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Edwin Alfonso Thomas, Jr., 80, also known as Ed, passed away peacefully at his home, in Salem Oregon, Monday, October 17, 2016 with his wife, Gerrie, by his side.
He was born on July 16, 1936 in Los Angeles, California to Edwin Alfonso and Eva Madeline Thomas. He was the second of four children. He graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1955, where he met his sweetheart, Gerrie Nielsen.
Ed and Gerrie were married on March 23, 1957 in Van Nuys, California. From this union, Ed and Gerrie were blessed with four children: Teri Lee (Robinson), Edwin Alfonso III (deceased), Stacie Christina and Kelly Shawn (Williams) They had 6 Grandchildren, Jamie Robinson Walton, Tyler Robinson, Kaitlyn Rose Williams, Taylor Williams, Joshua Williams, and Madelyn Williams, and 4 Great Grandchildren.
As a young man, Ed worked several jobs ( newspaper routes, gas station attendant and more), to help his family make ends meet. When they married he was working in a gas station, but attended LA Trade Tec to become a Brick Mason. He was expected to follow in the family line. He was the fourth generation of his family to train as a brick mason. However, after a short time he realized that was not his calling.
He had a great admiration of his father-in-law, Lamar Jay Nielsen (Niel), who was a self-made man. He saw the achievements Niel had made and so began his journey into the business world. He spent 17 years in the boat business and 20 years in the motorhome business. He ventured further into commercial real estate. Ed loved work and never expected to obtain anything without it. He came to Oregon in 1997 where he and Gerrie built a home; a brick home!
Ed is survived by his wife of 59 years (Gerrie), three daughters and two sons-in-law (Teri and Kris Robinson of California, Stacie Thomas of Utah and Kelly and Troy Williams of California), five grandchildren (Jamie Robinson-Walton, Tyler Robinson, Taylor Williams, Joshua Williams and Madelyn Williams), his sister (Eva Chrysler), his mother-in-law (Blanch McBride Nielsen) and brother-in-law and his wife (Terry and Kathy Nielsen).
Ed was preceded in death by his parents (Edwin Alfonso and Eva Madeline Thomas), his brothers (Eugene and Earl Daniel Thomas), his son (Edwin Alfonso Jr.) his granddaughter (Kaitlyn Rose Williams) and father-in-law (LaMarr J. Nielsen).
Funeral service will be held Saturday October 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the LDS Cloverdale Building located at 3645 Cloverdale Dr SE, Turner, OR 97392.
Sir Eddie you will be missed but not forgotten. Very brilliant man inside and out you and your whole family . I will never forget all the good conversations we had and all the tips and advice you share it with me about life. Your in a better and peaceful place now and most important no more pain. God will blessed you and your whole family.. THANK YOU...
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Ed, you chose to live your life for others and you stayed until you could give no more. Until the end, you welcomed all with a loving and open heart. We have learned so much from you and Gerrie. We are grateful your pain is over and you can rest. We look forward to our reunion again. With much love...
Your great influence was felt throughout your entire life. Your legacy of the ways in which you caused others, especially youth, to improve themselves will impact generations of people for the better. We will miss you, but have faith that you are still being a missionary and watching over us.
My heart is aching for the loss of this good man. Gerrie and Ed....what great memories we have made over the last 51 years. It is a rare and precious gift when young couples meet and form an eternal friendship! No matter what life threw at us, our friendship remained true and faithful. Gerrie, how I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you. You know I will be there in spirit. I love you my dear friend. We will talk soon.
Dale and I treasure our friendship, the good times we had, and the sacred experiences we shared in the temple. You are a real gentleman and I can only imagine the reunion you are having with loved ones on the other side of the veil. We are glad the pain is replaced with joy!
Ed & Gerrie, words cannot begin to say how much we love you both. You shared your love so freely with our family. We will always be grateful for the time we had with Ed as our home teacher and for all the other special memories we have of you both. Thank you for being shining examples to us!
I'm a better person for the opportunity to have known you Ed. You're such a great example and a great missionary. Now you have that blessing to be able to continue the work on the other side. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Wonderful Son, father, grandpa, husband and friend! Such a beautiful example to my boys and family. We are so blessed to have had your beautiful influence and friendship in our lives and for the many moments we shared together with you. Thank you dear friend we love you and my heart aches, we are so glad your suffering is over and we will treasure all the conversations we shared. Go in Piece and give my mom a hug for me.
"Segura na mão de Deus
Pois ela, ela te sustentará
Não teme, segue adiante
E não olhes, para trás
Segura, na mão de Deus, e vai .."
All our conversations were never about you, except to share your stories that were meant for me to better myself and to become a better person. You were a great example to all in how you lived your life, even in the end. You will be missed.
My good friend you will be missed. I will be forever grateful for our friendship, the advice you gave, and the smile you shared so freely despite your situation. You were a role model and a great man. Until we meet again, God be with you.