Donald Allen Thomas

Thomas, Donald Allen
passed away on March 9, 2010, in Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his two children, Danielle Marie Thomas and Matthew Charles Thomas; his parents Robert Lee Thomas and Christine Thomas; his brother Thomas Lee Thomas; his best friend of thirty-two years, Charlie Siddle; and many, many friends in business, golf, squash, racquetball, and life. Don graduated from Mesa High in 1975, where he starred in football, golf, and other sports. After he graduated, Don became a professional racquetball player. He ultimately achieved the rank of number 4 in the world during the peak of the sport, competing against other top pros like Marty Hogan, Charlie Brumfield, David Bledsoe and many others in tournaments all over the world. He graced the cover of National Racquetball magazine (and was named racquetball's "coverboy"); was sponsored by Nike, Catalina, Leach, and the clothier Hart, Schaffner & Marx; and he played in the Tournament of Champions against other racquet-sport stars, including Bjorn Borg. After retiring from sports, Don enjoyed a highly successful business career, founding an import/export company in his garage that ultimately grew to a worldwide business. He was most proud of his family. His children were the highlight of his life, and he experienced the most joy watching them succeed in the world and follow in his footsteps. He not only was a father, but a friend and mentor to his children, traveling all over the world with them to dive, water ski, and climb the world's highest mountains. Don loved life and lived to the fullest, and everyone who met him could never forget him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Private burial in Idaho.