October 1, 2003
Thomas C. Mingus (T.C.)
On August 27th, our dear brother Tom passed away in his sleep, at his Cazadero home. He had been diagnosed earlier in the summer with myocardial arrhythmia, and was treated and mending. Tom was an extremely unique personality, with wit and charm to spare. He was a very sincere, honest, entertaining, loyal, and a thoughtful friend. I know that Tom, in his beautiful, and abbreviated life, has left so very many of us with warm memories to keep his kind spirit alive in our hearts.
Tom was a native of San Lorenzo, Ca, and graduated from Arroyo High school in with honors at the top of his class He joined the Military, and served in the Vietnam War for 6 years, serving in the submarine service. He was attached to the aging WWII submarine, USS Tunney, and has the distinction of being the only Submarine depth charged during the Vietnam conflict.
The first ever glimpse of Tom for me was a heart stopper, as he was probably the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes on. He was striking! T. C. was Tall, Lanky, self deprecating, and had the most dazzling blue eyes, which always looked right into yours. He was riding a vintage BMW motorcycle, and the combination was striking. We met at a stop light south of Market in the early 80s, and we became friends for life. Tom had this effect on people. He told the story often.
Tom had a great home in San Francisco, and was very successful at his choice of professions. He worked for many years at Charles Schwab, and was for many years with Nortel, designing, and overseeing the installation of corporate communication systems, both domestically, and internationally.
Tom had a great love, and his name was Jim. They had many great years together, and shared both the city house, and Tom’s, Monte Rio terraces home. Jim was truly the love of Tom’s life, and for those of us, who were lucky enough to witness this union, it was truly magical. Tom was devoted to Jim, and remained so for the rest of his life. Jim passed away in the early 90s, and Tom then began living full time at the river.
Tom became a lifelong student, and never stopped educating himself. He was attending classes at the Junior college in Santa up until his passing, and was very excited about his new career in treating mental health issues. He worked many jobs, and was also working with the Gals at River Getaway’s, helping them to provide the best vacation rentals at the River. They had sent him to school to learn pool and spa maintenance, and he loved being a part of their team.
Tom was fond of visiting the clubs, and venues at the River, and his presence will be sorely missed. He had so many intimate friends, and if you were lucky enough to know him, you may have witnessed his famous belly bites, which were a show of affection to close friends, and an ice breaker to new ones.
Our dear Tom is survived by his beloved Mother, Hazel Mingus, of Sacramento, His brother Gary, of Elk Grove, Brother Richard of Oakland, and Brother Robert of Honolulu. A family Mass was held at Brother Gary’s home in elk Grove, on Sun, the 21st, and he made sure to invite any, and all of Toms friends, who wished to visit.
Those who so desire, may make contributions to the Thomas Charles Mingus Memorial trust, C/0 Stockman’s Bank, 9340 East Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA, 95624 Acct# 103040622, arrangements are under the supervision of Santa Rosa Mortuary. Any help at all, will be appreciated. Peace
Brian Carr