Aged 94, of Morgan Hill, fifth generation California cattle rancher, passed away quietly at home with his family. George was born in Madrone, CA to Preston and Lucy Thomas. He attended Burnett School, and graduated from Live Oak High School in 1933, where he was Student Body President and played on the varsity basketball team. After graduation, he received a basketball scholarship to University of Pacific which he declined, to stay at home and take care of the family ranch during World War II. Over the years, George’s life continued to be dedicated to preserving and improving the Thomas Family Oak Flat Cattle Ranch , near Pine Ridge in Morgan Hill, which has been in the family since 1877. In 1943, George married Kathleen (Phyllis) Hendry, who arrived in town after graduating from UC at Berkeley who George remembered arriving in a shiny red convertible for her first teaching assignment at Live Oak High School. George is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis of 65 years and his children Patricia Reinhart (Mark) of Chico, George Preston Thomas, Jr., (Shelle’) of Morgan Hill and Catherine Goodere (Greg) of Morgan Hill and eight grandchildren, Heather Bender, Megan Purdy, Alison McCoey, Marta Kingsbury, Preston Thomas, Lara Thomas, Braden Goodere and Sarah Goodere and eight great-grandchildren.
George was pre-deceased by his parents, Preston and Lucy Thomas, and his brothers, Leon Thomas, Harold Thomas, and Eugene Thomas.
George was a very active and contributing member of the Morgan Hill community. His activities included Soil Conservation Director, Water District Director, Lion’s Club President, Masonic Lodge, Morgan Hill Historical Society, Live Oak School Board Member, Morgan Hill 4-H leader, founding member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, past president of Santa Clara Cattleman’s Association, State Director and California State Cattleman of the Year and Director of the Santa Clara County Fair Board.
George and Phyllis were able to enjoy many years of traveling, New Zealand an Austrlaia, being favorite countries.
George’s priorities were his family and the family ranch. Some of his favorite days at the ranch were riding his horses and herding his cattle. When George was asked in and interview about older Morgan Hill residents, George commented, “I have always enjoyed what I was doing.” When asked what the biggest challenge was that he ever faced, he said, “Keeping up with my wife.”
George lived a good life as a caring and kind man to his wife and children, grandchildren, brothers and friends. He was a wonderful example of a man to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held Saturday April 5th, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at Villa Mira Monte (Morgan Hill Homes). Memorial contributions can be made to the Pine Ridge Association, Henry Coe State Park, P.O. Box 10, Morgan Hill, CA 95038
