Carroll "Gordon" Thomas

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American University

Carroll Thomas Obituary

Carroll "Gordon" Thomas, 72, passed away after a courageous 25-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, with his family by his side. Gordon was born in Arlington, Va., and enjoyed his early years in the company of a large number of relatives from the Garnett, Gordon, Robertson and Willis families. He attended Wakefield High School, then earned a business degree from American University. After a tour of duty with the U.S. Coast Guard, Gordon settled in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Los Gatos, Calif., where he fell in love with the rural lifestyle. While there, he worked as a Personnel Director for Alexian Brothers and El Camino hospitals in San Jose, owned a successful property management company for many years and was able to retire at an early age. Gordon then made his way to the Central Coast. He designed and built his dream home on a ranch in Arroyo Grande. His days were spent happily tuning engines, detailing cars, listening to music and riding his ATV around the property. He shared his life with Sue, his wife of over 20 years, and their five much-loved dogs. Gordon is survived by his sister, Ann Donohue (Tom) of Arlington; mother-in-law, Cecilia Zylka of Arroyo Grande; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nancy Zylka and Jay Broyles of Simi Valley, Calif.; sister-in-law, Michelle VanDusen; niece, Tavia VanDusen; and countless, loving friends. A remembrance service to celebrate Gordon''s life, will be held in Virginia in early spring. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gordon''s name through the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.

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Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Oct. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Carroll Thomas

Sponsored by Catherine.

9 Entries

Catherine Dellor

November 15, 2010

GT, you brought such infectious enthusiasm to all your favorite activities, your "stuff", your dogs, your loved ones. I will sorely miss your sweet phone calls and will fondly remember our few years together in our youth. I still see you laying on the ground, scouring my TT's wheels at Cystie Ugler's memorial. Love you, Catherine

Karen Edmunson

November 2, 2010

Sweet Gordon your hugs will be missed! Sue you made Gordon a very,very happy man. His grin, the thought makes me smile..He will be missed. Lots of love Karen

Karen Edmunson

November 1, 2010

Sweet Gordon your hugs will be missed! Sue you made made Gordon a very

Ron Hutchins

October 24, 2010

MY FRIEND, THANK YOU FOR SAYING I ADDED TO THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE. YOU AND MAUDE ADDED SO MUCH TO MINE EACH MONTH. AS A RESULT OF OUR TALKS, I NOW KNOW YOU CAN NOT HEAR ME AND I SHALL NEVER SEE YOU, LACY OR MAUDE AGAIN. BUT I SHALL CARRY YOU AND MAUDE IN MY HEART, NEXT TO LACEY. THERE, THE THREE OF YOU SHALL REMAIN ALIVE, AND WE SHALL CONTINUE OUR MONTHLY TIME TOGETHER UNTIL I BREATH MY LAST BREATH. WELCOME MY FRIEND, WELCOME.

Michelle Zylka-VanDusen

October 19, 2010

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today...a quote from James Dean, who if you knew "G" you knew he loved. Gordon not only dreamed but made a lot of those dreams a reality. From the crazy way he met my sister, to his mishaps and adventures in the woods, there was always something to smile and laugh about when it came to Gordon. His stories will make a heck of a chapter or two (at least) in a book! He was always doing something in the woods or doing something. Gordon always offered a helping hand when you’d come by, whether or not you wanted it. I remember going to visit my mom and coming back out to the car and having a dent in my trunk “Magically” change shapes after Gordon noticed and “helped”… I will always walk up to my car and smile from now on.

Ottavia Van Dusen

October 18, 2010

People say "day to day everythings the same. But when you look back it all changes." This has been true for mostly every part of my life. That is every part except my uncle Gordon. He has always been the fun, life loving, dork I have always known and admired. I have never seen a person work so hard to make their dreams a reality. Everytime I would go to The Ranch he would greet me in his super charged motorized wheel chair, zooming by like he did many a time. Looking back I see nothing but amazing, wonderful memories. From my kindergarden graduation to my 16th birthday lunch at Alex's in Pismo, where he surprised me with my very own Marlon Brando poster. Just like his. I look out the window and see him walking the dogs or watering the plants, just like he did for more then ten years. He lived in his personal paradise and we were all graced to be alowed in. I will always be thankful for the days we shared and the moments I will laugh at for the rest of my life. Everytime I take a walk in the woods, watch a James Dean movie, or listen to Twisted Sister, Gordon will be there with me. I love you Gordon, But I'm sure you already knew that. =)

Cecilia Zylka

October 18, 2010

One never tires of hearing or telling "Gordon" stories. I particularly recall the one where he and his cohort, Ned, supposedly saw a pterodactyl perched on the clock tower at Stanford University. What were those guys smoking????

I am very grateful for having had the opportunity of spending the past ten years leaving with Gordon, Sue and the dogs in their beautiful natural paradise.

Thanks, Gordon.
Cecilia Zylka

Pernell Rush

October 18, 2010

You'll be missed Gordon, Thank-you very much for what you've shared with us.

Sincerely Pernell Rush