Please Feel Free To Leave A Comment Or A Memory You Had With Brian~
Brian Edward Thomas, a 16 year veteran of the Grover Beach Police Dept., passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 at the age of 42. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Grace Bible Church, 100 Rodeo Dr. in Arroyo Grande. Brian was born in Santa Maria on Sept. 16, 1963. He lived in the local area most of his life and this is where he met the love of his life, Scotty-Jo Hansen. Brian knew the moment he met her that she was the "one". They married and spent 22 beautiful, loving years together and with their four children, Melissa (Missy), Derek, Rebecca and Jacob. Brian loved and honored his country so much that he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was proud to be a Marine, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." During his service he received many awards, including the Armed Service Expeditionary Medal in 1987. He felt he had the adventure of a lifetime in the Marines which let him see the world. In 1990, Brian entered the police academy, graduating at the top of his class and as valedictorian. He joined the Grover Beach Police Department as an officer and was promoted through the ranks, working as a detective along the way and achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Brian was the recipient of many commendations and awards including the medal of valor and the medal of merit. Brian stood for truth, honor, and justice. He loved this community and wanted to give back some of what it gave to him. Brian also volunteered his time in many programs such as DARE and Toys for Tots. He was a proud member of the Central Coast Masonic Lodge #237 in Arroyo Grande. He was honored to serve as commander of the Nipomo branch of the VFW. Family was important to Brian and he loved spending time with them going to the beach, camping and traveling. If there was an event his children were involved in, he was there. He coached his children's sports teams and was a Cub Scout leader. Brian was an avid reader and loved movies, especially the ones with John Wayne, the "Duke". He loved learning and education was very important to him. He received his associates degree from Cuesta College in 1986 and his bachelors degree from Chapman University in 2003. Brian had an incredible sense of humor and loved to make people laugh and smile. That quality will be forever remembered and missed. He always made time for anyone who needed a friend. His support of family and friends never wavered. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his first grandchild expected in March; father J.H. "Buzz" Thomas of Salisaw, Okla.; brothers, John Thomas of San Jose, Jim Thomas of Gore, Okla. and Billy Thomas of Tulsa, Okla.; sisters, Jamie Samons of Red Bluff, Tina Leal of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Dorrenda Thomas of Fresno; sister-in-law Amanda Thomas of Lompoc; numerous nieces and nephews; and several "adopted" sons and daughters who came to him for support. His extended family was the Grover Beach Police Department. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Kay Thomas and his brother Glendon Thomas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brian Thomas Memorial Fund at the Grover Beach Branch of Mid-State Bank and Trust. Tax deductible donations also may be sent to SLO-LEAF, 200 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420.