Thomas Elms

1952 - 2016

Thomas Elms
Aug 27, 1952 - July 12, 2016
Santa Cruz
Thomas James Elms was born August 27, 1952 in South Dos Palos to William and Anna Mae Bernardi Elms. "Tommy" earned his "claim to fame" and local celebrity for hitting a home run on the baseball field in Dos Palos that broke the scoreboard clock.
He moved to Santa Cruz with his family in 1966. At age 16, he worked at Albertson's in downtown Santa Cruz while attending school full time and playing football. He graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1970. He had a 31 year career with Albertson's. Later, he worked for Ralph's Grocery and New Leaf Market.
In 1991, he became Store Director of Albertsons in Visalia. He lived there for 10 years with his 2nd wife and step-son. In 1999, he actively supported his wife in taking foster children. He played on the City Softball Leagues and was Marshal at the golf courses in both Santa Cruz and Visalia.
In 2001, he and his family moved back to Santa Cruz. In time, the foster family increased to 10 boys. He was a "hands on Dad". The rite of passage for the tween boys was when they got to go to the 49er game with Dad and Hans on the bus. Trips also included Giants and A's games. Every chance he got he played golf with his best friend, Hans. He loved people, he could make a stranger feel like family. He had a passion for sports, barbequing, reading, rock n roll music, traveling and "Lady Luck" at the casinos. He had a sense of humor and loved to joke around with everyone.
Tom is survived by his step-son, Scott Millang. His adopted sons, Ted, Jacob, Chris, and Sebastian Elms. His foster sons, Aaron, Nate, Dmitri and Honorary son, AJ Roulhac. He leaves behind his sister, Patricia Kelley, three nieces, Kristine, Alexandra and Bianca King. He is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae Hodges and his favorite Uncle, Bernie Bernardi. He leaves behind many good friends and his "Albertson's/Ralph's family". You know he loved and adored you all.
Aaron, Ted, Chris and Sebastian would like to express their gratitude to Ellen, Vicki, Richard, Lynn, Josh and Hans for being there for their Dad when he was ill. The boys would like to invite his family and friends to a Celebration of His Life. Please join them to honor and share memories of their Dad for a Barbeque on August 18th, 2016 from 11am to 3pm at Harvey West Park, 300 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz.


View the online memorial for Thomas  Elms