BCHC Mid Valley Unit John Thomas

John Thomas, a longtime Mid Valley member, passed away at home June 19, 2014. He was 82.

John was born in San Jose, California, and moved to Oakdale with his family in 1946. He was the eldest of eight children. As a young man he worked on the family dairy and graduated from Oakdale High School.

Two years later he married his high school sweetheart, Helen, on August 12, 1952. They were married for 62 years. John and Helen had one daughter, Sandra Lynn. John is survived by the love of his life and five siblings.

John was a "jack of all trades." He and Helen worked as a team in their business, "Thomas Trucking and Welding," for more than 50 years.

For many years John was an active member of the Optimist Club in Oakdale. He was also a member of the American Mule Association. John mentored many in driving and pulling over the years and helped with the judging of many events. An active member in Mid Valley BCHC, he cooked for our Pack Teams at Bishop and at many of our trail rides. You always knew you were going to get some good eats when you saw that BIG brown and orange bus arrive!

There will be a celebration of John's life Sunday, August 10, 2014, at the Saint Francis of Rome Church in Riverbank from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations may be made to Stanislaus Hospice or to a charity of your choice.