San Rafael, CA

Brian John Thomas (59) of San Rafael, CA passed away suddenly on May 26, 2024 due to a systemic bacterial infection.

Brian was born on June 7, 1964 to John Thomas and Elizabeth (Harrison) Thomas in Monterey, CA.

After finishing his high school studies at Redwood High School in Larkspur, CA, Brian completed college courses and certification in commercial refrigeration. He went on to pursue a career in commercial refrigeration and restaurant equipment repair. He was a gifted mechanic and kept many of the restaurants in Marin County running, often responding to emergency calls on evenings, weekends and holidays.

Brian was raised and lived in Marin County. In high school he was an accomplished athlete in soccer, football and track. Though small in stature for football, his athleticism, savviness and determination on the field made him a success. On the soccer pitch, his speed, intelligence and understanding for the game made him a force. On the track, Brian’s nickname was “The Gazelle”.

Brian was also an accomplished surfer, prone paddler and all-around waterman. He could often be found hunting for waves up and down the coast of California, Mexico and beyond. He will be remembered by the local surfing community for his stoke, fearlessness, love of the ocean and propensity for shenanigans.

In May of 2014, Brian became the first person to complete the California 100 on a prone paddleboard. The grueling endurance event is a100 mile race on the Sacramento River. Brian completed the event in just over 17 hours, a testament to his determination and tenacity. He competed in numerous other races throughout California including the Lake Tahoe Paddle Race Series and the often brutal “Downwinder” from Davenport to Santa Cruz. It was not uncommon to find Brian holding a trophy at the end of these races.

For several years, Brian volunteered as a water safety pilot for the Escape From Alcatraz and other open water swims in the San Francisco Bay. He was responsible for numerous rescues of distressed swimmers and thrived in the often hazardous conditions.

In his motorcycle phase, Brian enjoyed racing his Ducati along the back roads of west Marin and doing extended one-handed wheelies on highway 101.

Brian attended the SF Art Institute to learn the art of glass slumping and fusion. He went on to sell some of his work at local art galleries in the Bay Area, but he gave most of his amazing and colorful creations away to friends.

Brian is survived by brothers Colin and Cyril Thomas, and sisters Elizabeth Thomas Hensley, Bernadette Thomas Ruys, and Lauren Thomas Garmendia.

Brian will be remembered as an independent thinker, a unique & complex individual, and a fiercely loyal friend. He lived his life the way he wanted. His warmth, kindness and generosity to the people he cared about was remarkable. Rest in peace Brian.

A memorial service is being planned for sometime this summer. Details will be posted on Facebook as they unfold.