Don Thomas, A Legend of the racquetball world has left us but will always be with us spiritually. On March 9th, 2010, Don Thomas was struck by a heart-attack and never came out of it. Some of you that had the opportunity to meet or play with Don knew he was a “True Warrior” in the game which he knows best (Squash, Racquetball and Paddleball). Don Thomas was a class act on and off the court. He was an icon to some of the players that still play the game today. For those who had the chance to play with or against Don, knew he played the game with heart along with ice in his veins. Don played every point like it was his last.

There are no words to replace the thoughts and efforts this man gave to everyone that plays the game. Don Thomas will always be remembered as a “Class Act”, in addition he will always be remembered as a Legend to the game. Thanks Don for all the good memories you gave to us racquetball fans, you will always be in our heart!

March 12, 2010

A LETTER TO ALL THE MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF DON THOMAS

Our beloved father, son, and brother, Don Thomas, passed away on March 9, 2010, his 53rd birthday. He spent the day with family and friends. He was in Phoenix with his daughter, Danielle, and his parents, Bob and Chris. His son, Matthew, came from California to surprise him on his birthday. Don’s last day was filled with the joy of family, and his last meal was his favorite, tacos made by his mother and daughter. He was playing his usual Tuesday night squash game with his friends at the home of Dave Foley. Those of you who know Don will not be surprised to learn that he won his final match. He died after playing his last game. He went out swinging a racquet and kicking ass, just the way he would have chosen.

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.

In Loving Memory,

Danielle, Matthew, Bob, Chris, and Tom

One last word from Don:

My family has had their say, now I have mine.

Starting with Siddle. We crashed six boats in our life together. All six crashes were his fault, despite the fact that I was driving in four of the “accidents.” Not only did I have to teach you how to play racquetball (and golf, and damn near everything else), I had to carry your sorry ass in too many doubles matches to count, and I had to clean up the wreckage behind you for thirty-two years. Not even I had enough charm to fix all your problems with girls.

Hey Elliot, you’re on your own on the golf course now. No more easy money while I pluck all the pigeons for you. (And you pigeons know who you are.)

Rachel, we’ve been together since the beginning of Second Nature Design, and I can’t believe you stayed with me through it all. You did what no other woman could do—stick with me for 20 years. Thank you for your time, your support, and your friendship to me and my children.

Big Frank, I’m going to rely on you to get the word out to everyone we touched in Second Nature Design. We had a whole lot of friends in the business, and too many good times to count. By the way, I did have a union card that day in Vegas when we were setting up the show.

To the Wolfes, Ghelfiis, Tutons, Grounds, Mad Mike and all the other sheep sitting around the poker table with me on Sundays—you can only skin a sheep once, but you can shear him over and over. Thanks for always coming back. Without your weekly donations, my children could not have gone to college.

Jay, not only did I save your life after you shot me in South America (because Siddle was going to kill you), I forgive you, even though I found three pellets buried under my scalp two months later. Siddle was wrong—he thought they bounced off.

To the “A” player (known as Two Thumbs) I beat in San Diego while playing with a milk carton, carrying a 6-foot Teddy bear, and hopping on one foot—I couldn’t have eaten without you that night. I hope you’re over the humiliation.

To Brumfield, the DT Right maneuver would not work today. I look forward to the rematch.

To all my squash buddies—Dave and Betsy, Ali, Jason, Will, Joe, Adam, Jay, Tina, and everyone else—it was a hell of a lot of fun. Dave, that last party was a killer. I hope the Tuesday nights continue, and I’ll stop in and watch you guys play. And if Dave ever wins, you’ll know I was there. Of all of you, I enjoyed playing with Tina the most, because at least the court smelled nice, and she let me win occasionally.

Let me apologize to my father, my mother, and my brother for introducing Siddle to them. Dad, I know you knocked all the dents out of that canoe, but it never sailed right again. That was Siddle’s fault. Tommy, sorry you had to be there to take Dad’s wrath while Siddle and I were running and hiding. Mom, thanks for making tacos for Charlie at 1 a.m.—you think he’s bad now, you should see him when he’s hungry.

In closing, I can’t wait until we’re all together again. I’ll keep a fire lit, food on the table, and ice cream in the fridge.

My children have formed a Facebook Page called “DON THOMAS.” You’re welcome to retaliate there, but I have already told Danielle and Matthew that you’re all congenital liars. I know they would appreciate photographs, stories, articles, and thoughts.