Thomas Arnold Griffin
April 26, 1955-May2, 2024
Thomas Arnold Griffin, age 69, died on May 2, 2024, at San Antonio Hospital in Upland, CA. Tom was born to Betty (Frances) & Bill (Wilmar) Griffin on April 26, 1955, in Omaha, NE. He was always the gentlest of persons, giving all people & animals with which he came in contact, the respect they all deserved.
He is survived by his sister Kathleen (Kathy), Omaha, NE, Margaret (Maggie & Larry) Bennett, North Mankato, MN, brother-in-law, Jim Wilkinson, Omaha, NE, many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews & great-great nieces & nephews. His Mom & Dad, Betty & Bill Griffin & his sister Patricia (Pat & Dick Socha) Wilkinson preceded him in death.
Tom spent his first 7 years in Omaha, NE. Tom’s Dad, Bill, worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. When his dad was transferred to Cheyenne WY, Tom’s family relocated there in 1962. They moved again in 1966 to Hacienda Heights, CA. Eventually, Tom worked for the UP RR as well. In CA, & everywhere he went, Tom gathered good friends like flowers. He was always ready & willing to give his family, & his “CA family”, a hand with anything they needed- over & over again. “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle” but receives many things in return. Receiving his first guitar lesson from his sister, Kathy, Tom went on to teach himself more & eventually, Tom made a living playing guitar, mandolin, & banjo with the Baldy Mountain Boys Band in Southern CA. Tom combined that income with taking professional pictures in many different venues for many years. He was a 3rd generation professional photographer after Alonzo Huntoon Arnold (Tom’s Grandfather Arnold) & his son (Tom’s Uncle) Edward Arnold who had a studio in South Omaha for many years. Rest In peace brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, great-great uncle & close friend to so many. We love you.
A very special thank you to his “California Family”, especially Gina Bush, & all who loved him& for their caring & support of him & his family.
Interment will be in Omaha, NE at Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of Tom’s life will be in Upland, CA where he lived.
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