Ken Thomas

Kenneth John Thomas 50 Year Resident of Santa Cruz County June 14, 1942 - October 28, 2016 Friends and family will sadly gather on November 16th and 17th, to say farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, Ken Thomas, who passed away unexpectedly at his Aptos home this past week. Born in Alameda, California, he was 74 years old. As a much loved long time educator, coach, and community advocate, Ken was instrumental in the forming of organizations throughout Santa Cruz County. The community was indeed the benefactor of Ken's authenticity, generosity, and compassion for people. He was affectionately known as "Santa" to generations of children and as Papa KT to his grandchildren and family. In 1973, as track and cross country coach and teacher at Soquel High School, Ken was approached by Jim Reding and his committee from the City of Capitola who were celebrating Capitola's 100th birthday. The idea of a foot race to kick off the celebration and to possibly raise funds for local schools needed a race director. This seemingly minor event turned into what is now known as the Wharf to Wharf Race, which has raised millions of dollars for local schools. Ken continued to serve as the president of the Board of Directors for every one of the 44 Wharf to Wharf races from that day forward. He leaves countless friends, colleagues, and former students, who will deeply miss his devotion and guidance. Ken and his wife, Sandy were married in 1970, in Santa Cruz at Holy Cross Church. They have made their home in Aptos ever since. The majority of Ken's teaching and coaching took place at Soquel high in the 70's and early 80's, and most of his administrative experience was as the Harbor High Principal in the late 80's and through the 90's. Ken was happiest when he could be with his family, be on the golf course or help those who needed kind words, motivation, or a solution to a problem. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, his mother, Ethel Donna Thomas; his daughter and son-in-law, Arin and Arthur Spalding; his son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Joni Thomas; and his son Brodie Thomas. Ken is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Heather Polich, Jackson, Isabella, and Oliver Spalding; Mia and Max Thomas; his siblings Bonnie Koojoolian (Harold), Thomas Spear, Mary Spear, Donna Lopez (Jeff), Nancy Rogers (Mark), and Julie Thomas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and loving extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father Glenn Joseph Thomas, his sister in law Johanna Spear, his father in law Nathan W. Hamm and his nephew, Christopher Rogers. Any kind acts of charity can be directed to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) PO BOX 360 Santa Cruz Ca 95061, Or to the Wharf to Wharf Race (4510 Capitola Rd. Capitola, CA. 95010) Friends may pay their respects at a viewing on Wednesday November 16, 2016 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. A vigil ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday November 17th, at Resurrection Catholic Church (7600 Soquel Drive Aptos CA. 95003), beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial services will be private.