Thomas Alan Riege

1953 - 2006

With sorrow, we announce that our brother, Thomas Alan Riege, passed away suddenly on June 27, 2006.

Thom was born in Santa Paula on May 1, 1953. He grew up and attended school there. Early on, he discovered his passion for motorsports while working as a mechanic for a speedway motorcycle racing team at the Ventura Raceway.

Building on those skills, he studied and excelled at various technical schools, learning to diagnose and repair heavy equipment and marine engines. After several years living and working in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas, he moved north to Chico and established a marine service businesss, of which he was very proud. Due to his resourceful spirit, boundless energy, knowledge and mechanical skill, the business thrived. Reflex Marine Service became well-known throughout the local boating community and beyond. He genuinely treasured a day's work well-done and an engine tuned to perfection.

Thom had been a licensed pilot for several years and flew to many destinations, both for business and pleasure. His other interests were gold, riding his Harley, and participating in water sports, all of which he enjoyed as often as he could.

Thom leaves behind his guardian angel, Beverly Jean Lowry; son Cameron, daughter, Toria, and son Jamie, all of Ventura; sisters, Elizabeth Riege (partner Marvin Dennis) of Jacksonville, Ore., and Evelyn Frament, of Oak View; brother, Philip (spouse Bonnie) of Ojai; four nieces, Shelley (spouse Ted) Stewart, Jacqueline (spouse John) Harris, Naomi Bramucci, and Shannon (spouse Robert) Bowman; four nephews, Angelo Bramucci, Salvador Bramucci, Matthew (spouse Jennifer) Riege, and Justin Riege; and many uncles, aunts and cousins, with whom he created many treasured memories; as well as countless devoted friends, business associates and patrons. They will all miss Thom dearly and remember him for his prickly wit and captivating charm.

Thom was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Riege, of Santa Paula; grandparents, Emanuel and Ida Morisoli, of Santa Paula; grandmother, Minnie Riege Dare, of Santa Paula; and cherished aunts and uncles from the Riege and Morisoli families.

There will be a time of viewing from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, July 5, at the Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 738 E. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula; phone 1-805-525-3391. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Pierce Bros. Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Road, Santa Paula. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 8, at Thom's home in Chico. Please call 1-530-894-7653 for information about attending.