Tucson, AZ

Thomas L. Willis, former resident of Arcadia, CA, and currently of Tucson, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 with his wife by his side, after a 3 year fight against pancreatic cancer. Born July 15, 1946 to parents Lee and Irene Willis in Cheyenne, Wyoming before he moved to Redwood City, CA, at a young age. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno where he received a BS degree in Business Admin with an emphasis in Economics in 1970. This is where he met and married Arline, his wife of 54 years. They have two wonderful sons, John (Angel) and Dave along with 2 granddaughters, Mia and Emily.

Family was very important to Tom, he always made time to help coach little league and make most soccer and baseball games over the years. He became a licensed CPA in June of 1976 and the many clients he worked with became like a second family to him, retiring in June of 2024. Volunteering was a big part of Tom's life, he was active in 38 consecutive Rose Parades with the Tournament of Roses and became an Honorary Director.

The highlights of his tournament time were chairing Parade Ops and Queen and Court. Tom was also a member of the Pasadena Rotary from December 1980 through June of 2015, serving as treasurer 5 times before joining Tucson Rotary for the last 9 years. He served on several boards, including Episcopal Homes for 7 years, 2 of those as a Director and also Clearman's Restaurant Group for many years, as a trustee. Tom was an avid reader of all things WWII, aircrafts, Winston Churchill, economics and history in general and a devoted Dodger fan. For many years he enjoyed skiing in Mammoth in the winter and fishing for trout in the Sierras every summer, with a special trip in October with son John. Since coming to Tucson, Tom was involved in a program for young people called Wright Flight and even though he didn't fly himself, he enjoyed passing on some knowledge to the kids. Tom was a good hearted, honest man, and a hard worker all of his life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He leaves behind his wife, Arline; sons; granddaughters; brother, David (Barbara); sister in law, Anne and several nieces and nephews.

A private family Celebration will be held. Donations can be made to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation - www.tournamentofroses.com/foundation or to Wright Flight admin@wrightflight.org