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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.
Funeral Service
Saturday October 29, 2016 11:00 AM
LDS Cloverdale Building
3645 Cloverdale Dr SE, Turner, OR 97392
There are many fond memories of the Thomas and Nielsen families from my younger days. Mr. Thomas (Ed) was lively and funny. Our get togethers at the river and in the deserts were always fun, adventurous, and filled with lots of laughs. My family was afforded the opportunity to be included and welcomed within this circle. We were blessed by that friendship. The thoughts and prayers of the Hall family are with you all during this time of remembrance. May he look down upon us all with his smile.
Mentor!
I often wonder where I would be today without Ed Thomas in my life 40 years ago.
He hired me, taught me, inspired me and loved me. Ed and I had a connection that has guided me through my life to be a hard working and most importantly an honest person. His amazing work ethic and sincere concern for people is what always impressed me.
Even though our lives have gone in separate ways the past twenty years I think of Ed and Gerrie often and will never forget the love we had for each other.
I have an 18 year old son and a 14 year old daughter who have never seen their Dad cry until tonight.
God bless you Ed!
You will always be in my heart.
Ed, we shared so much - business experiences, politics, the Gospel, love of Hawaii, and even "Bad Food" (Carl's Jr & Burger King).
The memories we cherish most are your devotion to Gerrie, mentor to the youth and concern for others rather than for self.
We look forward to good times in the eternities - All of us together!
What a precious friend! what wonderful memories, filled with fun and giggles...and adventures galore. Let the Lord and your friends comfort you, dearest Gerrie..use us.
Gerrie, Teri Lee, Stacie and Kelly I love you all. Our family lost a very special husband, father, and grandfather. Ed loved all of you so very much. Take comfort in the memories you share and know he is in a better place and no longer in pain. You are in my prayers every day.
Wherever you find a great man, you will find a great mother or a great wife standing behind him. My wife and I only aspire to be like Ed & Gerrie. Ed is now watching over all of us.
Memories spread over 50 years with Gerrie and Ed, are treasured and remembered as life's building blocks for eternal friendships. We dearly love you both. Above all we know of Ed's love for his angel Gerrie and for the tireless love of Gerrie as she so completely turned her life's mission over to the care of Ed for the past years. His comfort and peace always came before her own needs. They represented to us and so many others their unconditional love for one another. Our lasting love to you Gerrie. May God bless you and your family as you adjust to this new part of the mortal journey.
Together in time,
Parted in time,
But reunited when time shall be no more.
Families are forever. May all of you be blessed with peace, knowing Ed was a positive, wonderful soul.
"The Men of '36" have lost a beloved compatriot and special friend. Our hearts and prayers are with you, Gerrie, and your family. May God grant you the peace he has given Ed at last.
With love and sympathy in your loss,