickel

Here's to the laughter and the memories.

Alisha Rimando Botero

November 6, 2011

There are no words to express the sadness and emptiness that remains. I will miss you every moment of my life. I will remember you in everything that I do, in how I live and how I teach my children to live and love life as you did. You were and still are my inspiration, my light, my love.

Jim Holcomb

November 6, 2011

Where do we begin? There have been so many years of good times that it hurts too much to think about them at this sad, sad time. One day we will be able to talk and laugh. We love you so much, we can't imagine not having you in our lives. To the world you were a celebrity, to us you were "Just Tom." The camping and fishing Tom. The Tom that would just come over and hang out in "Jim's Garage." Until we meet again our hearts will be forever broken. In the immortal words of Augustus Gloop---"Augustus sveetheart, save some room for later." A joke between Tom and family. We will love you always and keep you in our hearts. Love Forever and Always, Jim, Diane, Tim, Loretta, Princess, Passion, Mommy Kitty, Henry, Rocco, Bogey, Lily, Elle, Tabitha, Molly, Willis and who ever else we are feeding.

Showing 1 - 97 of 97 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Holcomb's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Holcomb

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Holcomb's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more