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BORN
1935
DIED
2021
Thomas Gaines Memoriam
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gaines
Tony Cerone
October 8, 2021
Mr Gaines was an assistant chief at the San Diego border patrol sector when I was assigned there 1980-1983. I remember him as a very personable and professional law enforcement officer with a very witty personality. A very nice man . My condolences to his family and friends.
Dwight Van Horn
September 14, 2021
Good bye old Friend. MANY great memories shared in your company. I'm a better person having known you. I will miss our talks about OUR NRA.
Patrick Comey
September 8, 2021
RIP, Tom. You and your team (ASU) supported me on Operation Mabuhay, 1988, from Manila to Los Angeles. You also recruited me to join FORBPO about 30 years ago. My condolences to your family.
Rusty Burkett
September 8, 2021
I got to know Tom from our meetings every Tuesday at the American Legion in Chula Vista. We all set around telling lies about days gone by. Tom was a neat guy. I retired from the Sheriff's Dept and a bunch of us from various law enforcement looked forward to our Tuesday lunch. Then my wife and I would go the Elks Lodge in Chula Vista for "taco Tuesday" and see Tom and his wife.
The old "Good ol Boys" that met at the legion as they say the "herd is thinning". Only a few of us left.
R.I.P. old buddy
Rusty Burkett
Kathy and Steve Clark
September 7, 2021
As former co-workers of Tom at the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Diego, we were beneficiaries of his ever cheerful demeanor, good humor, positive attitude, and helpfulness with whatever problem was at hand.
Peter Kent Nunez
September 6, 2021
Tom was a friend and colleague for over 50 years - he will be missed.
Gaylyn Boone Dorcy
September 5, 2021
Dear JoAnna and family,
With deep sadness I read of Toms passing in the paper today. Jim and Tom went back years before we were on the scene. They had long been friends since Jim moved to San Diego in 1966 and Jim became involved in the patrol agents union. When Jim and I got together in 1973 he moved to the Bay Area but still involved in the union. IN 1985 we renewed the friendship at FORBPO meetings and then we moved back to San Diego in 1995. We still got together with various FORBPO activities including the two of them co chairing the San Diego meeting in the early 2000's. And then your special wedding day when Jim was Tom's best man is a special memory. I think their last meet up was at the Reno FORBPO meeting. That was Jim's last meeting before his decline. They had a long friendship over many years.
I still have your wedding invitation framed and proudly displayed. And I was Hoping That Tom might even speak at Jim's celebration of life which I hope to hold early November. But God had other plans. I did try to call several months ago and left a message. I assume this was during Tom's decline. And then I read of his passing today. He was a stand up guy as you said and in the Patrol the friendships are fast and long lasting. I certainly will miss him on Jim's behalf and on my own behalf. You two have a wonderful story together, finding love again.
I look forward to honoring Tom on Saturday. With deepest sympathy. Gay Boone Dorcy
Tom Winn
September 5, 2021
I worked with Tom for a couple of years at BP station San Clemente. He was sort of a mentor to me and took it upon himself in helping me during my initials BP days. He introduced me to a Customs Marine supervisor who hired me on the spot. Tom and I remained friends for many years. He was a great person who I will sadly miss. RIP
HElen.sauer
September 5, 2021
Joanne.
So sorry I haven´t kept in touch but often think of you. Hope are are holding you close. Thankful you and Tom had your time together.
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